Table of Contents

Features

The Perl Debugger by Jeremy Impson

The Perl debugger, a part of the core Perl distribution, is a useful tool to master, allowing close interactive examination of executing Perl code.

Building Reusable Java Widgets by R.J. Celestino

An introduction to writing pluggable do-it-yourself widgets for the Java programmer.

Building a Distributed Spreadsheet in Modula-3 by John Kominek

Mr. Kominek introduces us to the Modula-3 language and shows us how it can be used for cross-platform programming.

Doubly Linked Lists and the Abstract Data Type by Carl Nobile

The ADT concept is at the heart of object-oriented programming and cross-platform development. Mr. Nobile gives us an example with his doubly linked list libraries.

The Importance of the GUI in Cross Platform Development by Michael Babcock

The fragmentation of development energy into too many GUI toolkits is one of the most serious problems facing the Linux community today.

News & Articles

Rapid Prototyping with Tcl/Tk by Richard Schwaninger

A discussion of rapid prototyping and how it can benefit programmers in creating software to match the customer's needs.

CDE Plug-and-Play by George Kraft IV

The programming infrastructure, such as ToolTalk, is a major strength of the Common Desktop Environment. This article illustrates client and server plug-and-play through the use of the Desktop's Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

The Python DB-API by Andrew M. Kuchling

A Python SIG has put together a DB-API standard; Mr. Kuchling gives us the details.

Toward Greater Portability: A Quixotic View by Graydon L. Ekdahl, Ph.D.

Reviews

• Product Review
  The Yard Relational Database System by Fred Butzen

  Book Reviews

  A Practical Guide to Linux by Todd Sundsted

  HTML: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition by Eric S. Raymond

WWWsmith

Protecting Your Site with Access Controls by Reuven M. Lerner

Columns

Letters to the Editor

Stop the Presses

Open Source Debate by Phil Hughes

Take Command

gprof, bprof and Time Profilers by Andy Vaught
Mr. Vaught shows programmers a few commands to determine which sections of their code need optimization.

Linux Means Business

Linux on Track: Data Acquisition on German High Speed Trains by Harald Kirsch
Linux was used in two projects as a data acquisition system running more or less autonomously in the German ICE trains. This article describes design issues and implementation as well as the problems and solutions used in those projects.

New Products

System Administration

RAID0 Implementation Under Linux by Jay Munsterman
A practical guide to setting up and using a RAID0 device with the multiple device (md) driver.

Linux Gazette

KDE and GNOME by Larry Ayers
A quick look at two projects designed to make the administration and usage of a Linux system easier for beginners.

Best of Technical Support