Windowing: meaning, definitions and examples
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windowing
[ ˈwɪndəʊɪŋ ]
computer science
Windowing refers to the technique of viewing multiple data structures or graphical user interfaces on a single display. In computing, windowing systems allow multiple windows to be displayed simultaneously on the screen, enabling users to multitask more efficiently.
Synonyms
desktop environment, graphical interface, multitasking.
Examples of usage
- The windowing system of the operating system allows users to run several applications at once.
- With windowing, you can easily switch between different documents without closing any.
- The software supports a variety of windowing options for better user interface customization.
Etymology
The term 'windowing' originated in the early days of computing as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) began to develop. Before windowing systems became prevalent, users primarily interacted with computers through command-line interfaces (CLIs) that required specific text commands. The introduction of windowing systems revolutionized the way users interacted with computers by allowing multiple graphical elements to exist simultaneously, improving productivity and ease of use. The word 'window' itself comes from the Old Norse word 'vindauga', which means 'wind eye'. As technology evolved, so did the concept of windowing, leading to more advanced features such as overlapping windows, resizable and movable frames, and sophisticated management of window states. Today, windowing is a common feature in both operating systems and applications, providing a versatile way to organize and manage information.