IMAGE (database)

IMAGE consists of several utilities along with an API (referred to as "intrinsics" by the HP documentation): • DBSCHEMA - Compile a source schema layout. The source layout describes the tables (known as SETS) and columns (known as FIELDS). • DBUTIL - Creates and performs maintenance functions on the database. • QUERY - Generalized query tool for accessing any TurboIMAGE database. The following is a sample list of the API calls used for application development. These calls are supported by HP's compilers: COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, SPL, PASCAL and C. • DBFIND - Locates a record. • DBGET - Retrieves a record. • DBPUT - Adds a record. • DBUPDATE - Updates a record. • DBINFO - Provides information on the structure of the database. • DBOPEN - Opens the database with a specified password to provide access rights to the application. ==History==

The significant highlights of IMAGE are: • Originally released as IMAGE/3000 around 1972 as a $10,000 option, but later included free as part of the MPE operating system. • A cut-down version was released in 1976 as IMAGE/1000, when the formerly-known-as HP 2100 series was renamed HP 1000. • Several Fourth-generation programming language products (Powerhouse, Transact, Speedware, Protos) became available from third party vendors. • New capabilities were added including the increase of storage capacity and increase of several internal limitations such as the number of SETS allowed in a database. IMAGE/3000 was renamed TurboIMAGE due to these new capabilities. • HP provided a Third Party Interface (TPI) to DISC's OMNIDEX and Bradmark's SUPERDEX products. • Bundled with the HP Precision Architecture RISC Computers along with HP ALLBASE/SQL, a Relational DBMS, on the MPE/XL operating system. • HP announced the end of life for the HP3000 which included TurboIMAGE. • Marxmeier released Eloquence which is schema and API compatible with TurboIMAGE and allows TurboIMAGE applications to run on Microsoft Windows and HP-UX. • Stromasys released an HP3000 emulator allowing TurboIMAGE applications to be run on commodity hardware. ==External links==