Implementation Aspects

Abstract

GKS has been defined in a device-and processor-independent way. It is therefore possible to implement GKS on nearly all computers, starting with 16 bit microprocessors, and to support most of the common graphics devices. The only device facilities which cannot be utilized are those which are not covered by the GKS functionality, such as three-dimensional primitives and projection hardware. At the time of writing this book, we know of implementations for the following processor types : CDC, CRAY, DEC, GOULD, IBM, SIEMENS, SPERRY, BULL, NIXDORF, PRIME, APOLLO, AT + T, HEWLETT PACKARD, MOTOROLA, SUN MICRO, INTEL, IBM Personal Computers and Compatibles, and others. More detailed information can be obtained from [GKSVER]. Some of the graphics devices supported by these implementations are: HEWLETT PACKARD plotters and displays, CALCOMP, VERSATEC and TEWIDATA plotters, TEKTRONIX displays and plotters, MEGATEK, DEC VT100, and many others. Depending on the level of GKS, the facilities within the supported level, and the intelligence of the connected graphics devices, the memory sizes needed vary from 4 kbytes to 200 kbytes. The size, of course, also depends on the quality of the particular compiler and the facilities of the available linkage editor.