The latest generation of graphical development environments for HP 3000s started shipping in the first week of February, as Whisper rolled out a version of Programmer Studio with a new files and folders wizard, auto-save and auto-recovery options, a connection directory and the ability to edit MPE/iX spool files. The new wizard speeds up adding the contents of entire server directories to a project. In addition to providing options to select files based on filename, the wizard can also navigate subordinate folders, adding either the files found or even duplicating the structure. The wizard also maintains this list, providing options to replace existing project files and even deleting the existing structure and adding again. The auto-save and auto-recovery options auto-save modified files and create recovery versions on the PC.

Auto-save saves modified files at a specified interval, and programmers can control which files are saved. Auto-recovery automatically saves a version of each modified file onto the PC once a specified time period has elapsed. When the file is closed, this recovery version is subsequently deleted. If Programmer Studio gets terminated unexpectedly, like through a power outage, it prompts the user to save any recovered files when the programmer restarts the Studio. The new connection directory simplifies definition of connections to quickly connect to a server and begin editing files. Whisper officials said the directory includes options for server address, user name and password, environment variables and MPE/iX-specific settings.

Whisper also began to whisper about the Version 3 of its product, which went into Alpha testing this month. The vendor will be raising the bar on 3000 environment programming tools by adding integrated debugging, according to spokesman Graham Wooley. “This is a very exciting addition, making Programmer Studio into a true IDE,” Wooley said.