1984/10/01 by Robert N. Pike · 23 citations
Computer Science · #Distributed and Parallel Computing Systems #Cellular Automata and Applications #Parallel Computing and Optimization Techniques #Unix #Terminal (telecommunication) #Computer science #Computer multitasking #Operating system #Bitmap #Asynchronous communication #Multiplexing #Software #Graphics #Host (biology) #Embedded system #Computer graphics (images) #Computer network
paper · doi:10.1002/j.1538-7305.1984.tb00056.x
published in AT&T Bell Laboratories Technical Journal 63(8), 1607-1631 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
openalex publication_date 1984/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/03/20
The Blit is a programmable bitmap graphics terminal designed specifically to run with the UNIX™ operating system. The software in the terminal provides an asynchronous multiwindow environment, and thereby exploits the multiprogramming capabilities of the UNIX system, which have been largely under-utilized because of the restrictions of conventional terminals. This paper discusses the design motivation of the Blit, gives an overview of the user interface, mentions some of the novel uses of multiprogramming made possible by the Blit, and describes the implementation of the multiplexing facilities on the host and in the terminal. Because most of the functionality is provided by the terminal, the discussion focuses on the structure of the terminal's software.