summaryrefslogtreecommitdiffstats
path: root/doc/src/examples/dragdroprobot.qdoc
diff options
context:
space:
mode:
Diffstat (limited to 'doc/src/examples/dragdroprobot.qdoc')
-rw-r--r--doc/src/examples/dragdroprobot.qdoc334
1 files changed, 331 insertions, 3 deletions
diff --git a/doc/src/examples/dragdroprobot.qdoc b/doc/src/examples/dragdroprobot.qdoc
index 413f190..887b254 100644
--- a/doc/src/examples/dragdroprobot.qdoc
+++ b/doc/src/examples/dragdroprobot.qdoc
@@ -43,9 +43,337 @@
\example graphicsview/dragdroprobot
\title Drag and Drop Robot Example
- This GraphicsView example shows how to implement drag and drop in
- a QGraphicsItem subclass, as well as how to animate items using
- QGraphicsItemAnimation and QTimeLine.
+ This GraphicsView example shows how to implement Drag and Drop in a
+ QGraphicsItem subclass, as well as how to animate items using Qt's
+ \l{Animation Framework}.
\image dragdroprobot-example.png
+
+ Graphics View provides the QGraphicsScene class for managing and
+ interacting with a large number of custom-made 2D graphical items derived
+ from the QGraphicsItem class, and a QGraphicsView widget for visualizing
+ the items, with support for zooming and rotation.
+
+ This example consists of a \c Robot class, a \c ColorItem class, and a main
+ function: the \c Robot class describes a simple robot consisting of several
+ \c RobotPart derived limbs, including \c RobotHead and \c RobotLimb, the \c
+ ColorItem class provides a draggable colored ellipse, and the \c main()
+ function provides the main application window.
+
+ We will first review the \c Robot class to see how to assemble the
+ different parts so that they can be individually rotated and animated using
+ QPropertyAnimation, and we will then review the \c ColorItem class to
+ demonstrate how to implement Drag and Drop between items. Finally we will
+ review the main() function to see how we can put all the pieces together,
+ to form the final application.
+
+ \section1 Robot Class Definition
+
+ The robot consists of three main classes: the \c RobotHead, the \c
+ RobotTorso, and the \c RobotLimb, which is used for the upper and lower
+ arms and legs. All parts derive from the \c RobotPart class, which in turn
+ inherits \c QGraphicsObject. The \c Robot class itself has no visual
+ appearance and serves only as a root node for the robot.
+
+ Let's start with the \c RobotPart class declaration.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.h 0
+
+ This base class inherits QGraphicsObject. QGraphicsObject provides signals
+ and slots through inheriting QObject, and it also declares QGraphicsItem's
+ properties using Q_PROPERTY, which makes the properties accessible for
+ QPropertyAnimation.
+
+ RobotPart also implements the three most important event handlers for
+ accepting drop events:
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::dragEnterEvent()}{dragEnterEvent()},
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::dragLeaveEvent()}{dragLeaveEvent()}, and
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::dropEvent()}{dropEvent()}.
+
+ The color is stored as a member variable, along with the \c dragOver
+ variable, which we will use later to indicate visually that the limb can
+ accept colors that are is dragged onto it.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 0
+
+ \c RobotPart's constructor initializes the dragOver member and sets the
+ color to Qt::lightGray. In the constructor body we enable support for
+ accepting drop events by calling
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::setAcceptDrops()}{setAcceptDrops(true)}.
+
+ The rest of this class's implementation is to support Drag and Drop.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 1
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::dragEnterEvent()}{dragEnterEvent()} handler is called
+ when a Drag and Drop element is dragged into the robot part's area.
+
+ The handler implementation determines whether or not this item as a whole
+ can accept the mime data assiciated with the incoming drag object. \c
+ RobotPart provides a base behavior for all parts that accepts color drops.
+ So if the incoming drag object contains a color, the event is accepted, we
+ set \c dragOver to \c true and call update() to help provide positive
+ visual feedback to the user; otherwise the event is ignored, which in turn
+ allows the event to propagate to parent elements.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 2
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::dragLeaveEvent()}{dragLeaveEvent()} handler is called
+ when a Drag and Drop element is dragged away from the robot part's area.
+ Our implementation simply resets \e dragOver to false and calls
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::update()}{update()} to help provide visual feedback that
+ the drag has left this item.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 3
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::dropEvent()}{dropEvent()} handler is called when a
+ Drag and Drop element is dropped onto an item (i.e., when the mouse button
+ is released over the item while dragging).
+
+ We reset \c dragOver to false, assign the item's new color, and call
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::update()}{update()}.
