Difference Between MDI and SDI

There are different ways to differentiate between a graphical user interface and an easy way to do this is to see how many options on the screen can be displayed at the same time. There are two different types of interface designs used to handle documents on a computer screen. These are known as MDI and SDI. Both are different from each other and that is shown when we explain the terms. SDI stands for Single Document Interface while MDI stands for Multiple Document Interface. They can be further elaborated in a way that, a graphical user interface that can display one document at a time on the screen is known as SDI, while the interface where multiple documents can be displayed at a time is known as MDI. The best example of SDI will be a notepad where only one window can be open at a time, another example may be the windows command prompt command. The most feasible example of MDI can be various latest applications including all the latest web browsers and applications such as Facebook and Twitter. There is also another difference that comes in the form of pooling that exists whenever an MDI is used, but this option is not available in SDI and can only be achieved with the help of the command window. There are also many other differences between them which will be listed at the end but a brief description of both will be given in the next two paragraphs. There is also another difference which comes in the form of a grouping which exists whenever an MDI is used, but this option is not available in SDI and can only be achieved with the help of the command window. There are also many other differences between them which will be listed at the end, but a brief description of both will be given in the following two paragraphs. There is also another difference that comes in the form of pooling that exists whenever an MDI is used, but this option is not available in SDI and can only be achieved with the help of the command window. There are also many other differences between them which will be listed at the end, but a brief description of both will be given in the following two paragraphs. There is also another difference that comes in the form of pooling that exists whenever an MDI is used, but this option is not available in SDI and can only be achieved with the help of the command window. There are also many other differences between them which will be listed at the end, but a brief description of both will be given in the following two paragraphs. There is also another difference that comes in the form of pooling that exists whenever an MDI is used, but this option is not available in SDI and can only be achieved with the help of the command window. There are also many other differences between them which will be listed at the end, but a brief description of both will be given in the following two paragraphs.

Comparison chart

Definition of SDI

This is a term known as single document interface and it is a graphical user interface that can display one document at a time on the screen. Any type of program that does not have the ability to display more than one document is considered a type of SDI user interface. There are many such examples, such as Internet Explorer 6 and earlier. Notepad is another example where you can display one window at a time and Windows Command is another similar application. The main advantage of this type of interface is that it is easy to use and you can easily perform a complicated task without switching between applications.

MDI Definition

This term is known as Multiple Document Interface and it is the type of Graphical User Interface that can display more than one document at a time on the screen. Any type of program that has the ability to display more than one document is considered a type of MDI user interface. The best examples of this type of interface include all the latest web browsers, where multiple tabs can be opened at the same time to see all the information that is required. The main advantage of this type of interface is that work can be done quickly compared to a screen, but the main disadvantage is that the last open windows are not displayed once closed.

Differences in a nutshell

1. All documents can be maximized in the MDI, while there must be a special command to maximize documents.
2. The graphical user interface, which can display one document at a time on the screen, is known as SDI, while the graphical user interface, which can display more than one document at a time on the screen, is known as MDI.
3. SDI stands for Single Document Interface while MDI stands for Multiple Document Interface.
4. Documents can be easily switched in the MDI while the command window is used to switch between them in SDI.
5. The best example of SDI is Windows Notepad, while the best example of MDI is the latest web browsers.
6. There is grouping once more than the required number of tabs are opened in MDI, whereas this is not possible in SDI.

Final Thought

Computer is something that is a mystery to people who are general users and do not have detailed knowledge of it. The two terms MDI and SDI are similar that they are considered the same but they are different in operation and functions. This article, therefore, gives a proper understanding of the two types for people to have a clearer idea.