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10 Difference Between Single and Multiple Document Interface

(MDI vs SDI)
A Single Document Interface (SDI) and a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) are two
different approaches to designing graphical user interfaces for applications. These two
approaches offer unique ways of presenting and managing documents within an
application, each tailored to specific scenarios and user needs. Let us look at how they
differ from one another:

What Is Single Document Interface?

In graphical user interfaces, a single document interface or SDI is a method of

organizing graphical user interface applications into individual windows that the
operating system’s window manger handles separately. In other words, it is a type of
application that deal with a single document and single view of the document at one
point of time.

A window does not have a ‘’ background’’ or ‘’parent’’ window containing its menu or
toolbar; instead, each window contains its own menu or toolbar. There is no way to
open another document in the same application, the only way is to launch another
instance of the application and open another document.

Applications which allow the editing of more than one document at a time e.g. word
processors, may therefore give the user the impression that more than one instance of
an application is open. Notepad and WordPad are such applications in windows.

SDI can be more useful in cases where users switch more often between separate
application than among the windows of one application.

What Is Multiple-Document Interface (MDI)?

A multiple-document interface is a graphical user interface in which multiple windows

reside under a single parent window. Such systems often allow child windows to embed
other windows inside them as well, creating complex nested hierarchies.
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Each document in a multiple-document interface (MDI) application is displayed is

displayed in a separate child window within the client area of the application’s main
window. Typical MDI applications include word-processing applications that allow the
user to work with multiple text documents and spreadsheet applications that allow the
user to work with multiple charts and spreadsheets.

An MDI application has three kinds of windows: a frame window, an MDI client window,
as well as a number of child windows. The frame window is like the main window of the
application: it has a sizing border, a title bar, a window menu, a minimize button, and a
maximize button. The application must register a window class for the frame window
and provide a window procedure to support it.

One of the major drawbacks of MDI is that, MDI can make it more difficult to work with
several applications at once by restricting the ways in which windows from multiple
applications can be arranged together without obscuring each other.

Difference Between Single and Multiple Document Interface

in Tabular Form

BASIS OF
MDI SDI
COMPARISON

MDI is a type of graphic user interface SDI is a Graphic User Interface which
Description which is able to show more than a single is able to show one document at a
document at a time on the screen. time on the screen.

Child windows per documents are allowed One document per window is
Limits
in MDI. enforced in SDI.

Container Control MDI is a container control. SDI is not a container control.

MDI contains multiple documents which at SDI contains one window only at a
Operation
a time appear as child window. time.

Interface MDI supports many interfaces which SDI supports one interface which
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means you can handle many applications means you can handle only one
at a time according to user’s requirement. application at a time.

Switching For switching between documents MDI

For switching between documents
Between uses special interface inside the parent
SDI uses Task Manager for that.
Documents window.

SDI grouping is possible through

Grouping In MDI grouping is implemented naturally.
special window managers.

For maximizing documents, parent

Maximizing For maximizing documents, parents
windows are maximized through a
Documents window is maximized by MDI.
special code or window manager.

Switching focus to the specific document Switching focus to specific document

Flexibility
can be easily handled by MDI. is difficult to implement in SDI.

MDI vs SDI: Key Takeaways

Definition

 SDI: In an SDI, each instance of the application represents a single document

window. Each document window operates independently of others.
 MDI: In an MDI, the application can have multiple document windows (child
windows) within a single parent window. The parent window provides a
container for managing and organizing multiple documents.
Window Management

 SDI: Each document in SDI mode has its own independent window with
separate controls for each.
 MDI: In MDI, all documents are contained within the same parent window.
This can help in efficient window management, especially when dealing with a
large number of documents.
User Experience
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 SDI: Generally, provides a simpler and more straightforward user experience,

suitable for applications where users mainly work with one document at a
time.
 MDI: Offers a more complex user experience but can be beneficial for
applications where users need to switch between multiple documents quickly.
Resource Usage

 SDI: Each document window in SDI mode consumes its own system
resources, which can lead to higher memory and CPU usage when dealing
with multiple documents.
 MDI: Since all documents share the same parent window, resource usage can
be more optimized, resulting in potentially lower memory and CPU
consumption.
Interface Complexity

 SDI: Generally, has a simpler interface since each document has its own
window and controls.
 MDI: Can be more complex due to the need for managing multiple documents
within the same parent window, including features like tabbed navigation or
document list panes.
Context Switching

 SDI: Context switching involves switching between different application

instances, which can be relatively slower.
 MDI: Context switching is usually faster within an MDI application as it
involves switching between child windows within the same parent window.
Document Isolation

 SDI: Offers better document isolation since each document is in a separate

window, reducing the risk of unintended interactions.
 MDI: Documents within an MDI application are within the same parent
window, which might lead to more potential for unintended interactions.
Task Organization

 SDI: Well-suited for single-tasking scenarios, where the user primarily

focuses on one document at a time.
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 MDI: Effective for multitasking scenarios, where users need to work with
multiple documents simultaneously.
Screen Space Usage

 SDI: Can potentially use more screen space due to the presence of separate
windows for each document.
 MDI: Utilizes screen space more efficiently, especially when handling multiple
documents, as they are contained within a single parent window.
Development Complexity

SDI: Generally simpler to develop, as each document operates independently.

MDI: Requires more complex coding and design to manage child windows, document
interactions, and parent window features.