Apple File Exchange Technical Reference

Apple® File Exchange Technical Reference Version 1.1 APDA™ # M7051 Preface Apple® File Exchange is an application for moving files between the Apple Macintosh® family of computers, the Apple II family of computers, and other computers. Th.is manual describes how to write file conversion routines, known as translators, that are used by Apple File Exchange. Audience Th.is manual is written both for professional programmers and for enthusiasts. It is distributed by the Apple Programmer's and Developer's Association (APDA). The manual assumes that readers are experienced Macintosh programmers and that they are familiar with the Macintosh User Interface Toolbox and Operating System routines described in Inside Macintosh. It also assumes that readers have used Apple File Exchange and are familiar with the program's features. Readers who are not already experienced Apple File Exchange users should read the chapters on Apple File Exchange in the Macintosh Utilities User's Guide before using this manual. About this manual The manual is organized as follows: o Chapter 1 introduces Apple File Exchange and translators. It also lists the hardware and software you'll need to write translators. D Chapter 2 tells how to design and write translators. It lists the tasks a translator must carry out and includes detailed reference information needed to implement a translator. o Chapter 3 provides reference information for each of the messages sent from Apple File Exchange to translators. :::J Chapter 4 provides reference information for the ProDOS® file system calls that can be made from translators. o Chapter 5 provides reference information for the MS-DOS file system calls that can be made from translators. o Appendix A lists Pascal conventions for character strings, parameter passing, and register assignments. These conventions must be observed by translators written in programming languages other than Pascal. ix o Appendix B lists Apple File Exchange diagnostic messages that are available for use by translators. o Appendix C provides an example of a translator. You can use this example as the starting point for a new translator. o Appendix D describes the differences between the U.S. and international versions of Apple File Exchange. o Appendix E lists the character transliterations performed by Apple File Exchange transliteration routines. At the end of the manual are a glossary and an index. Terms in the manual that are shown in boldface appear in the glossary. For more information You can find important related information in these manuals: o The Macintosh Utilities User's Guide includes two chapters that describe Apple File Exchange. These chapters, • Apple File Exchange" and • Apple File Exchange: Advanced Features." provide detailed information about using Apple File Exch…