Update Utility Program

This document describes the UPDATE Utility Program, a tool designed for users to create, examine, and revise binary library files. It functions within the DOS-15, ADVANCED Software System (ADSS), and Background/Foreground Monitor System environments. Library files are defined as those containing one or more relocatable binary programs, such as FORTRAN IV Object Time System (OTS) routines or system I/O device handlers.

UPDATE facilitates several key operations:

• Modification: It allows for the replacement, deletion, or insertion of programs within existing library files.
• Creation: New library files can be created from scratch.
• Examination: Users can list the contents of a library file.
• Extraction: Individual programs can be copied out of libraries as separate files.

The program operates by generating a new output file from specified input sources (original library and new programs), ensuring that the primary input file remains unaltered. It uses dedicated I/O device assignments (.DAT slots) for various functions like primary input, secondary input, listing output, and library output. Commands are issued via the console teleprinter and are categorized into File Specification, Manipulative (DELETE, REPLACE, INSERT, FREE, END), and Termination (CLOSE, KILL) commands. The manual also includes comprehensive error checking and recovery procedures.