Abstract: A method and system for allowing a single resource (e.g., a serial port) to be shared by multiple applications in a cooperative manner. The first application to use the resource defines a yield callback that is invoked when a second application makes a request for the serial port. The callback allows the first application to decide whether or not it will yield the resource to the second application. If the first application grants the request, the second application is allowed to use the resource; otherwise, the first application continues to use the resource and the second application receives an error message. The first application can be notified when the second application is finished with the resource, so that the resource can be returned to the first application for use.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically identifying the type of communication interface used to couple a portable computer system with a second computer system, and for selecting the form of an application that is used with the type of interface. For example, a debugger application is collaboratively executed on the computer systems over the interface. When entering the debugger mode, software executed on the portable computer system identifies the type of interface by reading a resistance value of a pin. After determining the type of interface, the form of the debugger used with the interface is automatically selected. A similar process is followed for other applications that depend on the type of interface. The user does not have to manually identify the type of interface. Instead, in response to a command that is independent of the type of interface, the proper form of the application is automatically selected.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a single resource (e.g., a serial port) to be shared by multiple applications in a cooperative manner. The first application to use the resource defines a yield callback that is invoked when a second application makes a request for the serial port. The callback allows the first application to decide whether or not it will yield the resource to the second application. If the first application grants the request, the second application is allowed to use the resource; otherwise, the first application continues to use the resource and the second application receives an error message. The first application can be notified when the second application is finished with the resource so that the resource can be returned to the first application for use.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically identifying the type of communication interface used to couple a portable computer system with a second computer system, and for selecting the form of an application that is used with the type of interface. For example, a debugger application is collaboratively executed on the computer systems over the interface. When entering the debugger mode, software executed on the portable computer system identifies the type of interface by reading a resistance value of a pin. After determining the type of interface, the form of the debugger used with the interface is automatically selected. A similar process is followed for other applications that depend on the type of interface. The user does not have to manually identify the type of interface. Instead, in response to a command that is independent of the type of interface, the proper form of the application is automatically selected.