Existing iTool Interfaces

The IDL Intelligent Tools (iTools) are a set of interactive utilities that combine data analysis and visualization with the task of producing presentation quality graphics. Based on the IDL Object graphics system, the iTools are designed to help you get the most out of your data with minimal effort. They allow you to continue to benefit from the control of a programming language, while enjoying the convenience of a point-and-click environment.

Using an existing iTool user interface for data display and modification is the easiest way to allow your user to access, visualize, and modify plot, volume, surface, map, and image data.

The example exercises in this manual use the iTools extensively. Trying the examples and experimenting with the iTools should give you a good idea of whether an existing iTool can provide the interface your application needs. See Introducing the IDL iTools for information on using the iTools.

If you need functionality beyond that provided by an existing iTool, you can expand the functionality by adding:

Using an existing iTool lets you provide your users with a great deal of pre-built functionality. For information on expanding the iTool functionality mentioned above, see iTool Programming.