Next Computer, Inc.

Next Software, Inc.

Avadis Tevanian

Kevin Enderby

Douglas Wiebe

Michael DeMoney

Garth Snyder

Bertrand Serlet

Lee Boynton

The present invention is a method that enables single release of applications for multiple architectures and operating systems and to provide ease of use of applications in multiple architecture environments. The present invention provides a single file that contains separate object code each of multiple architectures. A special header on the file identifies each section of object code and includes pointers to its starting location. When the file is to be executed on a particular architecture, the resident operating system identifies that block of object code most suited for that particular architecture and environment. That section of code is then loaded into memory for execution. Each architecture in the file is specified by CPU-type and CPU sub-type. For each CPU type or CPU sub-type, file offset, file size and alignment is also provided. Padded bytes are provided to place each member on its specific alignment. These padded bytes are undefined and can be left as 'holes' if the file system cannot support them. The appropriate architecture can be picked at compile time and compilers that can run on any architecture are provided to perform the translation.

Method and apparatus for architecture independent executable files

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the distribution of objects and the sending of messages between objects that are located in different processes. Initially, a 'proxy' object is created in the same process as a sender object. This proxy acts as a local receiver for all objects in the local program. When the proxy receives a message, the message is encoded and transmitted between programs as a stream of bytes. In the remote process, the message is decoded and executed as if the sender was remote. The result follows the same path, encoded, transmitted, and then decoded back in the local process. The result is then provided to the sending object.

Method for providing automatic and dynamic translation of object

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Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Avadis Tevanian