Build Simple Asynchronous Pluggable Protocols for Windows

You're not limited to the familiar asynchronous pluggable protocols (APPs) such as ftp://, http://, and javascript:// that are built into Windows; you can implement your own protocols, add them to Windows' recognized protocol list, and then use them from any application—and you can implement your protocol in any language. This article uses the Rebol scripting language to create a protocol that works similarly to the javascript:// protocol, compiling and evaluating arbitrary Rebol statements and displaying the results. 


by Bryan Rasmussen
August 26, 2003  
advertisement
very protocol—whether familiar (such as http, mailto, ftp, and about) or less familiar (such as JavaScript, VBScript, Outlook, NNTP, news, snews, and so forth)—is implemented on Windows machines as an asynchronous pluggable protocol (APP). These protocols can plug directly into Windows' existing protocol framework. The only common protocol not implemented as an APP (at least on my computer) is SMTP. You can call any of these protocols from any interface in Windows that allows protocol interaction, regardless of whether the interface is programmatic or graphical.

To prove it, go to the Run command on your Start button and write the following: 


javascript: alert("hello world");

It's quick, easy and you get access to all the articles on DevX.
This registration/login is to allow you to read articles on devx.com.
Already a member?