New! Workstation APL2 Version 2.0


New Product, New Platform, New Features

IBM is pleased to announce Workstation APL2 Version 2.0.  This new
product contains support for the AIX, Linux, Sun Solaris and Windows
operating systems on one distribution CD.

The new Linux APL2 system runs on PC-compatible machines, and has the
same features as APL2 on AIX and Sun Solaris.

New features of Version 2.0 include support for namespaces, an interface
to the Tcl command language, on-line PDF documentation, the APL2 Runtime
Library for free application deployment, and a new grid control for
Windows systems.

The list price of Workstation APL2 Version 2.0 is $1500 per user.
Volume pricing and trade-up prices from the APL2 Version 1 products
(AIX, OS/2, Sun Solaris, Windows) are available through the IBM Passport
Advantage program.


APL2 Namespaces

APL2 namespaces are encapsulated applications that reside outside the
active workspace.  Names can be associated with objects in namespaces
and used as normal workspace objects.

Use of namespaces offers many advantages.  Name conflicts are reduced by
isolating applications in their own namescopes. Code reusability is
improved by placing applications in namespaces, which reside in files
outside the workspace.  Application internals are protected by limiting
the objects accessible from outside the namespace.

Workstation APL2 Version 2.0 provides support for namespaces that is
compatible with the support already offered by mainframe APL2. APL2
developers can now build namespace applications targeted for deployment
on both workstations and mainframes.


APL2 Runtime Library

The APL2 Runtime Library is a subset of the APL2 system that can be
re-distributed at no cost, enabling APL2 application developers to
deploy their applications without requiring their users to acquire an
APL2 license.

The interpreter provided with the APL2 Runtime Library provides all the
features of the normal APL2 interpreter, except that the session manager
and library system commands are not supported.  Invocation parameters
are used to start applications contained in namespaces or take APL2
input from files.

A version of the APL2 Runtime Library is provided with each of the
platforms supported by Workstation APL2 Version 2.0.  See the APL2
User's Guide for information on how to write applications for the APL2
Runtime Library.


AP 145 Grid Control

The grid control displays data in a spreadsheet style.  Grid cells can
be entry fields, push buttons or static text areas.  Cells  support word
wrapping, and can be read-only.  Grid cell sizes, colors, fonts,
selection, justification, and edge drawing style can all be set.


Tcl and Tk

Tcl is a popular scripting language that is available for many operating
systems. Workstation APL2 Version 2.0 adds a new external function
interface to Tcl.  The TCL function supports passing arbitrary Tcl
commands to the Tcl interpreter and automatic conversion between APL2
and Tcl data types.

Tk is a Tcl extension package which provides support for building GUI
applications.Using Tk, platform independent GUI applications can be
built that have access to the full power of APL2 for data manipulation.


APL2 Now Available for Educators

The IBM Scholars Program is a no-charge offering developed to support
higher education institutions.  The IBM Scholars Program makes it easier
for faculty and researchers to access IBM products and technologies,
educational resources and other information.  Best of all, the IBM
Scholars Program includes APL2!

For more information, visit
   http://www.ibm.com/university/scholarsprogram