ULTRIX Worksystem Software Display PostScript® Perspective for Software Developers

This document, "Display PostScript Perspective for Software Developers," introduces application programmers to developing software using the ULTRIX Worksystem's Display PostScript (DPS) system, a product from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

The Display PostScript system offers a device-independent imaging model for displaying text, graphics, and images on a screen, fully compatible with the imaging model used in PostScript printers. It integrates with the host window system (like X Window System) for window management, while handling all internal window imaging with the PostScript language.

Key components for developers include:

• The Client Library: A C-callable library that serves as the primary interface between applications and the Display PostScript system. It enables C applications to establish execution contexts, send PostScript programs and data, and receive results.
• The pswrap translator: This crucial tool converts PostScript language programs into C-callable procedures (referred to as "wraps"). Developers can then call these C functions from their application, which automatically transmits binary-encoded PostScript commands to the interpreter for execution, simplifying complex imaging tasks.

The document emphasizes that this approach enhances portability, as applications send PostScript programs to the interpreter in a consistent manner regardless of the underlying operating system. It also outlines the necessary documentation for application developers, covering PostScript language fundamentals, DPS-specific extensions, Client Library usage, pswrap functionality, and system-specific details.