Command Interpreting Processor

When a terminal or batch job is initiated under SINTRAN III, it is first connected to the Command Interpreting Processor (CIP) which reads each command line from the terminal or batch input device, checks its validity, and performs the requested action. After a particular command is executed, or when a user program or subsystem terminates, the control is returned to the CIP.

The prompt for the CIP is @ character. During a terminal session, the prompt is printed to indicate that the previous action is terminated and that SINTRAN III is ready for a new command. Note: the @ character should not be typed by the user.

When submitting batch jobs, or reading commands from other devices than the terminal, all commands must start with the @ character to recognize them as commands.

A command is a string of characters separated into words by a comma or by a number of spaces. The first word is the command name, followed by a parameter words if necessary.

In batch jobs the command name and all parameters must be contained on one line or card. In the terminal session missing parameters will be requested by the CIP.

Certain parameters may take a default value which will be used if the parameter word is omitted, by giving the comma separators or by responding with a carriage return when the parameter is asked for.

Abbreviation

Command names and parameter words may be abbreviated by giving sufficient characters to distinguish it from other permissible values. A special character, the - is used to separate words in two or more distinct parts. any part may be abbreviated as long as it doesn't become ambiguous.

Example

As an example, the command @LOAD-BINARY and @LIST-FILE. The first command may be typed as

@LOAD
@LOAD-B
@L-BINARY
@LO-BI

The second command may be typed as

@LIST-FI
@L-FIL
@LI-FI

and so on. However, if only @L is typed the CIP respond with the error message

AMBIGIOUS

File name abbreviation

The abbreviated file lookup function may be utilized by the user when typing names of files or devices, except when naming a file the first time.

Sources

Norsk Data Document ND–30.003.007 SINTRAN III System Supervisor