Printers, adding new (SVR5)

This article summarizes how to add support for a new printer to the SVR5 printer subsystem. See ``Adding a new printer type'' for more information.

1. Create a private file for the printer that contains the information required for the model.stz(DSP/4dsp) file. The ``key'', ``interface'', and ``name'' fields are mandatory; most printers should define all fields.

2. Create a terminfo(4) script that defines the printer's features.

3. Run the tic utility to compile the terminfo entry into terminfo format. One entry is created for each of the aliases generated. By default, these entries are placed in the /usr/share/lib/terminfo directory tree, in the subdirectory that corresponds to the first letter or number of the alias name.

4. For printers that provide capabilities beyond the basic ones, create a Printer Interface Script using the routines documented on the curs_terminfo manual page. Use the /etc/lp/mode/standard file as a model; all Printer Interface Scripts must support all the basic options defined in the standard file.

5. If necessary, create a printer filter to convert the content type of a file to a type acceptable to a printer. For example, the PS filter passes postscript output directly to the printer instead of processing a print job as if it were plain text and converting it to postscript.

   Filters can be created in any programming language, including shell scripts. The print service is notified of new supported filters with the lpfilter utility.

6. To create an installable driver package, write a postinstall script that writes the private file created in step 1 to the end of the model.stz(DSP/4dsp) file. Any scripting language can be used, but SCO recommends using OSA VTCL ; see Developing Visual Tcl applications.