DDK Glossary - N

named pipe

A named buffer that provides client-to-server, server-to-client, or full duplex communication between unrelated processes. Contrast with unnamed pipe.

national language support (NLS)

The modification or conversion of a United States English product to conform to the requirements of another language or country. This can include the enabling or retrofitting of a product and the translation of nomenclature, MRI, or documentation of a product. Abbreviated as NLS.

nested list

A list that is contained within another list.

non-8.3 file-name format

A file-naming convention in which file names can consist of up to 255 characters. See also 8.3 file-name format.

noncritical extended attribute

An extended attribute that is not necessary for the function of an application.

nondestructive read

Reading that does not erase the data in the source location. (T)

noninteractive program

A running program that cannot receive input from the keyboard or other input device. Compare with active program, and contrast with interactive program.

nonretained graphics

Graphic primitives that are not remembered by the Presentation Manager interface when they have been drawn. Contrast with retained graphics.

notification callout

The feature that provides for a routine to be called on completion of an input/output request. See also notification routine.

notification routine

The routine indicated in an input/output request block to be called on completion of that request. See also notification callout.

null character (NUL)

(1) Character-device name reserved for a nonexistent (dummy) device. (2) A control character that is used to accomplish media-fill or time-fill and that may be inserted into or removed from a sequence of characters without affecting the meaning of the sequence; however, the control of equipment or the format may be affected by this character. (I) (A)

null-terminated string

A string of (n+1) characters where the (n+1)th character is the null character (0x00), used to represent an n-character string with implicit length. Also known as a zero-terminated string or an ASCIIZ string.