random technical notes

The Windows Ribbon (Ribbon) framework is a rich command presentation system that provides a modern alternative to the layered menus, toolbars, and task panes of traditional Microsoft Windows applications.

The Ribbon framework is a collection of Microsoft Win32 APIs that provides a host of new user interface capabilities for Windows developers and includes both the ribbon command bar and a context menu system. This rich, new command framework offers:

• Easy implementation for brand new Ribbon applications and straightforward migration of existing Win32 applications.
• Consistent appearance and behavior across Ribbon applications.
• Adherence to Windows user interface (UI) guidelines for a first-class Windows experience through accessibility standards, visual style (theming) support, automatic high contrast adjustments, and high dots per inch (dpi) awareness.

Additional: Ribbons are the modern way to help users find, understand, and use commands efficiently and directly—with a minimum number of clicks, with less need to resort to trial-and-error, and without having to refer to Help.