Skin (computing): Difference between revisions
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In [[computing]], '''skins''' and '''themes''' are custom graphical appearances ([[Graphical user interface|GUIs]]) that can be applied to certain software in order to suit the different tastes of different users. Such software is referred to as being '''skinnable''', and the process of writing or applying such a skin is known as '''skinning'''. Applying a skin changes a piece of software's [[look and feel]] - some skins merely make the program more aesthetically pleasing, but others can rearrange elements of the interface, potentially making the program easier to use. |
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The most common programs which allow customised skins are [[instant messenger]]s and [[media player]]s, such as [[Winamp]], due to the association with fun such programs try to encourage. However, in programs which use a [[cross-platform]] [[GUI toolkit]], rather than using the standard interface for the [[operating system]] on which they are running, it is relatively easy to add functionality to alter this interface from within the program. For instance, the [[Mozilla]] [[web browser]] is skinnable because the entire interface is written in [[XUL]], making it easy to customise. |
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Skins are most often made for [[instant messaging]] programs and [[media players]], such as [[Winamp]]. |
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===See also=== |
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* [[Skinnable]] |
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In [[computer gaming]] and [[virtual reality]], a '''skin''' is either an image which is used to texture a player's [[avatar]], or a complete [[3D computer graphics|3D model]] which defines the avatar. They are particularly popular in [[first-person shooter]]s, with many such games having many hundreds of player-created skins, ranging from TV characters to complex imaginary creatures. |
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Revision as of 21:05, 25 January 2004
In computing, skins and themes are custom graphical appearances (GUIs) that can be applied to certain software in order to suit the different tastes of different users. Such software is referred to as being skinnable, and the process of writing or applying such a skin is known as skinning. Applying a skin changes a piece of software's look and feel - some skins merely make the program more aesthetically pleasing, but others can rearrange elements of the interface, potentially making the program easier to use.
The most common programs which allow customised skins are instant messengers and media players, such as Winamp, due to the association with fun such programs try to encourage. However, in programs which use a cross-platform GUI toolkit, rather than using the standard interface for the operating system on which they are running, it is relatively easy to add functionality to alter this interface from within the program. For instance, the Mozilla web browser is skinnable because the entire interface is written in XUL, making it easy to customise.
In computer gaming and virtual reality, a skin is either an image which is used to texture a player's avatar, or a complete 3D model which defines the avatar. They are particularly popular in first-person shooters, with many such games having many hundreds of player-created skins, ranging from TV characters to complex imaginary creatures.