What is Hermes
Hermes is the user interface of GIPSY.
It enables users to do multi-tasking in an organised fashion.
Users have direct control over the application programs
(tasks) they run:
a running task can be suspended or aborted with a simple command; various
settings can be changed while a task is running.
For suitable tasks, GIPSY also provides a graphical user interface.
This user interface
makes use of Hermes with which it is completely compatible. It is
described in a separate chapter. The
current chapter's focus is on the use of Hermes through the command
line. Many parts however, especially the ones about user input formats,
apply to the graphical user interface as well.
Parameters for a task can be specified at any time; if a task needs information
that has not been specified yet, the user is prompted.
Context-sensitive help about tasks is provided at a single keystroke.
Tasks keep the user informed in two ways: they write in a
log file
in which the user can page and search and they can provide a one-line
status
message, which can be frequently updated.
Two versions of Hermes exist:
- tHermes, which runs on standard character display terminals.
This version is used for interactive work.
- nHermes, a non-interactive version intended for batch work.
Normally Hermes is not started directly by the user,
but rather by a shell script
which prepares a number of settings before starting Hermes. Refer to the
GIPSY users guide.
The name Hermes finds its roots in Greek mythology.
