Abstract: The present symbol renaming process allows a symbol in a first source code file to be renamed by the linker. This allows new layers of software to be added under an existing interface without recompiling existing code. Symbol renaming in the linker also allows a programmer to easily fix mismatched symbols in linked files without recompiling the source code in all of the linked files. The linker scans a first intermediate object code file to detect a substitution indicator indicating a variable or function in a second file is to be renamed. The symbol to be replaced is read and then the substitution symbol is read. The linker then replaces every occurrence of the symbol as the symbol is read from a second file with the substitution symbol in the intermediate code file generated by the linker.

Abstract: An arrangement for enhancing the process of extracting data from a broadband video digital data stream. The data structure specified in the standards is enhanced by the addition of a symbol table which translates between a symbolic name of a program and the corresponding program number of the program and the channel on which the program is being broadcast. Advantageously, any program may be broadcast over any channel and a symbolic naming convention which can be designed to avoid conflicts among independent designer groups can be utilized. The programs referred to above are either the entertainment programs such as motion pictures or software programs for controlling a set top terminal.