Publib is a library of reusable C functions. It consists of the build framework and the actual library modules. The framework is the mechanism that does the actual compiling and installation (and related things) of the library. The modules are groups of actual library functions. The two have been separated partly to make it simpler for other people to develop and distribute new library modules, partly to make it easier to port the library to other systems (hopefully, only the framework needs to be modified). There is no official set of modules. The intent is that many parties will supply modules so that the installer of the library can pick and choose between modules, and will install those that interest him. However, at this point, there is only one set of modules, mine. No copyright restrictions for the modules is placed by the framework, and the framework itself is in the public domain (except for the files publib/configure, publib/COPYING, and publib/install.sh, which need to be under the GPL). This means that it can be used with commercial modules as well. Please check the documentation for each module for any restrictions on its use. Just because some people are paranoid about the GPL: the file publib/COPYING applies to the files publib/configure _only_. publib/install.sh comes from the X distribution and may be copied freely. Stability: this is still alpha, expect bugs and changing interfaces. Requirements ------------ The C code in the framework requires a standard conforming C environment (or a close lookalike), that is, what is commonly called ANSI C. The framework consists partly of UNIX shell scripts and makefiles, and will probably not work on other operating systems. (There should be no huge problems building new frameworks for other operating systems, e.g., for the popular integrated environments on MS-DOS and Windows, but since I don't use those systems, I don't bother unless the demand is great and explicit.) The modules may set additional requirements. My own modules currently require a standard conforming C environment, but I dream of several that would require a POSIX environment. Check the documentation for each module you're interested in. Getting Publib -------------- Publib has been posted to the alt.sources Usenet newsgroup, and also put on the following anonymous ftp sites: ftp.cs.helsinki.fi: /pub/Software/Local/Publib ftp.funet.fi: /pub/languages/C/Publib For version 0.4, you need the following files: publib-0.4.tar.gz The framework itself liw-modules-0.4.tar.gz The modules by the author Contacts -------- Lars Wirzenius Hernesaarenkatu 15 A 2 (for snail-mail) 00150 Helsinki Finland lars.wirzenius@helsinki.fi (for e-mail) wirzeniu@kruuna.helsinki.fi (for finger)