+
+ The declaration and implementation of \c RobotHead, \c RobotTorso, and \c
+ RobotLimb are practically identical. We will review \c RobotHead in detail,
+ as this class has one minor difference, and leave the other classes as an
+ exercise for the reader.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.h 1
+
+ The \c RobotHead class inherits \c RobotPart and provides the necessary
+ implementations of \l{QGraphicsItem::boundingRect()}{boundingRect()} and
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::paint()}{paint()}. It also reimplements
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::dragEnterEvent()}{dragEnterEvent()} and dropEvent() to
+ provide special handling of image drops.
+
+ The class contains a private pixmap member that we can use to implement
+ support for accepting image drops.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 4
+
+ \c RobotHead has a rather plain constructor that simply forwards to
+ \c RobotPart's constructor.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 5
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::boundingRect()}{boundingRect()} reimplementation
+ returns the extents for the head. Because we want the center of rotation to
+ be the bottom center of the item, we have chosen a bounding rectangle that
+ starts at (-15, -50) and extends to 30 units wide and 50 units tall. When
+ rotating the head, the "neck" will stay still while the top of the head
+ tilts from side to side.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 6
+
+ In \l{QGraphicsItem::paint()}{paint()} we draw the actual head. The
+ implementation is split into two sections; if an image has been dropped
+ onto the head, we draw the image, otherwise we draw a round rectangular
+ robot head with simple vector graphics.
+
+ For performance reasons, depending on the complexity of what is painted, it
+ can often be faster to draw the head as an image rather than using a
+ sequence of vector operations.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 7
+
+ The robot head can accept image drops. In order to support this, its
+ reimplementation of \l{QGraphicsItem::dragEnterEvent()}{dragEnterEvent()}
+ checks if the drag object contains image data, and if it does, then the
+ event is accepted. Otherwise we fall back to the base \c RobotPart
+ implementation.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 8
+
+ To follow up on image support, we must also implement
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::dropEvent()}{dropEvent()}. We check if the drag object
+ contains image data, and if it does, we store this data as a member pixmap
+ and call \l{QGraphicsItem::update()}{update()}. This pixmap is used inside
+ the \l{QGraphicsItem::paint()}{paint()} implementation that we reviewed
+ before.
+
+ \c RobotTorso and \c RobotLimb are similar to \c RobotHead, so let's
+ skip directly to the \c Robot class.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.h 4
+
+ The \c Robot class also inherits \c RobotPart, and like the other parts it
+ also implements \l{QGraphicsItem::boundingRect()}{boundingRect()} and
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::paint()}{paint()}. It provides a rather special
+ implementation, though:
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 9
+
+ Because the \c Robot class is only used as a base node for the rest of the
+ robot, it has no visual representation. Its
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::boundingRect()}{boundingRect()} implementation can
+ therefore return a null QRectF, and its paint() function does nothing.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 10
+
+ The constuctor starts by setting the flag
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::ItemHasNoContents}{ItemHasNoContents}, which is a minor
+ optimization for items that have no visual appearance.
+
+ We then construct all the robot parts (head, torso, and upper/lower arms
+ and legs). The stacking order is very important, and we use the
+ parent-child hierarchy to ensure the elements rotate and move properly. We
+ construct the torso first, as this is the root element. We then construct
+ the head and pass the torso to \c HeadItem's constructor. This will make
+ the head a child of the torso; if you rotate the torso, the head will
+ follow. The same pattern is applied to the rest of the limbs.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 11
+
+ Each robot part is carefully positioned. For example, the upper left arm is
+ moved precisely to the top-left area of the torso, and the upper right arm
+ is moved to the top-right area.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 12
+
+ The next section creates all animation objects. This snippet shows the two
+ animations that operate on the head's scale and rotation. The two
+ QPropertyAnimation instances simply set the object, property, and
+ respective start and end values.
+
+ All animations are controlled by one top-level parallel animation group.
+ The scale and rotation animations are added to this group.
+
+ The rest of the animations are defined in a similar way.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/robot.cpp 13
+
+ Finally we set an easing curve and duration on each animation, ensure the
+ toplevel animation group loops forever, and start the toplevel animation.
+
+ \section1 ColorItem Class Definition
+
+ The \c ColorItem class represents a circular item that can be pressed to
+ drag colors onto robot parts.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.h 0
+
+ This class is very simple. It does not use animations, and has no need for
+ properties nor signals and slots, so to save resources, it's most natural
+ that it inherits QGraphicsItem (as opposed to QGraphicsObject).
