TOOLKIT

This document is the April 1984 issue of "TOOLKIT," the newsletter for UNISIG, the DECUS UNIX-oriented special interest group. It covers a range of UNIX topics, including system versions (DEC's UNIX/v7m, ULTRIX, BSD 2.9, BSD 4.2), device drivers, performance analysis, networking (uucp, USENET), and software development.

Key articles and sections in this issue include:

• A C Style Sheet by Martin Minow: A comprehensive guide detailing coding standards for C to produce maintainable software, covering file organization, declarations, expressions, naming conventions, and portability guidelines.
• UNIX Hints and Kinks: A panel discussion in Q&A format addressing various UNIX functionalities, such as networking support (DECnet, TCP/IP), 4.2Bsd features (interprocess communication, new file system), Digital's UNIX performance tools, and differences between 4.2Bsd, 4.1Bsd, and System V.
• Writing C Code for VAX/VMS and UNIX Systems: Discusses the challenges and solutions for writing portable C code across VAX/VMS and UNIX environments, highlighting differences in file specifications, memory management, pointer/integer sizes, character sets, and recommendations for using #defines.
• Networking with UNIX in Tokyo: A case study on integrating UNIX systems with a HITACHI mainframe at the University of Tokyo, detailing system architecture, automated operations, and the technical hurdles encountered in networking projects, such as hardware incompatibilities and character transmission issues, which ultimately led to a project's abandonment.

The issue also includes the UNISIG Operating Principles, outlining the group's purpose, membership, and the roles of its steering committee, along with a list of the committee members and a subscription form.