Category:SOUL

The pages in this category describe the SOUL programming language, which is used to write systems and applications in Model 204. SOUL is the name of the language; some of its essential features are represented by thinking of the name as an acronym for Simple Objective User Language. Most significantly, it offers all of the benefits and features of the object oriented programming model, provides a natural fit for programmers accustomed to other contemporary object oriented languages, and provides syntax and semantics which are carefully tailored for the manipulation of Model 204 databases, seamlessly integrated in the language.

Prior to version 7.5 of Model 204, the language used for systems in and applications in Model 204 was termed User Language, and a number of extensions to it were available from Sirius Software, including but not limited to object oriented features. Sirius Software has been acquired by Rocket Software and all of its products, including these extensions, are now provided by Rocket Software, either as part of the base Model 204 product, or as separately licensed products.

Starting with version 7.5 of Model 204, SOUL is availalble to all Model 204 customers. It is an evolving language, frequently enhanced. It contains all of the features formerly provided in User Language, together with the object oriented features provided by Sirius Software, including some, but not all, of the system classes.

The documentation for SOUL is in the process of combining the previous User Language and Sirius Software documentation; hence, although there is one language, SOUL, the current documentation may refer to User Language or the Janus SOAP User Language Interface; these will be modified to simply refer to SOUL.

For someone new to the language, you may wish to start with the

• introduction page.

For someone who has used User Language but has not used the extensions provided by Sirius Software, you may wish to see the page describing those

• extensions formerly provided by Sirius Software.