The Data Reconfiguration Service—an experiment in adaptable, process/process communication

Abstract

Application programs require specific I/O data formats that differ from program to program. One approach recently adopted for providing resource sharing of disparate programs is to develop specific dialogs for classes of programs. Each such program must then be retrofitted with one of the standard dialog interfaces. The DRS exhibits a different view of coupling variegated processes and terminals. The DRS attempts to provide a notation for form definition tailored to some specifically needed instances of data reformatting. At the same time, the DRS keeps the notation and its underlying implementation within some utility range that is bounded on the lower end by a notation expressive enough to make the experimental service useful, and bounded on the upper end by a notation short of a general-purpose programming language.