Part II.

CDL Language Reference

Chapter 6. Introduction to CDL
The primary goal of CDL is to facilitate the creation of a command driven user-oriented interface between user and application.
The feature of CDL and run-time command interpretation is that the application designer can design and tailor the user
interface to conform to the style and nomenclature of the engineering/scientific discipline.
Commands are typically divided into three type. Input commands supply a description of the problem. Action command direct
some action to be taken based upon information provided. Output commands provide for an orderly review of the results of the
actions performed.
CDL Compatibility
CDL compilers source statements into C language source code. The C source is compiled by the Waterloo C compiler in to
object code. Command modules are formed from object code in the same way ICETRAN program modules are formed from
object code from the VS FORTRAN compiler.