This system-provided window procedure processes the actions on a value set control (WC_VALUESET).

Purpose

Like radio buttons, a value set control (WC_VALUESET window class) is a visual component whose specific purpose is to allow a user to select one choice from a group of mutually exclusive choices. However, unlike radio buttons, a value set can use graphical images (bit maps or icons), as well as colors, text, and numbers, to represent the items that a user can select.

Even though text is supported, a value set's primary purpose is to display choices as graphical images. By using graphical images in a value set, you can preserve space on the display screen. You can also allow the user to see exactly what is being selected instead of having to rely on descriptions of the choices. This allows a user to make a selection faster than if the user had to read a description of each choice. For example, if you want to allow a user to choose from a variety of patterns, you can present those patterns as value set choices instead of having to provide a list of radio buttons with description of each pattern.

If long strings of data are to be displayed as choices, radio buttons should be used. However, for small sets of numeric or textual data information, either a value set or radio buttons can be used.

The value set is designed to be customizable to meet varying application requirements, while providing an easy-to-use user interface component that can be used to develop products that conform to the Common User Access (CUA) user interface guidelines. The application can specify different types of items, sizes, and orientations for its value sets, but the underlying function of the control remains the same. For a complete description of CUA value sets, refer to the SAA CUA Guide to User Interface Design and the SAA CUA Advanced Interface Design Reference.