Event handling in a high level programming language environment

Abstract

A method and means for handling events in a computer system which occur during the execution of programs including routines prepared in a plurality of computer programming languages is described. The number and identity of each unique computer programming language used in the preparation of the program is determined using a language list contained in the application program. A unique event handling means (event handler) is initialized for each unique computer programming language used in the program. As the program executes selected events of interest to the event handlers are detected. The parameters associated with the selected event are determined. Optionally the detected events may be divided into two types: broadcast or targeted. Broadcast events are sent to all event handlers (except the debug event handler), whereas, the targeted events are sent to a single event handler. An event code and the relevant parameters are passed to the event handlers so that each event handler may perform whatever actions are appropriate for that event in the context of the programming language being supported. The event handlers generate an appropriate return code indicating the success, failure, or non-processing of the event and, for selected events, return request information. The invention provides for a separate specialized debug event handler.