Object-oriented visualization software IDL 5.0 is a fourth-generation programming language for

Object-oriented visualization software IDL 5.0 is a fourth-generation programming language for engineers, scientists, and software developers building data-analysis and data-visualization applications. IDL includes a suite of mathematics, statistics, graphics, image-processing, mapping, and general data-manipulation features in an integrated package. Because IDL 5.0 simplifies programming and does not require any edit-compile-link-debug cycles, applications can be developed much faster. Prior to version 5.0, IDL developers had to learn a language syntax and write IDL code to build data-analysis and visualization applications. Version 5.0 features a built-in graphical user interface that provides direct access to the most commonly used functions. Among other enhancements are support for OpenGL, true interactive graphics capabilities, and a object-oriented graphics architecture. Research Systems, 2995 Wilderness Place, Boulder, CO 80301; (303) 786-9900; Fax: (303) 786-9909.