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5
uSer Interface layer
5.1 Understanding the UI Layer and Its Execution Framework
Interactive applications are implemented and executed using the user
interface (UI) software layers (collectively the UI layer). e UI layer
refers to a set of software that operates above the core operating sys-
tem (and underneath the application). It encapsulates and exposes sys-
tem functions for
• Fluid input and output (I/O)
• Facilitation of development of I/O functionalities (in the
form of an application programming interface/library [API]
or toolkit)
• Run-time management of graphical applications and UI ele-
ments often manifested as windows or graphical user inter-
face (GUI) elements (in the form of separate application often
called the window manager ...