Section 5.3.3.1.2. The interface toolbar

This toolbar provides menus labelled `File', `Edit', `Search', `Tools' and `Help' that provide the expected functionality of graphical interfaces: the ability to open, close and save files, store a list of recently accessed files, spawn help and other windows, allow searching for strings within the document, allow the user to modify aspects of the behaviour or the look and feel of the program, and provide entry points for specific modes of operation. The most useful of these utilities can also be accessed from icons on the task bar. They are discussed in more detail in the following section.

This main menu is structured in a way familar to users of popular applications designed for the Microsoft Windows operating system, although the enCIFer program runs on a variety of different operating systems and machine hardware platforms. Nevertheless, the use of a common menu style makes the initial use of the program much easier for novice users and allows the program to be effectively used without detailed study of its documentation.