OpenVMS Programming Environment Manual

This manual provides a comprehensive overview of the OpenVMS programming environment, detailing the various tools and services available for software development on both OpenVMS VAX and OpenVMS AXP platforms. It aims to help programmers select appropriate tools for tasks ranging from creating source files to debugging complex applications.

Key areas covered include:

• Built-in and Optional Tools: Editors (DECTPU/EVE, EDT, LSE/SCA, SUMSLP, vi), program file management (DEC Code Management System, DEC Module Management System), compilers, interpreters, assemblers, linkers, and librarians.
• Application Support: Emphasis on portable and interoperable applications through international standards (POSIX, DECwindows Motif, SQL, industry-standard 2D/3D graphics like Open3D, PHIGS, GKS).
• Distributed Computing: Support for distributed applications, client/server models (PATHWORKS, DECwindows Motif), networking products (DECnet, TCP/IP), and OSF Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), including ObjectBroker.
• User Interface Tools: DIGITAL Command Language (DCL), Command Definition Utility, Message Utility, and DECforms.
• Debugging and Testing: OpenVMS Debugger, Delta/XDelta Debugger, System Dump Analyzer, Crash Log Utility Extractor, DEC Performance and Coverage Analyzer, and DEC Test Manager.
• Callable System Routines: Run-Time Library (RTL) routines, System Services (for I/O, security, memory, process control, etc.), Utility routines, and OpenVMS Record Management Services (RMS) for file and record manipulation.
• Specialized Development Environments: Tools like DECADMIRE and DEC Forté for advanced application development.
• Migration Tools: Information on migrating OpenVMS VAX applications to OpenVMS AXP.

The manual highlights the integration of Digital products and tools into the software development process, covering a wide array of programming languages such as Ada, APL, BASIC, BLISS-32, C, C++, COBOL, DIBOL, Fortran, MACRO, OPS5, Pascal, and PL/I.