In computing, layout refers to the process of calculating the position of objects in space subject to various constraints). It is the computation of the position of the paragraphs, tabs, sentences, words, and letters of a text). Layout can be part of an application or packaged as a reusable component or library). Examples of layout include:
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Page layout: This is the computation of the position of the paragraphs, tabs, sentences, words, and letters of a text. This is done by desktop publishing software, typesetting software, and web browsers. These programs typically have dedicated layout routines to calculate the correct position of glyphs and embedded images).
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Layout manager: This is a component that automatically calculates a widgets position based on alignment constraints without the need for the programmer to specify absolute coordinates).
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Graph drawing software: This automatically determines the position of the vertexes and edges of a graph with various goals like minimization of the number of edge intersections, minimization of total area, or production of an aesthetically pleasing result).
Layout can also refer to the overall appearance of a document, image, text, or another medium designed to be more appealing to the viewer and help them identify what they are observing. For example, Computer Hope has a distinct layout that is recognizable to its visitors, which allows them to navigate the site more easily. In addition, layout can refer to the arrangement of text and graphics in word processing and desktop publishing.
Overall, layout is an important aspect of computing that helps to organize and present information in a clear and visually appealing way.