Tk, Runtime Library and TkPath

Copyright © 2008, 2009 Arndt Roger Schneider

Tk, Runtime Library and TkPath
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Tk, Runtime Library and TkPath

The before mentioned trends stem from the increase in graphical processing power and Tk cannot ignore these trends. For the moment only TkPath and TkZinc provide ways to incorporate these graphical elements into a Tk based application. TkPath utilizes CAIRO (under X11) and TkZinc OpenGL®. The Runtime Library acknowledges this by using TkPath on an if-present base. That is: If TkPath is available to the Runtime Library it will be used. Make TkPath –at least temporarily– unavailable to the Runtime Library, if you encounter problems with the Runtime Library and TkPath.

Runtime Library Templates and TkPath

The Rtl_tree template uses TkPath to render text. Semi-transparent rectangles are being used to create multi-coloured columns, specified by the »-show« property. The 'Glyph' image substitution are also rendered through TkPath.
During Drag'n'Drop a transparent rectangle gets displayed to indicate what is being dragged and where-to. This is particular important under AQUA®, because the 'stipple' property is not supported under AQUA®.
The TkPath 'polyline' is being used for the connections between nodes.
TkPath isn’t been used for rendering images.
The Rtl_tree selection already uses the prect element, which supports gradients.
The above mentioned gradients have to be predefined. Predefined gradients are not possible with TkPath 0.3.
The Rtl_tabset template uses gradients, single-line text and the 'path' item from TkPath.
TkPath isn˚t been used for rendering images.
The Rtl_mlistbox template is least affected by TkPath. Only the sort triangle is rendered through TkPath.

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