Resource Precedence Rules

When several entries in the merged resource database apply to the same resource for the same widget, only one is selected according to the following precedence rules:

1. Specifications that include an element that is higher up the widget hierarchy take precedence over specifications that include lower ones.
2. Instance names take precedence over class names, for the same level in the hierarchy.
3. Tight bindings take precedence over loose bindings, for the same level in the hierarchy.
4. With loose bindings, one that includes more class or instance names takes precedence over one that includes fewer.

The above rules are applied, in the order given, to the full specification part of all viable entries for a particular widget resource.

Returning to the previous example, the following three entries remain:

 
2		xbutton*background: green

4		xbutton.Command.background: blue

6		*quit.background:yellow

Applying the precedence rules results in the following order:

 
4		xbutton.Command.background: blue

2		xbutton*background: green

6		*quit.background:yellow

Hence, the widget's background would appear blue.