modal

1. (Of an interface) Having modes. Modeless interfaces are

generally considered to be superior because the user does not

have to remember which mode he is in.

2. See modal logic.

3. In MS Windows programming, A window with the label

"WS_MODAL" will stay on the screen and claim all the

user-input. Other windows can only be accessed if the MODAL

window is closed. Such a window would typically be used for

an error dialog box to warn the user for something

important, like "Critical error, shut down the system and

restart".

(1995-02-07)