[interfacekit] Re: Server Tasks

Comments inline.

>Well, here's the first candidate for app_server M1 - a grouping of the 
server 
>tasks. Please submit any others you can think of. I'm going to need 
them to 
>be able to work on the interface spec
>
>--DW
>
>
>Messaging
>---------
>receives and redirects (dispatches) messages from the input server
>responds to messages from apps
>consolidates paint messages from apps
>receives requests from BView, BWindow, BBitmap, and others to draw 
stuff 
>(draw bitmap, etc)
>creates ports for itself so that apps can communicate with it
>
>Process Management
>------------------
>loads/kills processes
>provides workspace support
>detects absence of Deskbar and/or Tracker and restarts when necessary
Don't know if this is something the app_server should be in charge of; 
it certainly isn't in R5.  Still ... might be cool.

>detects absence of Input Server and restarts when necessary
This would *definitely* be cool.  I've never actually had Input Server 
die on me (at least, not without the entire system going), but I know 
some folks have had problems with it, and this would be a nice thing to 
have.

>creates a connection with BBitmaps requiring a child view
>
>Graphics
>--------
>draws the blue desktop screen
>provides functionality to the BeAPI for drawing primitives, such as 
>rectangles, ellipses, and beziers
>manages window behaviors with respect to redraw (move to front, 
minimize, 
>etc)
>returns a frame buffer to direct-access classes
>loads graphics driver
>caches fonts for screen and printer use
>draws text and provides other font API support for the BeAPI classes

Don't forget about Roster and Clipboard management!  I think drag and 
drop is an app_server thing as well.

Overall looks spiffy!

e

Data is not information, and information is not knowledge: knowledge is 
not understanding, and understanding is not wisdom.
        - Philip Adams

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