Tcl: An Embeddable Command Language

Tcl is an interpreter for a tool command language. It consists of a library package that is embedded in tools (such as editors, debuggers, etc.) as the basic command interpreter. Tcl provides (a) a parser for a simple textual command language, (b) a collection of built-in utility commands, and (c) a C interface that tools use to augment the built-in commands with tool-specific commands. Tcl is particularly attractive when integrated with the widget library of a window system: it increases the programmability of the widgets by providing mechanisms for variables, procedures, expressions, etc; it allows users to program both the appearance and the actions of widgets; and it offers a simple but powerful communication mechanism between interactive programs. This paper will appear in the 1990 Winter USENIX Conference Proceedings

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1990
• Where: USENIX
• Authors: John K. Ousterhout
• Keywords: Basic Command Interpreter, Command Language, Operating System, Tool Command Language, USENIX 1990