2.10 File Browsers

A File Browser is a window that enables users to traverse directory trees and select files. DNA/GUI uses five file browsers listed in Table 2.3. Described here are the particulars of the Image File Browser, but the operations are identical for the other File Browsers. Figure 2.3 shows an example of the contents of the Image File Browser. [Cancel] can be pressed at any time to remove the file browser from the display.

Image File Browser -- to select a Primary Image
Extra Image File Browser -- to select an Extra Image
Gel-Format File Browser -- to select a Gel-Format File
Template-Definition File Browser -- to select a Template-Definition File
Color File Browser -- to select an alternate color map

Figure 2.3: An example of the Image File Browser.

The name of the current directory from which files may be selected is called the Path. A string that determines the subset of file names that are displayed under the label Files is called the PathFilter. Any directories contained in the current directory are listed under the label Directories. Files contained in the current directory that match the string contained in PathFilter are listed under the label Files. To select a file, simply move the cursor to the name of the desired file and depress MB1. As soon as MB1 is depressed, the File Browser disappears.
The PathFilter is {*.imp, *.tif, *.tiff} as shown in Figure 2.3. To modify the PathFilter, move the pointer to the rectangle containing {*.imp, *.tif, *.tiff}. The caret ^ indicates the current editing position in the string. Click with MB1 to move the caret. Edit the contents of the box by deleting the current string and entering a new one and hit Return to update the list of files under the label Files. For example if the operator wants all the files in the current directory to be selectable, the PathFilter should be modified to read * followed by Return. All the files in the current directory will now be listed.
There are two ways of changing directories using a File Browser. The first is to simply edit the Path label. Move the mouse the rectangular area containing the current string, delete the current string, enter a new one, and hit Return. All files in the new directory that match the PathFilter string will be listed. The second way to change directories is to select a directory name as listed under the label Directories by moving the pointer to the directory name and depressing MB1.