07 pip

This document is the PDP-10 PIP (Peripheral Interchange Program) Programmer's Reference Manual, dating back to editions from 1967 to 1972, published by Digital Equipment Corporation.

The manual describes the functions and usage of PIP, a utility program for the DECsystem-10 designed for:

1. File Transfer: Copying files between standard I/O devices.
2. Simple Editing: Performing basic text manipulation during file transfers.
3. Magnetic Tape Control: Managing magnetic tape operations.
4. Directory Management: Listing, renaming, protecting, and deleting files and directories.

Key aspects covered include:

• Invoking PIP: Users execute .R PIP from the Monitor.
• Command Structure: Commands typically follow a DESTINATION=SOURCE format, where elements like device names, filenames, extensions, directory identifiers, and protection codes are specified. Wildcard characters (* and ?) are used for pattern matching.

• PIP Switches (Optional Functions): A comprehensive list of switches (preceded by /) that modify PIP's behavior:

  • File Transfer Modes: /X copies files individually, while omitting /X concatenates source files into one destination file.
  • Text Manipulation: Switches for deleting trailing spaces (/T), converting spaces to tabs (/C) or tabs to spaces (/W), ignoring/inserting sequence numbers (/E, /N, /S, /O), and formatting FORTRAN output (/P).
  • Data Modes: /B, /H, /I for binary, image binary, and image modes, respectively.
  • Directory Operations: /L and /F to list directories, /R to rename files or change directory protection codes, /D to delete files, and /Z to zero out a directory.
  • Magnetic Tape Control: A dedicated set of M switches for setting density and parity (e.g., M8 for 800 bpi), and positioning the tape (e.g., MA to advance a file, MW to rewind).
  • Error Recovery: The /G switch allows processing to continue despite certain I/O errors.
  • Help and Card Punch: /Q prints a summary of PIP functions, and /J punches cards.

• Error Reporting: Details various I/O, file reference, and command errors that PIP may encounter, indicating whether they are fatal or recoverable.

• File Extensions: An appendix lists standard filename extensions and their meanings.

The manual assumes the reader is familiar with the DECsystem-10 Monitor Calls and Monitor Commands manuals.