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.
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.
