Practical UNIX

Custom Applications

The largest, most important group of programs for UNIX systems are custom applications. Programmers choose UNIX for the wide range of languages, compilers, and computer platforms available. These programmers specialize in a particular industry, such as dental offices or petroleum companies. They create software that knows the intimate jargon and requirements of that industry. They then go to trade shows for that industry and demonstrate a turn-key system that can automate that business.

Of course, such software is not sold in PC stores because it is much too specialized for the needs of the general public. Instead, go to the Web sites of the major UNIX vendors to find links to custom applications available for all types of ...