NAME
Command Box (Control) — Reference
Description
A command box is a combination text-list control in which
the text field can be used for entry of commands. A command box
(and related push buttons) is contained in a secondary window called
a command dialog.
When to Use
- Recommended
Provide a command box to allow users to review previous
commands and either to choose a previous command or to compose a
new command.
Guidelines
- Required
Either display the list box permanently or do not
display it at all.
Behavior
- Required
When the user invokes the default action of the
command box, issue the command in the text field of the command
box.
- Required
If the command is issued successfully, add the command
to the end of the list box.
- Required
If the last command in the list box is selected,
and a successfully issued command adds the new command to the end
of the list, select the new command.
- Required
If the command failed, issue a warning signal but
do not add the command to the end of the list box, and leave the
command unchanged in the text field.
Push Buttons in Command Dialogs
- Recommended
In a command dialog, provide an OK push button that
invokes the default action of the command box and then, if the command
succeeds, remove the command box.
- Recommended
In a command dialog, provide a Cancel push button
that removes the command box but does not issue any command.
- Recommended
In a command dialog, provide an Apply push button
that invokes the default action of the command box.
- Recommended
In a command dialog, provide a Help push button
that displays a secondary window containing context-sensitive help
information.
Essential Related Topics
For more information, see the Command Area (Control)
and Push Button (Control)
reference pages.
Supplemental Related Topics
For more information, see the Information and Message Areas
reference page.
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