This book, the Open Client Client-Library/C Programmer’s Guide, contains information on how to write C applications using Open Client™ Client-Library™.
The Open Client Client-Library/C Programmer’s Guide is written for application programmers familiar with the C programming language.
When writing a Client-Library application, use this book as a source of general information on how to construct Client-Library programs.
Chapter 1, “Getting Started with Client-Library” explains how to structure a basic Client-Library program and includes a simple, complete Client-Library application.
Chapter 2, “Understanding Structures, Constants, and Conventions” contains information about Client-Library structures, constants, and parameter conventions.
Chapter 3, “Using Open Client and Server Datatypes” contains a summary of datatypes that can be used in a Client-Library application.
Chapter 4, “Handling Errors and Messages” explains how to handle Client-Library and server errors in your application.
Chapter 5, “Choosing Command Types” explains when and how to use the different command types in your application.
Chapter 6, “Writing Results-Handling Code” explains Client-Library’s results processing model.
Chapter 7, “Using Client-Library Cursors” explains how to declare and manipulate Client-Library cursors.
Chapter 8, “Using Dynamic SQL Commands” explains how to use dynamic SQL queries in your applications.
Chapter 9, “Using Directory Services” contains information about how to handle Client-Library and server error and informational messages.
Appendix A, “Logical Sequence of Calls” contains diagrams of the legal call sequences in Client-Library applications.
The installation guide explains how to install Client-Library.
The Open Client Client-Library/C Reference Manual contains reference information for Client-Library.
The Open Client Client-Library Migration Guide contains information on how DB-Library™ applications can be converted to Client-Library applications. For DB-Library programmers, this book is also a useful comparison of the DB-Library and Client-Library interfaces.
The Open Client and Open Server Common Libraries Reference Manual contains reference information for:
CS-Library
Bulk-Library
The Open Client/Server Programmer’s Supplement contains platform-specific material for Open Client/Server™ developers. This document includes information about:
Compiling and linking an application
The example programs that are included online with Open Client/Server products
Routines that have platform-specific behavior
The Open Client/Server Configuration Guide contains information needed by system administrators who configure the Open Client/Server installation environment. This document includes information about:
Platform-specific localization mechanisms
Configuring Sybase® drivers for network services
The interfaces file
The Open Client/Server International Developer’s Guide contains information needed by programmer’s who develop international applications with Client-Library. This document includes:
A description of the localization mechanism used by the Open Client and Open Server™ libraries
Guidelines for developing international applications with the Open Client and Open Server libraries
Because application development can draw on a number of different parts of the Sybase system, you may encounter most of the Sybase documents at some time. The following manuals are particularly useful:
The Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise Reference Manual describes the Transact-SQL® database language, which an application uses to create and manipulate Sybase Adaptive Server® Enterprise database objects.
The Transact-SQL User’s Guide serves as a textbook on Transact-SQL (T-SQL) for new SQL programmers or programmers who are experienced with another Structured Query Language (SQL) dialect.
The Open Client DB-Library Reference Manual describes DB-Library, a collection of routines for use in writing client applications. Because DB-Library is an older interface, Sybase encourages customers to use Client-Library for new application development.
The Open Server Server-Library/C Reference Manual contains reference information for Open Server Server-Library, a collection of routines for use in writing Open Server applications.
Use the Sybase Getting Started CD, the Sybase Technical Library CD and the Technical Library Product Manuals Web site to learn more about your product:
The Getting Started CD contains release bulletins and installation guides in PDF format, and may also contain other documents or updated information not included on the Technical Library CD. It is included with your software. To read or print documents on the Getting Started CD you need Adobe Acrobat Reader (downloadable at no charge from the Adobe Web site, using a link provided on the CD).
The Technical Library CD contains product manuals and is included with your software. The DynaText reader (included on the Technical Library CD) allows you to access technical information about your product in an easy-to-use format.
Refer to the Technical Library Installation Guide in your documentation package for instructions on installing and starting the Technical Library.
The Technical Library Product Manuals Web site is an HTML version of the Technical Library CD that you can access using a standard Web browser. In addition to product manuals, you will find links to EBFs/Updates, Technical Documents, Case Management, Solved Cases, newsgroups, and the Sybase Developer Network.
To access the Technical Library Product Manuals Web site, go to Product Manuals.
Technical documentation at the Sybase Web site is updated frequently.
Finding the latest information on product certifications
Point your Web browser to Technical Documents.
Select Products from the navigation bar on the left.
Select a product name from the product list and click Go.
Select the Certification Report filter, specify a time frame, and click Go.
Click a Certification Report title to display the report.
Creating a personalized view of the Sybase Web
site (including support pages)
Set up a MySybase profile. MySybase is a free service that allows you to create a personalized view of Sybase Web pages.
Point your Web browser to Technical Documents.
Click MySybase and create a MySybase profile.
Finding the latest information on EBFs and software
updates
Point your Web browser to the Sybase Support Page.
Select EBFs/Updates. Enter user name and password information, if prompted (for existing Web accounts) or create a new account (a free service).
Select a product.
Specify a time frame and click Go.
Click the Info icon to display the EBF/Update report, or click the product description to download the software.
Program code is indented and shown in a monospace font:
ct_init(mycontext, CS_VERSION_100);
In text, routine names and Transact-SQL keywords are shown in a narrow, bold font:
ct_init, the select statement
Each Sybase installation that has purchased a support contract has one or more designated people who are authorized to contact Sybase Technical Support. If you cannot resolve a problem using the manuals or online help, please have the designated person contact Sybase Technical Support or the Sybase subsidiary in your area.
