Abstract: In a computer environment which provides support for compound documents composed of multiple parts, a technique is provided for linking parts which rely on common data so that updating the common data in one part updates the common data in the linked parts. The parts are preferably object oriented in nature, and the linking is performed automatically.

Abstract: A computer programming technique is presented for improving the usability of graphical user interfaces. A snap control is provided with individual elements of the graphical user interface, such as windows or container objects, which upon invocation by a user automatically relocates the associated element at a hide position. Preferably, the hide position utilizes a portion of the desktop beyond the edge of what is displayed to a user, with only a portion of the element having a return snap control button remaining visible to a user.

Abstract: A system for generating target language source code utilizing an object oriented technology is disclosed. A desired computer programming function is specified using an object oriented user interface. The result is an object oriented model of the desired target language program. The object oriented model is processed by a generator engine, which recursively generates each object in the model, if necessary, to surface all primitive objects relative to the target language contained in the model. Each primitive object is mapped to its corresponding template from a set of source code templates which corresponds to the desired target language, which is typically a third generation language. An object oriented generator engine parses the resulting collection of templates to form source code files having the desired programming function in the desired target language.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method which enable programs written in procedural languages to respond reactively to messages from event driven interfaces. An interface is provided between programs or window procedures written in procedural languages and the standard message queues of a standard event driven user interface, operating system and graphic engine. The interface pulls messages intended for the programs off of the queues and then forwards them to the appropriate program upon receipt of a call from the program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and refreshing compound documents include a query part in a compound document to incorporate data from an independent data processing application. Upon creating or refreshing a document, the query part automatically generates a predetermined command and causes the predetermined independent application to execute the predetermined command. The datastream output which is produced in response thereto is automatically captured and incorporated into the document text to thereby create or refresh the compound document. The need for customized or proprietary links is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and integrating computations within compound documents wherein a compound document having a plurality of integrated computations is created in a computing environment. The compound document is configured to include a document text part and a plurality of math parts positioned in a plurality of locations. A selected first set of math parts within the compound document are expressed as computational functions of a second math part contained within the compound document. If a value is assigned to the second math part, the computational functions of each math part in the selected first set are automatically reevaluated and displayed.

Abstract: The automatic storage of an object within a container object within a graphical user interface within a data processing system. A display, included within the data processing system, is utilized to display an iconic representation of a container object which is a graphic indication of a storage of objects. An object and a container object within the graphical user interface are specified. The object is thereafter associated with the container object. During utilization the object is removed from the container object. The object is then automatically stored within the container object in response to a completion of the utilization to enhance the organization of objects within the container object and the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for permitting a user to easily navigate through a browser and know the relative position of the displayed portion of the browser at all times. A piano bar is provided which includes one key which corresponds to each set of information logically available within the browser. The keys are preferably of equal size, and the number and size of keys are changed dynamically as the number of sets of information is changed by the user. The keys which correspond to the sets of information in the browser hierarchy which are being displayed by the browser at any given time are visually distinguishable from the keys which correspond to the other list boxes in the hierarchy. The keys in the piano bar may be manipulated by the user to scroll through the hierarchy of sets of information.

Abstract: A method and system for indicating boundaries of data subsets that are displayed in a display window in a data processing system. Data having data subsets are displayed within a display window with a selected data subset being visible within the window. The selected data subset has an upper and lower boundary. A marker is displayed in association with the display window in response to a selected data subset within the plurality of data subsets being displayed within the display window. The marker has two terminuses, an upper terminus and a lower terminus. The location of the upper terminus indicates an upper boundary of the selected data subset and the location of the lower terminus indicates the lower boundary of the selected data subset. An absence of one of the two terminuses intuitively indicates, to a user, a presence of additional undisplayed data within the selected data set that is not displayed within the display window.

Abstract: A system and method for providing restricted access to controls of a graphical user interface. An object-oriented subclass is selectively applied to individual controls, so that upon creation or opening of a window having any such controls, a region of obscuration is defined which shields control information from view. Access may then be obtained by entry of an authorized password. Alternatively, a determination may be made during the creation or opening of a window as to whether the user or terminal is authorized, and if not, a region of obscuration is defined and displayed over the control information. Different levels of access to the control information may also be provided, such as view only and view and manipulate.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling re-filtering of trace history data in a debugger without re-executing the program. Trace history data is stored together with its category information when the program is initially executed and trace history text is output to a user. If re-filtering is necessary, the new filtering criteria is applied to the stored trace history data and new text is output to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of operating a computer to update a database. An entry made by a user for creating, deleting or modifying an entity type instance is checked to determine applicable constraints, which are then activated and placed in a pool. A firing order is then determined for the activated constraints. The first ranked constraint is then coded, using database calls if necessary to provide data for the logical statements, after which the coded constraint is fired. If the constraint was violated an error is signalled and processing is returned to the step of activating constraints for treatment of revised user data. Otherwise, it is determined if any constraints remain to be fired before returning to the step of activating or exiting.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring network performance in a network controlled by a communication access method. The communication access method is modified to communicate with a network performance monitor so that the communication access method will monitor its internal processing for information units for a predetermined resource upon request of the network performance monitor. The communication access method time stamps each inbound and outbound information unit for the predetermined resource and sends formatted data regarding each information unit, including the time stamp data, to a predetermined exit from the communication access method. The network performance monitor obtains the formatted data from the performance exit and processes the formatted data to determine network performance in relation to the predetermined resource.

Abstract: A method of facilitating program to program communication within memory space managed by a given processor. Would-be sender programs communicate with would-be receiver programs via an intermediate communication facility program acting as a central "post office" for the sender and receivers. Receiver programs identify themselves and their status to the communication facility program by registering their identification and status therewith. Thereafter, any would-be sender programs can send messages or data to any receiver programs which have been defined to the communication facility program much as any post office patron can receive mail addressed to the patron. Senders need not be defined to the communication facility program but need only request delivery of data or a message to a targeted receiver.