diff --git a/content/en/history/glossary/_index.md b/content/en/history/glossary/_index.md index c5f78bfb..d88c0ae8 100644 --- a/content/en/history/glossary/_index.md +++ b/content/en/history/glossary/_index.md @@ -9,10 +9,18 @@ type: docs The names “Medley,” "Interlisp-D," “Interlisp.org,” “Common Lisp,” etc. are often used in confusing ways. We’re talking about a lot of different things that evolved over decades. These are cemented in by usage in different publications over time. We hope this glossary of terms will help. +For general computer terminology and lore see [The Hacker's Dictionary](https://www.dourish.com/goodies/jargon.html) aka Jargon File. + ## Vocabulary and relationships AltoLisp -: An (unsuccessful) attempt to build a Lisp-based OS for running Interlisp on an Alto. +: An experimental microcoded implementation of Interlisp on an Alto personal computer. + +Break package +: The Interlisp subsystem that comprises the debugger (also known as break window) and other debugging facilities. Named after the `BREAK` function and breakpoints. + +Briefing Blurb +: One of the several documents that introduced Xerox PARC newcomers to the computing and network environment of the Computer Science Laboratory. Written in an upbeat style, their titles followed a pattern that included the expression "Briefing Blurb" such as *The Alto-Dolphin-Dorado Briefing Blurb: Exploring the Ethernet with Mouse and Keyboard* and *The Briefing Blurb: Exploring the Ethernet with Mouse and Keyboard*. Carol, Fugue, Harmony, Intermezzo, Koto, Lyric, Medley : Named releases of Interlisp-D. All are obsolete except Medley. @@ -35,6 +43,9 @@ Starting with the Lyric release of Interlisp-D and then the Medley release, the Dfasl : A compiled form of Medley Interlisp files with the extension ".dfasl". +Display +: Denotes a program or system with a Graphical User Interface or a full screen character interface, as opposed to a line oriented interface like a teletype. In expressions like "display oriented editor" or "display editor". + DLISP : By Warren Teitelman: a first attempt at building a “Display” (GUI) with Interlisp running on MAXC (a PDP-10 clone) connected by Ethernet to a Xerox Alto acting as a graphics terminal. @@ -106,6 +117,12 @@ Maiko Sun Microsystems SPARC processor workstation, initially developed by Fuji Xerox. Subsequently ported to little-endian processors and other operating systems. +Package +: The term Package has several different meanings depending on the context: + +- Informally, a collection of utilities or submodule in Interlisp (the "break package", q.v.; the "file package", a facility for managing code changes; the "record package", a record data type; and so on) +- A feature of Commmon Lisp symbol support; the package system allows the combining of Interlisp symbols (written with `IL:` prefix) and Common Lisp symbols (written with a `LISP:` prefix). + SDL : Structured Design Language.