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Resolved MDI vs SDI

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  1. James Medick
    James Medick
  2. PowerBuilder
  3. Wednesday, 5 July 2017 17:24 PM UTC

I've seen some discussion relative to the demise of MDI applications, everything moving to SDI.  Should new applications be SDI only?

  1. SDI
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Chris Pollach @Appeon
Chris Pollach @Appeon Accepted Answer Pending Moderation
  1. Wednesday, 5 July 2017 17:43 PM UTC
  2. PowerBuilder
  3. # Permalink

Hi James;

   You can use an SDI, MDI and/or MDMI application design style approach for any PB application. In my Web Apps I still use an MDI window to anchor the App within the browser. However on my Mobile Apps, I tend to use either SD or MDMI (Multiple Document Multiple Interface) to achieve the proper look. On the Web design approach I presented at the PB 2015 Conference, I demonstrated a cascade of MDI windows in my web App that adhered to the Canadian Government web standard know as CLF (Common Look & Feel) - which has now been extended to Mobile device as well. FYI:  CLF.

   I think the key focus now on App design should be on the desired look & feel that you are trying to achieve when your Apps are deployed to the target device(s) and the adherence to L&F standards you are also trying to also achieve.

Regards ... Chris

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Neil Sutter
  1. Neil Sutter
  2. Thursday, 6 July 2017 22:11 PM UTC
Chris, 



Your active involvement is much appreciated.



I believe this particular subject might make an excellent Webinar. I'd like to get some better ideas on moving away from a desktop MDI application toward and web-based and / or mobile solution. Finding out more about your approach for SDI / MDMI solutions would be extremely interesting. 

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David Peace (Powersoft)
David Peace (Powersoft) Accepted Answer Pending Moderation
  1. Tuesday, 11 July 2017 14:15 PM UTC
  2. PowerBuilder
  3. # 1

Must admit that MDI is now an old paradym. Microsoft has moved away from this concept for most of their applications. But as Chris has said it really depends on the deployment platform and how you want it to look.

For Windows 7 I would choose SDI as each window is managed in the task bar on Windows and the user can easily switch between the thumbnail views of the window content. For other devices I would be thinking about how the user is to interact with the application and design the interface accordingly. Still probably and SDI approach but tailored to the device interface.

Hope that helps

David

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