Approaching Distributed Database Applications Using a Programmable Terminal Emulator

摘要

Two separate approaches were used to develop a prototype for entering data into a remote host computer in an automated manner. In the first approach, revisions were implemented in the IBM PC's terminal emulator VTEK 4.2. These revisions allowed pre-written script files to be processed to the host-based operating system and applications software as if the script file information had been entered on the keyboard. The script processing capability was implemented taking advantage of existing using-defined key capability and the DEC VT100 asynchronous terminal emulation of VTEK communications software. At present the script command and data files must be manually created at the PC using an editor or word processor. The script processing capability works with any host-based operating system or application software that interacts with a DEC VT100 terminal. An example is provided where VTEK script processing is used to automatically interact with a VAX-based Database Management System (DBMS), INGRES, appending PC-resident data records to an INGRES table, creating a default report, aborting to VMS, and disposing of the report /hor ellipsis/ all without touching a key. An appendix is provided which discusses the second approach of developing a prototype VT100 emulator specifically designed for data entry to a remote host computer system. This software loads data automatically into a Vax Datatrieve database. It provides an alternative method of prototype development. The challenges for future development are identified and discussed. The use of the programmable terminal emulator for data control in the case of distributed database applications is also discussed. 7 refs.