MPE/iX, Multiprogramming Executive with Integrated POSIX, is the latest in a series of forward-compatible operating systems for the HP 3000 line of computers.
In HP documentation and in talking with HP 3000 users, you will encounter references to MPE XL, the direct predecessor of MPE/iX. MPE/iX is a superset of MPE XL. All programs written for MPE XL will run without change under MPE/iX You can continue to use MPE XL system documentation, although it may not refer to features added to the operating system to support POSIX (for example, hierarchical directories).
Finally, you may encounter references to MPE V, which is the operating system for HP 3000s, not based on PA-RISC architecture. MPE V software can be run on the PA-RISC (Series 900) HP 3000s in what is known as compatibility mode.
This manual is written for experienced programmers who are inexperienced in working with message catalogs. It is a programmer's guide that gives you step-by-step examples of creating, accessing, and modifying message catalogs. It also explains how to maintain message catalogs and create a HELP facility.
This manual contains only information on MPE/iX message catalogs. For information on MPE/iX intrinsics, refer to the MPE/iX Intrinsics Reference Manual (32650-90028). For information on MPE/iX native languages, refer to the Native Language Programmer's Guide (32650-90022).
This manual is intended for use by programmers that are developing or maintaining a message catalog. It assumes knowledge of general programming and MPE concepts.
Organization of This Manual
- Chapter 1
Introduction contains an introduction to message macilities on MPE/iX. It introduces the different message facilities.
- Chapter 2
Creating an Application Message Catalog describes the facility for creating your own catalogs for your applications. It includes discussions on localized applications, GENCAT.PUB.SYS, application catalogs, source catalogs, catalog naming conventions, and parameter substitutions.
- Chapter 3
Accessing Application Messages shows you how to use the catalog intrinsics (CATOPEN, CATCLOSE, and CATREAD) to obtain messages to use in your applications.
- Chapter 4
Modifying an Application Message Catalog contains information about expanding formatted files, creating maintenance files, and using collision files.
- Chapter 5
Accessing System Error Messages describes the System Message facility and how to use system error messages from the two system error message catalogs, CATALOG.PUB.SYS and SYSCAT.PUB.SYS, for your own use.
- Chapter 6
Creating Your Own HELP Facility explains how to create a HELP file and format the file with MAKECAT.PUB.SYS to make a HELP facility.
- Appendix A
GENCAT Error Messages lists information on errors associated with GENCAT. Included are error numbers, messages, meanings, and corrective actions.
- Appendix B
Maintenance Tasks for Catalogs Formatted With MAKECAT explains how to use MAKECAT, convert programs and message catalogs from those that use MAKECAT formatted messages to those that use GENCAT formatted messages, and what the differences between MAKECAT and GENCAT are.
- Appendix C
COBOL Examples presents the COBOL version of Pascal examples given in the body of the manual.
- Appendix D
FORTRAN Examples presents the FORTRAN version of Pascal examples given in the body of the manual.
