| The ComLink kernel, editors, and basic components are written in Java, a powerful
new object-orientated programming language. Initially it is only being released for the
Windows 95 platform because some of the components (such as switch input and digitised speech)
are platform-specific. The four editors support separate storage of the ComLink sub-systems (configuration, layout, vocabulary, and toolbar). So, at any time, a sub-system can be exported from one application and imported into another. This is one aspect of the modularity of ComLink applications, and has major advantages in terms of productivity for application designers. It encourages the re-use, distribution, and sharing of ideas and work between applications, and between developers. The editors are themselves components within the ComLink system. When more sophisticated versions are produced in the future, an Integrator can upgrade their system to use the new editors. In the immediate future, we expect the range and functionality of the basic components to be extended. Programmers can create new or enhanced components by following the ComLink protocols, which are in the technical documentation, and can be downloaded from the ComLink website (see back cover). Third party programmers can make their components available to Integrators as shareware or commercial products. We will establish a ComLink Club, which will, among other tasks, maintain a website list of tested and approved components. These can be downloaded. We hope this website will also include a technical discussion page for developers. One clinical, rather than technical, development that we hope to get funded is an extensive user evaluation of the ComLink system. |