+
+ It declares the mandatory \l{QGraphicsItem::boundingRect()}{boundingRect()}
+ and \l{QGraphicsItem::paint()}{paint()} functions, and adds
+ reimplementations of
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::mousePressEvent()}{mousePressEvent()},
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::mouseMoveEvent()}{mouseMoveEvent()}, and
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::mouseReleaseEvent()}{mouseReleaseEvent()}. It contains a
+ single private color member.
+
+ Let's take a look at its implementation.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 0
+
+ \c ColorItem's constructor assigns an opaque random color to its color
+ member by making use of qrand(). For improved usability, it assigns a
+ tooltip that provides a useful hint to the user, and it also sets a
+ suitable cursor. This ensures that the cursor will chance to
+ Qt::OpenHandCursor when the mouse pointer hovers over the item.
+
+ Finally, we call
+ \l{QGraphicsItem::setAcceptedMouseButtons()}{setAcceptedMouseButtons()} to
+ ensure that this item can only process Qt::LeftButton. This simplifies the
+ mouse event handlers greatly, as we can always assume that only the left
+ mouse button is pressed and released.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 1
+
+ The item's bounding rect is a fixed 30x30 units centered around the item's
+ origin (0, 0), and adjusted by 0.5 units in all directions to allow a
+ scalable pen to draw its outline. For a final visual touch the bounds
+ also compensate with a few units down and to the right to make room
+ for a simple dropshadow.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 2
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::paint()}{paint()} implementation draws an ellipse
+ with a 1-unit black outline, a plain color fill, and a dark gray
+ dropshadow.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 3
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::mousePressEvent()}{mousePressEvent()} handler is
+ called when you press the mouse button inside the item's area. Our
+ implementation simply sets the cursor to Qt::ClosedHandCursor.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 4
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::mouseReleaseEvent()}{mouseReleaseEvent()} handler is
+ called when you release the mouse button after having pressed it inside an
+ item's area. Our implementation sets the cursor back to Qt::OpenHandCursor.
+ The mouse press and release event handlers together provide useful visual
+ feedback to the user: when you move the mouse pointer over a \c CircleItem,
+ the cursor changes to an open hand. Pressing the item will show a closed
+ hand cursor. Releasing will restore to an open hand cursor again.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 5
+
+ The \l{QGraphicsItem::mouseMoveEvent()}{mouseMoveEvent()} handler is called
+ when you move the mouse around after pressing the mouse button inside the
+ \c ColorItem's area. This implementation provides the most important piece
+ of logic for \c CircleItem: the code that starts and manages drags.
+
+ The implementation starts by checking if the mouse has been dragged far
+ enough to eliminate mouse jitter noise. We only want to start a drag if the
+ mouse has been dragged farther than the application start drag distance.
+
+ Continuing, we create a QDrag object, passing the event
+ \l{QGraphicsSceneEvent::widget()}{widget} (i.e., the QGraphicsView
+ viewport) to its constructor. Qt will ensure that this object is deleted at
+ the right time. We also create a QMimeData instance that can contain our
+ color or image data, and assign this to the drag object.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 6
+
+ This snippet has a somewhat random outcome: once in a while, a special
+ image is assigned to the drag object's mime data. The pixmap is also
+ assiged as the drag object's pixmap. This will ensure that you can see the
+ image that is being dragged as a pixmap under the mouse cursor.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 7
+
+ Otherwise, and this is the most common outcome, a simple color is assigned
+ to the drag object's mime data. We render this \c ColorItem into a new
+ pixmap to give the user visual feedback that the color is being "dragged".
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/coloritem.cpp 8
+
+ Finally we execute the drag. QDrag::exec() will reenter the event loop, and
+ only exit if the drag has either been dropped, or canceled. In any case we
+ reset the cursor to Qt::OpenHandCursor.
+
+ \section1 The main() Function
+
+ Now that the \c Robot and \c ColorItem classes are complete, we can put all
+ the pieces together inside the main() function.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/main.cpp 0
+
+ We start off by constructing QApplication, and initializing the random
+ number generator. This ensures that the color items have different colors
+ every time the application starts.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/main.cpp 1
+
+ We construct a fixed size scene, and create 10 \c ColorItem instances
+ arranged in a circle. Each item is added to the scene.
+
+ In the center of this circle we create one \c Robot instance. The
+ robot is scaled and moved up a few units. It is then added to the scene.
+
+ \snippet examples/graphicsview/dragdroprobot/main.cpp 2
+
+ Finally we create a QGraphicsView window, and assign the scene to it.
+
+ For increased visual quality, we enable antialiasing. We also choose to use
+ bounding rectangle updates to simplify visual update handling.
+ The view is given a fixed sand-colored background, and a window title.
+
+ We then show the view. The animations start immediately after
+ control enters the event loop.
*/
+