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OpenMusic DocumentationOM 6.6 User Manual > Visual Programming I > Boxes > Boxes Features
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Boxes Graphic Features and Components

This section deals with function boxes and factory boxes[1]. A factory box represents a class of objects in a program, such as notes, sounds, rhythms. A function box refers to a function that is designed to perform an operation upon objects.

Main Layout

Kernel, Inlet(s), Outlet(s)

All boxes have :

  • a kernel or "body" represented by an icon, 
  • at least one inlet – a few rare functions have no inlet – which takes data,
  • at least one outlet , which returns the data computed by the box,

Inlets and outlets are used for connecting boxes. They are represented by small blue balls and located on the upper and lower parts of the box. Each of them is assigned a specific parameter that characterizes the function[2] or the class[3] the box refers to.

Several functions or factory boxes belonging to a same category of operators often share the same icon.

Factory boxes are often characterized by a blue-green background layer.

Function boxes and factory boxes belonging to the "combinatorial" and "score" categories.
Function boxes and factory boxes belonging to the "combinatorial" and "score" categories.
Boxes Names

The name of factory boxes is not displayed by default.

A number of simple functions – such as om+, om-, om/ ... show no name either.

Specific Graphic Features of Factory Boxes : Displaying Names

Additional Characteristics

Evaluation Mode Label

  A small label located on the upper left corner of the box can show the possible evaluation[4] mode of a box. Evaluation modes are used for controlling the transmission of resulting data in a program, or for performing specific tasks .

Boxes on lock mode : computed values can't be changed.
Boxes on lock mode : computed values can't be changed.
Evaluation Modes of a Box :
Resizing Area

All boxes have an invisible square resizing area in their bottom-right corner.

Manipulating Objects in a Patch Editor

Boxes Appearance

The font style and icon size can be globally specified via the OM preferences.

  1. Select the OM 6.X.X. / Preferences menu.

  2. Click on the Appearance tab and go to the Patches - Boxes section

Zoom

    • To change the default size of the boxes icons, select a value in the Boxes Size pop up menu.

    • To change the font style of the boxes names, click on Name Font, and define a style in the font dialogue window.

    • Press Apply and/or OK to validate the modifications.

    • Press Restore to get back to the OM default preferences.

Applying Changes
The rotate function box, with the default appearance and with new appearance preferences.
The rotate function box, with the default appearance and with new appearance preferences.

New preferences will apply to new items only. Close and reopen your patch windows to see all box resized.

  1. Factory Box

    A box used for creating an instance, or exemplar, of a given class within a visual program.

  2. Function

    A  portion of code within a larger program, which performs a specific task. Operates upon 0 or more parameters and returns a value.

  3. Class

    A category of objects sharing common properties – characteristics and behaviour. A class specifies the internal structure and behaviour of an object. In OM, it is represented in a patch by a factory box that can produce an instance of a class.

    See also : Object, Instance

  4. Evaluation

    In Lisp, evaluating an expression amounts to interpreting and reducing its contents in order to return a result.

    In OM, visual programs represent Lisp expressions and evaluating a box triggers the calculus that will determine the value of these expressions.

    Any kind of box can be evaluated and return something. To evaluate a box, ⤷ Click and press v or Cmd click on an outlet.

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