Inf-HTML general info

Inf-HTML is a package of programs written by Peter Childs (that's me) to allow people to place the information contained within Os/2 Inf/Hlp files on the WWW (World Wide Web).

Inf-HTML is still in testing. It has been around for awhile but the INF file format can get confusing and is not documented.

If you find something that is broken (that shouldn't be) drop me a line with lots of details. Preferably enough info to be able to reproduce the fault.

What is it exactly?

The Inf-HTML "package" consists of three executables and assorted support files.

INF-HTML executable

is a executable that is called by a WWW server (such as NCSA's httpd) with parameters containing information about an Os/2 Inf or Hlp file. It then returns the requested information in HTML format. This allows direct access to the info in Os/2 Inf/Hlp files in a "on request" conversion method.

INF-FILE executable

is new to the Inf-HTML package (from version 0.7 onward) and uses the same "engine" code to basically convert a Os/2 Inf or Hlp file to a set of Html files. These files can then be used independently of any executables etc. (and therefore platform independent)

this executable can be used with Rony Flatscher's ih2rex package to turn a whole INF file, or portion, into a single HTML file suitable for printing etc.

DEBG executable

was developed primarily by me as an extension to the INF-HTML executable to allow the display of large amounts of internal info. This is to help "see" where any problems occur. If you are interested in the file format of Inf or Hlp files, or want to know more how Inf-HTML works, try it out.

Where do I get it and what platforms does it run on

Try here for the latest info on availbility of Inf-HTML etc.

Currently there are builds done on Os/2 with GCC's EMX 0.9a rev34, a build on Linux (1.2.8) with GCC, and a build on SunOS with GCC. I also have a successful build on a RS/6000

The Os/2 executables and support files should be on hobbes... for the other stuff try the above website. If you want it for a platform not listed about then mail me and well talk ;-)

The final say..

I wrote it and it's mine (naaaa..) but anyone can use it if they want. If it breaks you own both bits. If it breaks your computer you still own all the bits and its not my fault. Don't use it on a mission critical system 'cause I don't want some hospital computer dying (and patients etc) due to my program.

You can't sell this program, or charge for its use. If someone is charging you for access to information provided by this program (ie on a cost per page) then email me and well fix them ;-)

These programs are email-ware, which means if you use it then send me some email on what for... If you maintain some Web pages using it then I'd really like a URL. Developing and maintaining code is a big headache at times so some mail that others are finding it useful is a great incentive to keep working on it.

Use and enjoy! If you want something fixed drop me a line and let me know. I'll make any easy changes if I think they are good... Version 0.8b was basically a response to mail about display problems. 0.9alpha+ is in response to requests for ISO-Latin support, and bugs reported by users. If you know a better way to do something that I've hacked then tell me and I'll steal your idea (thanks!).

Peter Childs

pjchilds@apanix.apana.org.au

Last updated on 27-5-95