Chapter 7 takes students through the features of Smalltalk that support graphics programming. After examining the classes for representing points, geometric shapes, pens, and display media, we use these to develop some simple drawing applications and animations. Throughout the text, we try to flatten the learning curve normally associated with Smalltalk by introducing only the most commonly used classes and their methods. We illustrate each new concept with some simple examples before presenting more realistic applications. Lists of important topics are given at the beginning of each chapter.
Some problems run from chapter to chapter.
Diagrams that depict class hierarchies, relationships among objects, and flow of control among methods occur throughout the text. Also included are tables that describe the variables, methods, and interface objects needed by each application. A bibliography appears at the end of the book. Smalltalk Express contains a 16-bit Smalltalk that runs under Windows 3.1 or higher, and WindowBuilder Pro, an interface builder. The masters include screen shots, diagrams, tables, and other material from the text.