W3 software modules
W3 comprises several distinct types
of software modules:
- A Library of code common to the other
modules.
- Browsers, (clients) which present
the information on a specific workstation.
- Servers, which extract information
from existing file bases or from
data bases.
- Gateways, which interface W3 to other
Internet information systems.
Some browsers, servers and gateways
have been written outside CERN, they
are based on the library of common
code, they are not subject to the
present conditions.
In the development of the software,
commercial packages have been used,
but the resulting code does not incorporate
software other than such as has been
expressly authorised for distribution.
Library of Common Code
This has been constructed by CERN.
It is the basis of all the other
modules.
Browsers
Three browsers have been constructed
by CERN:
- the Line-Mode browser, also "dumb-terminal"
browser, the lowest level interface
to W3.
- the hypertext editor browser for
the NeXT workstations.
- the browser for Apple Macintosh computers.
These programs are subject to the
conditions.
Servers
A generic server for use in a Unix
environment has been constructed
by CERN. It is the basis of all other
servers, and the prime example on
which to model other servers.
Other specific servers have been
constructed at CERN. Their number
is variable: they are not listed
here. They are subject to the conditions.
Gateways
These gateways have been constructed
by CERN:
- W.A.I.S. (Wide Area Information Services).
- VMS Help (to DEC VAX/VMS help system).
Note: access to the Gopher system
is incorporated into the library
of common code.
RC