A. The C Client Interface

Included with Player is a simple, no-frills client interface library written in ANSI C (client_libs/c). This client is intentionally primitive and most users will find it inconvenient for writing anything more that the simplest control program. Rather than direct use, the C client should be considered the reference implementation of a Player client library and should be consulted for networking details when writing new clients in other languages (the C client can also be used directly as a low-level substrate for other clients; the C++ client is implemented in this way). In the file playercclient.c are defined the 5 device-neutral functions necessary in any client:

• player_connect() : connect to the server
• player_disconnect() : disconnect from the server
• player_read() : read one data packet from the server
• player_write() : write one command packet to the server
• player_request() : send a request packet and wait for the reply

In addition, the very useful helper function player_request_device_access() (a special case of player_request() that obtains access to devices) is defined.

In the files print.c and helpers.c are defined some device-specific functions that simplify direct use of the C client; we do not document them here.