Developing a Multi Screen Web Interface -- such as the Bloomberg terminal

Question

I am looking to build a web based app that needs a multi-screen interface.

To make that possible I'm looking for the following:

1. Any front end libraries that make that possible -- for example jQuery plugins.
2. Any design patterns I should look at.
3. Any successful open source implementations of web based multi-screen interfaces.

Answer 1

Have a look at https://golden-layout.com/ , it has build in support for popping-out components into new browser windows.

Answer 2

You should look into the Composite and Decorator patterns. In fact, the case study (the Lexi word processor) in the GoF book (Design Patters, Gamma et al) is highly relevant - building up a hierarchy of UI elements which may or may not hold a collection of widgets within them.

The case study gives a great jumping off point for this kind of UI design and covers many of the things you might not think to consider.