Programming Kde 2.0

This book covers all aspects of writing programs for KDE 2.0 from general principles and dialog design to component programming and inter-program communication. It is intended for developers that are familiar with the C++ language - previous UNIX or KDE experience is not required.

You get an introduction to the main components of the system, including the window manager, the panel, and the standards required to write a KDE-compliant application. and you learn about the libraries and tools used to develop KDE programs, such as the X Window system, the Qt widget kit, the gcc compiler set, and the automake application.

Practical programming guidelines and the tricks of the trade are illustrated with well-documented examples - all of which can be used as starting points for your own projects. a demonstration project, complete with source code, will give you a working understanding of the nuts and bolts of KDE development including:

• main window elements including menu bars, toolbars, and status bars GUI components including widgets, fonts and text, image displays
• standard dialogs and multi-panel dialog boxes
• the configuration file format used by KDE apps and developing control modules for the KDE Control Center
• development of component apps as plug-ins in the KDE file manager, Konqueror

Contents

• acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Tools of the Trade
• Chapter 2: Basic Widgets
• Chapter 3: Building the application Window
• Chapter 4: advanced Widgets and Dialogs
• Chapter 5: Configuring KDE applications
• Chapter 6: advanced GUI Techniques
• Chapter 7: Expert Touches
• Chapter 8: Parting Thougts
• Index