(1) (
Interface
Definition
Language,
Interface
Description
Language) A language used to describe the interface to a software component or routine in a manner that is not dependent on a particular programming language or operating system. Because an IDL is independent of language and machine, it enables communications between applications running in different operating environments. For example, the Web Services Description Language (WSDL) discloses the interface for routines that provide Web services. Likewise, the CORBA system, a service oriented architecture (SOA) that predates Web services, uses an IDL. See
WSDL and
CORBA.
(2) (
Interactive
Data
Language) An interpreted programming language from ITT Visual Information Solutions, Boulder, CO, formerly Research Systems, Inc., that runs on Windows, Mac and various Unix platforms. It is used to write image processing and visualization applications. Well known products written in IDL include Research Systems' own ENVI software and the RiverTools application from Rivix, LLC.
A Scientific and Aerospace Influence
Initially created for NASA astronomers by David Stern, founder of RSI in 1977, IDL provides high-level commands for accessing images, performing data analyses and displaying 3D objects. IDL includes a complete development environment and also comes as an ActiveX control so that its routines can be accessed from user interfaces written in other languages such as Visual Basic. IDL On the Net, or ION, is a family of products that lets applications be shared across a network. IDL VM (Virtual Machine) is a free runtime utility that allows distribution of compiled IDL code applets.
In 2000, Eastman Kodak acquired RSI as a wholly owned subsidiary, then sold it to ITT Corporation in 2004, along with its Remote Sensing Systems division.