DECtape Retrieval System (DECTRIEVE-7)

The DECtape Retrieval System (DECTRIEVE-7) is a self-loading binary program designed for the PDP-7 to manage and provide quick access to a library of programs on DECtape, significantly reducing the reliance on paper tape for most operations. It includes all necessary subroutines for its operation, along with user or system programs.

The system is primarily intended for retrieving tested binary programs and is not designed for compiling, assembling, or editing to or from DECtape. It is also incompatible with the DECtape FORTRAN System (DECSYS). DECTRIEVE-7 requires an 8K PDP-7, at least one DECtape drive, a Teletype, and a paper-tape reader, with specific memory areas reserved for its core components (bootstrap, memory portion, and directory).

Key functions of DECTRIEVE-7 include:

• Creating a System Tape: From a series of binary paper tapes.
• Directory Management: Printing, clearing, and deleting files from the directory.
• Tape Copying: Copying the entire system tape to consolidate files and recover deleted space, or selectively copying specific files to a new or existing DECtape.
• Adding Programs: Updating the system tape by adding binary programs or data from core memory or paper tape.
• System Recall: Procedures for recalling DECTRIEVE-7 using either a memory-resident bootstrap or a paper-tape bootstrap.

The document details memory and DECtape block organization, explains common error halt codes, and describes the format of file entries within the system's directory.