How xrdb exactly works

[Tan Choon Kiat]

Hi,

I have some problem using xrdb.
I use the following command to merge my resource file to the current resource setting "xrdb -merge -nocpp ./myResource " But somehow when i run up the application that I tried to change its resources, it does not work.

When I do a xrdb -query, my resource settings are merge into the current resource setting.

I tried to add the desired resource settings into the .Xdefaults file, then logout and relogin, run up the application and the settings works. But how come not when using xrdb?

How can I do dynamic setting of the resources without having to logout and login?

Thanks in advance.

Choon Kiat

[Alex Glennie]

X resource data base as its name suggests in X specific.

You problem could be several things :

1. Window manager specific resources are masking
it eg CDE

2. Syntax errors ?

3. The application is not affected by resources.

4. The application requires application specific resource

eg dtterm*cusorColor is different from *cusorColor

and emember there's a resource hieracy !

5. CDE HOME or CURRENT sessions are having an effect

Advise : run xrdb -q , name the application and the resource syntax used in .Xdefaults.

create a new user and test, do the resources work ?

Let me know the results ?

[Tan Choon Kiat]

I use the following in my .Xdefaults
dtwm*my_app*clientDecorations none

It works when I put it in the .Xdefaults and test it using a new user.

But when I do not use the .Xdefaults and try to do a xrdb -merge myResource, then run my application, the clientDecorations is not set. Why?

Thanks

[Alex Glennie]

Since you are using dtwm and xrdb is used to handle the X resource manager's properties onto the root window, I'm guessing either dtwm resources say in a home or current session are over riding xrdb's (its a merge remember). Try whilst logged out of CDE performing a rm -R /$HOME/.dt/ or a rename of this directory if you have a customised enviroment.

Or try a Restart WorkSpace Manager from CDE Workspace menu after performing the merge ?

[Alex Glennie]

another thought ...try a -load as opposed to a -merge ....any difference ?

[Tan Choon Kiat]

I have tried both -load and -merge, both does not display any positive result.

[Alex Glennie]

Has your application been intergrated with CDE ?

see dtappintegrate ? Have you read chpt 4 CDE Advanced Users Guide & sys Admin ?

Give exact details of name of application, syntax of resource and xrdb -q .... also what happens if user logs out and you perform a rm -R $HOME/.dt ?