Datatrieve-11 Call Interface Manual

This manual provides comprehensive instructions on using the DATATRIEVE-11 Call Interface to integrate DATATRIEVE functionalities into programs written in high-level languages like FORTRAN, BASIC, and COBOL. It also covers the DATATRIEVE-11 Remote Terminal Interface for interactive use of DATATRIEVE on remote DECnet nodes.

The document introduces the various components of the DATATRIEVE-11 system, including the Interactive environment, the Distributed Server (DDMF), the Local Server (LCDDMF), and the Call Interface. It distinguishes between the Remote Call Interface, which uses DECnet for communication across the network, and the Local Call Interface, which uses intertask communication on the same PDP-11 node for improved performance.

Key topics covered for program development include:

• Core Concepts: Understanding the DATATRIEVE Access Block (DAB) as the central communication area, DATATRIEVE states (stallpoints), and a suite of callable routines.
• Routine Usage: Detailed explanations and examples for routines such as DTINIT (initialization), DTCMD (command execution), DTLINE (retrieving print output), DTMSG (retrieving messages and errors), DTPVAL (passing values to prompts), DTGETP (retrieving records via ports), DTPUTP (passing records via ports), DTEOF (signaling end of record stream), DTUNWD (aborting commands), and DTFINI (closing the interface).
• Program Development Lifecycle: Guidance on compiling, task building, and running programs, including linking with the DTCLIB.OLB object module library and managing Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs).
• Error Handling: How to check for error codes and severity levels within the DAB to ensure robust application behavior.

The manual includes practical sample programs in FORTRAN, COBOL, and BASIC to illustrate how to build end-user interfaces, perform data calculations, and manage information using the Call Interface. It concludes with a reference section detailing the structure of the DATATRIEVE Access Block and the parameters for each Call Interface routine.