A GENERAL UNIX INTERFACE FOR BIOCOMPUTING AND NETWORK INFORMATION-RETRIEVAL SOFTWARE

We describe a UNIX program, HYBROW, which can integrate without modifi cation a wide range of UNIX biocomputing and network information retri eval software. HYBROW works in conjunction with a separate set of ASCI I files containing embedded hypertext-like links. The program operates like a hypertext browser featuring five basic links: file link, execu te-only link, execute-display link, directory-browse link and field-fi lling link. Useful features of the interface may be developed using co mbinations of these links with simple shell scripts and examples of th ese are briefly described. The system manager who supports biocomputin g users should find the program easy to maintain, and useful in assist ing new and infrequent users; it is also simple to incorporate new pro grams. Moreover, the individual user can customize the interface, crea te dynamic menus, hypertext a document, invoke shell scripts and new p rograms simply with a basic understanding of the UNIX operating system and any text editor. This program was written in C language and uses the UNIX curses and termcap libraries. It is freely available as a tar compressed file (by anonymous FTP from nuscc. nus. sg).