Abstract: Method of, system for, and computer program product for providing a central repository for information regarding run time library usage and a run time subsytem for using the run time libraries in accordance with the information contained in the central repository. The run time subsystem loads run time libraries when initialized and when requested to do by requests from application programs in accordance with the information contained in the central repository. The run time subsystem's use of the central repository provides improved application program performance, improved system utilization, and improved migration.

Abstract: A multipurpose linkage protocol for procedural calls between compiled program objects permitting a calling program to call a single named entry point in another program at one of several different offsets each corresponding to a different linkage convention. This multipurpose linkage technique permits introduction of new program linkage conventions while retaining linkage compatibility With previously compiled program objects, without compromising either compatibility or the efficiency of the new convention. Every program object supporting this multipurpose linkage protocol may be entered at one of a set of defined offsets from any named entry point. Entry by the calling routine at a particular offset indicates a specific type of call, such as a normal entry by a call to a mainline routine.

Abstract: An APL environment includes the usual workspaces plus so-called packaged workspaces. The disclosed packaged workspaces are load modules created from saved workspaces. An active APL workspace can access a loaded copy of the packaged workspaces using external names of named objects in a packaged workspace rather than internal names of its own named objects. Program execution associated with the packaged workspaces is controlled through a copy of the packaged workspace name table stored in the active workspace accessing the read only packaged workspace. Access to packaged workspaces not only can be concatenated from other packaged workspaces, but also can be shared among a plurality of active workspaces.

Abstract: APL, an interpretive processor, cooperates with external routines by calling those external routines to process data passed to them and receives results from the external routines. The called external routines, during their respective execution of the call, can request internal services of the calling APL interpretive processor. Such requests include execution of internal APL functions or operators, calling other external routines, recursive execution of external routines, and setting or obtaining values of internal APL data items.

Abstract: A method for executing external processes and for accessing external data from within an interactive language workspace. The workspace task referencing the external processes or data is synchronized and locked until the process is completed or the data referenced. The method steps provide establishing a message interface and utilize coercion of arguments in a dynamic environment. This permits, for instance, the invocation of a FORTRAN language process or from within an APL workspace and a return of information from said external processor without terminating the APL workspace.