What is a Modal?
Modal refers to a “modal window” in computing.
Key Points
- Child Window: A new window opened from a parent window.
- Operation Restriction: While a modal window is open, operations on the parent window are not possible.
- “Cannot do other things until closed”: A modal window blocks interaction with other windows or applications until it is closed.
Simple Explanation
Modal refers to a type of window that, when open, prevents any interaction with the parent window or other windows. In other words, you cannot perform other tasks until the modal window is closed.
Detailed Explanation
- Basic Concepts:
- Window: A visual interface that appears when a program or file is opened.
- Parent Window: The original window that was open before the modal window appeared.
- Child Window: The new window that opens from the parent window.
- Modal Window:
- A modal window restricts interaction with other windows or applications while it is open. For example, when you are prompted to “Save changes?” before closing a document, this confirmation dialog is a modal window. It blocks you from interacting with the main application until you respond to the prompt.
- Example:
- When you see a dialog box asking “Do you want to save changes?” and it has options like “Yes” or “No,” this is a modal window. You must respond to this dialog before you can continue working with the main application.
- Usage:
- In computing terminology, “modal” is often used as a shorthand for “modal window.” It refers to the feature of these windows that prevents interaction with other windows until the modal window is closed. Broadly, it can also imply the presence of a mode or state that restricts other actions.
Summary
The term modal describes a window that, when opened, blocks interaction with other windows or applications until it is closed. In other words, a modal window ensures that no other tasks can be performed until the user has dealt with the modal prompt.