Functionality

The HIGZ system is subdivided into three main sets of functions:

1. Basic graphics functions (I... routines), interfacing to the underlying graphics package, with calling sequences identical to those of GKS.
2. Higher-level macroprimitives (IG... routines), and the related control routines.
3. Memory management function (IZ... routines), interfacing to the memory management system (ZEBRA).

   The IG... and the I... functions act on the screen and/or on the data structure in main storage. All graphics functions producing a graphics object are able to direct the output:

   1. to the display device
   2. to the data management system
   3. to both

   These actions are controlled by a switch set by the routine IGZSET.

   The IZ... functions are the memory management functions. They act on the data structure in main storage and on the data stored on disk. This is  particularly useful during an interactive session, as the user is able to ``replay'' pictures previously created, with no need to recall the application program, but just accessing the picture data base.

   These two sets of functions are described pictorially on the figure [more info].

   
                                                                
    
   
   Figure:  Structure of the HIGZ system.
   
   
    [HIGZSYS]