Tcl: An Embeddable Command Language

Tel is an interpreter for a tool command language that is embedded in tools (such as editors, debuggers, etc.) as the basic command interpreter and provides a parser for a simple textual command language and a C interface that tools use to augment the built-in commands with tool-specific commands.

Abstract

Tcl is an interpreter for a tool command language. It consists of a library package that is embedded in tools (such as editors, debuggers, etc.) as the basic command interpreter. Tcl provides (a) a parser for a simple textual command language, (b) a collection of built-in utility commands, and (c) a C interface that tools use to augment the built-in commands with tool-specific commands. Tcl is particularly attractive when integrated with the widget library of a window system: it increases the programmability of the widgets by providing mechanisms for variables, procedures, expressions, etc; it allows users to program both the appearance and the actions of widgets; and it offers a simple but powerful communication mechanism between interactive programs.