Sun Web Application Guidelines - Version 4.0

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How To Use These Guidelines - An Introduction
 

3 Windows and Content Pages > 3.4 Pop-Up and JavaScript Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages

3.4 Pop-Up and JavaScript Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages	Examples	Exceptions
Some types maintain strict modality.	JavaScript message alert	When the user needs to simultaneously work with the original window and the additional window.
Ability to maintain context. Users want to compare objects. Content of one window supports the actions in another.	Transaction dialog, wizard Showing more detail Online help	When opening too many windows at one time prevents users from doing a comparison.
Enables logical separation of content between the original window and additional windows.	Dialog page	When a pop-up window would open an additional pop-up window.
Allows users to understand that they are focused on a specific task: -- The task is done in the additional window -- The task is done in the original window.	Transaction dialog, progress indicator Glossary, online help	When the task in the additional window is too large and causes users to forget about the original window.





Disadvantages	Recommended Solution
Window communication is difficult in a Web application. -- The windows can get orphaned (primary window is gone). -- Synchronization of content is difficult (for example, changes in one window lead to changes in another).	Always give windows a reference name.
The modality choices are none or strict.
Proliferation of windows.	Always use one window and do not allow pop-up windows to launch additional windows.
Might be difficult to provide window management controls within a Web application. -- Windows can get lost and buried. -- Application cannot close all windows belonging to it. -- Users sometimes don't realize that other windows have opened up. -- If focus cannot be controlled, users might not realize that an existing window has been updated.	The implementation feasibility of possible solutions requires more investigation.
Performance might decrease as multiple threads are created.

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3 Windows and Content Pages > 3.4 Pop-Up and JavaScript Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages