Overview
ISO 8651-2:1988 - Information processing systems - Computer graphics - Graphical Kernel System (GKS) language bindings - Part 2: Pascal defines the standard Pascal language binding for the Graphical Kernel System (GKS). GKS itself is specified in a language‑independent way (see ISO 7942); ISO 8651-2 embeds that nucleus into the Pascal programming language (ISO 7185) so GKS can be used consistently in Pascal applications and libraries.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Pascal binding specification: The standard prescribes how GKS abstract functions are represented as Pascal procedures and types, including naming conventions and required interfaces.
- Procedure naming convention: All Pascal procedures for GKS begin with the letter “G”; common words in GKS names are abbreviated (see the standard’s abbreviation table).
- Mapping strategies: Supports multiple mapping styles between GKS abstract functions and Pascal procedures:
- Many‑one: Variant records and enumerated tag fields allow several related abstract functions to be represented by a single Pascal procedure.
- One‑one: A mandatory one‑to‑one mapping option is provided for simpler or resource‑constrained implementations.
- One‑many: Some inquiry functions are split into several Pascal procedures to provide more convenient access to subsets of returned information.
- Data types and structures: Defines representation of GKS data types in Pascal, naming conventions for types, required constants, arrays, sets and record types, and implementation‑defined types.
- Error handling and registration: Specifies a standard error handling function and rules for data records subject to registration.
- Function coverage: Covers control, output, transformation, segment, input, metafile, inquiry and utility functions; annexes include data type ordering, metafile item types and example Pascal programs.
Practical applications and users
- Software developers integrating GKS into Pascal applications for CAD, scientific visualization, technical plotting, and interactive graphics.
- Library and runtime implementers creating GKS Pascal bindings or graphics kernels compatible across systems.
- Compiler and tool vendors ensuring conformance to ISO Pascal (ISO 7185) when providing graphics libraries.
- Academics and engineers maintaining legacy Pascal-based visualization code that relies on standardized GKS behavior.
Related standards
- ISO 7942 - GKS functional description (language‑independent nucleus)
- ISO 7185 - Programming languages - Pascal
Keywords: ISO 8651-2:1988, GKS Pascal binding, Graphical Kernel System, computer graphics standard, ISO 7942, ISO 7185, Pascal graphics API, language binding.