DATATRIEVE-11 Call Interface Manual

This manual, dated July 1989, provides comprehensive instructions for using the DATATRIEVE-11 Call Interface and Remote Terminal Interface. The document is intended for experienced programmers using high-level languages like FORTRAN, BASIC, and COBOL on PDP-11 systems running RSX-11M/M-PLUS or RSTS/E operating systems.

Key topics covered include:

• Interface Components: An introduction to the DATATRIEVE-11 architecture, including the Distributed Server, Local Server, Remote Terminal Interface, and Call Interface.
• Remote Terminal Interface: Guidance on using the Remote Terminal Interface to access DATATRIEVE on remote DECnet nodes, including how to copy domains between different systems.
• Call Interface: Detailed procedures for compiling and building tasks that utilize the DATATRIEVE-11 Call Interface, including library requirements and logic for handling logical unit numbers (LUNs).
• Programming Guides: Extensive chapters dedicated to writing programs in FORTRAN, COBOL, and BASIC that interact with DATATRIEVE. This includes managing the DATATRIEVE Access Block (DAB), handling states, passing commands, transferring data, and managing records via ports.
• Reference Section: A complete technical breakdown of the DATATRIEVE routines (such as DTINIT, DTCMD, DTGETP, DTPUTP, and DTFINI), the structure of the DAB, and error severity codes.
• Appendices: Provides standard definitions for the DATATRIEVE Access Block in FORTRAN-77, COBOL-81, and BASIC-PLUS-2.