newwindow

Newwindow is a general term used in computing to refer to the creation of a new window within a graphical user interface. It is not a standardized API name, but a common placeholder used in documentation, tutorials, and code samples to denote the act of opening a separate window or window-like surface.

Definition and scope: A window is a rectangular area managed by a windowing system that can display content, receive input, and be moved or resized independently of other windows. Creating a new window typically involves allocating resources (such as a window handle or widget), configuring properties (title, size, position, border style), and associating it with a parent or owner in the window hierarchy. The window may be top-level or a child of another window, and it may support features such as decorations, menus, and controls.

Lifecycle: A newwindow often starts as hidden or minimized and becomes visible after an explicit show or activate action. It can be modal (blocking interaction with other windows) or modeless. The window is destroyed when the user closes it or when the application terminates; destruction releases allocated resources and clears references in the windowing system.

Platform variations: The exact API name and semantics differ by toolkit and operating system. In Windows API, window creation uses functions like CreateWindowEx; in macOS, NSWindow objects are created; in GTK or Qt, corresponding window widgets are instantiated. In web environments, creating a new browsing context can be done with techniques such as window.open, which may spawn a new window or tab depending on browser policies.

See also: window manager, graphical user interface, GUI toolkit, modal dialog.