Introduction to Protos

Protos Reduce Application Size

Using protos--instead of multiple templates with duplicate functionality--reduces the total size of the application. System protos are even better in that they require no additional space in your application because they are in ROM. User protos still save space because they help reduce the size of the template in which they are used.

Reducing application size is especially important for an application that does not come on a PC card. A large application uses up the limited memory on a Newton (either internal memory or PC RAM card memory). Such memory is an extremely precious resource, and your users will begrudge you every byte, so use it carefully. In addition, backing up the application (to a desktop machine or card) takes longer as it gets bigger.


An online version of Programming for the Newton using Macintosh, 2nd ed. ©1996, 1994, Julie McKeehan and Neil Rhodes.

Last modified: 1 DEC 1996