---
name: "XmActivateProtocol"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "openmotif"
version: "2.3.8-4"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/XmActivateProtocol"
---

# XmActivateProtocol(3)

A VendorShell function that activates a protocol

## NAME

**XmActivateProtocol** — A VendorShell function that activates a protocol

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include <Xm/Protocols.h>
void XmActivateProtocol(
Widget shell,
Atom property,
Atom protocol);
```

## DESCRIPTION

**XmActivateProtocol** activates a protocol. It updates the handlers and the *property* if the *shell* is realized. It is sometimes useful to allow a protocol's state information (callback lists, and so on) to persist, even though the client may choose to temporarily resign from the interaction. This is supported by allowing a *protocol* to be in one of two states: active or inactive. If the *protocol* is active and the *shell* is realized, the *property* contains the *protocol* **Atom**. If the *protocol* is inactive, the **Atom** is not present in the *property*.

**XmActivateWMProtocol** is a convenience interface. It calls **XmActivateProtocol** with the property value set to the atom returned by interning **WM\_PROTOCOLS**.

- *shell*

  Specifies the widget with which the protocol property is associated

- *property*

  Specifies the protocol property

- *protocol*

  Specifies the protocol **Atom**

For a complete definition of VendorShell and its associated resources, see [**VendorShell**(3)](/VendorShell/3.md).

## RELATED

[**VendorShell**(3)](/VendorShell/3.md), [**XmActivateWMProtocol**(3)](/XmActivateWMProtocol/3.md), [**XmRemoveProtocols**(3)](/XmRemoveProtocols/3.md) and [**XmInternAtom**(3)](/XmInternAtom/3.md).