Introduction to the Automation Server

The PL/B Automation Server provides the ability to run PL/B programs as COM Automation components.

The PLBWIN command can run as an OLE Automation Server and can be controlled from any application that is an OLE Automation Controller including HTML Pages, Visual Basic, C++, Microsoft Office commands, Delphi, Active Server Pages, Java, and PL/B.

Each program run under the PL/B Automation Server executes in its own thread. This allows multiple PL/B programs to execute simultaneously. Each program interacts with the client using the PL/B event mechanism. Once a program begins execution, it runs to completion allowing concurrent tasking to take place.

The PL/B Automation Server supports two objects; an application object that controls the PL/B Automation Server and a program object that runs programs. A keyword, *CLIENT, exists for EVENTREG and EVENTSEND statements to support the extended event mechanism.

The PL/B Automation Server must be registered before use. This is accomplished by using the -reg or /reg command line option.

To remove the registration entries, use the -unreg or /unreg command line options.

Another command line option (-automation) invokes the PL/B Automation Server.

Sunbelt provides an example program (ASPDEMO.ZIP) describing the interface of an ASP script with a PL/B program.