Abstract: In an object-oriented or object-based computer system, object methods are routed to users (e.g., client programs) after automatically performing supervisory functions. Examples of suitable supervisory functions include authorization checking and locking. One suitable way to automatically perform the supervisory functions is to provide a call method instruction in the operating system that automatically performs these supervisory functions when a user invokes the object method using the instruction. In this manner, the operating system can assure that the user calling the object method has sufficient authority and lock to access the object method. In addition, the method routing mechanism has the ability to forego authorization checking and locking for objects that are unprotected, and may perform abbreviated authorization checking and locking if the operating system determines from local knowledge that a user is currently authorized to and locked on the called object.

Abstract: A data processing system includes at least one processor and data storage containing an array including N records having value-ordered entries. To find an entry matching a search value, W, a number of records to be searched, is set equal to N, and each of the W records is assigned to either a first set or a second set, where the first set includes X/2 of the W records and X is a smallest power of 2 equal to or greater than W. In response to a determination that the search value precedes the first record within the second set, a binary search of the first set of records is performed to identify a record including an matching entry. If the first entry of the first record within the second set matches the search value, the first record within the second set is identified.

Abstract: A method and data processing system for emulating a program are disclosed. According to the present invention, the data processing system runs under a first operating system and emulates the execution of a program under a second operating system within a second data processing system. The data processing system includes a memory which stores at least a portion of the first operating system and an emulator comprising a plurality of routines which each emulate an instruction utilized by the first operating system. The memory further includes a simulated mass storage data area which stores at least a portion of the program and a simulated main memory data area. The data processing system further includes a processor which executes instructions within the program under the first operating system by emulation. According to the present invention, the emulator accesses instructions of the program directly from the simulated mass storage data area to minimize emulation overhead.

Abstract: A method and data processing system for emulating a program are disclosed. According to the present invention, the data processing system runs under a first operating system and emulates the execution of a program under a second operating system within a second data processing system. The data processing system includes a memory which stores at least a portion of the first operating system and an emulator comprising a plurality of routines which each emulate an instruction utilized by the first operating system. The memory further includes a simulated mass storage data area which stores at least a portion of the program and a simulated main memory data area. The data processing system further includes a processor which executes instructions within the program under the first operating system by emulation. According to the present invention, the emulator accesses instructions of the program directly from the simulated mass storage data area to minimize emulation overhead.

Abstract: OOP environments comprise composite data structures and internal mechanisms for manipulating those structures. The structures are used to allow a user to realize the power of OOP. Hence, the layout of these structures, the way in which the structures inter-relate, and the manner in which they are built and used are all critical to the utility of a particular OOP environment. It is no surprise, then, that manufacturers and suppliers of OOP environments are constantly striving to design composite data structures and internal mechanisms which maximize user productivity. The internal mechanisms and structures that make up the present invention are collectively referred to as the New Object Model (NOM). The composite data structures and organization of the NOM OOP environment provide significant benefits that are not provided by the environments of the prior art.