Generation of interactive displays from FORTRAN using the PDP ‐ 10/LDS‐1 computer graphics system

The PDP‐10/LDS‐1 combination is a powerful and versatile computer graphics system. A package of programs described here permits the generation of displays and interaction with them by means of simple calls from FORTRAN programs. This makes computer graphics available to individuals who know a little FORTRAN but no assembler language. It serves also as a useful introduction to the LDS‐1 for experienced programmers who intend to learn the assembler language and to write their own programs Experience with the language has shown that it is learnable quickly by the class of users at which it is aimed. In addition, the same package has been used by more experienced programmers as a powerful research tool in the study of conformations of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, DNA and RNA.