WorldScript
Encyclopedia
WorldScript was the multilingual text rendering engine for Apple Macintosh before Mac OS X
was introduced.
Starting with version 7.1, Apple unified the implementation of non-Roman script systems in a programming interface called WorldScript. WorldScript I was used for all one-byte character sets and WorldScript II for two-byte sets. Support for new script systems was added by so-called Language Kits. Some kits were provided with foreign versions of the system software, and others were sold by Apple and third parties. Application support for WorldScript was not universal, since building in support was a significant task. Good international support gave a marketing edge to word-processing programs such as Nisus Writer
and programs using the WASTE text engine
, since Microsoft Word
prior to version 2001 was not WorldScript aware.
In 8.5, full Unicode
support was added to Mac OS through an API
called ATSUI. However, WorldScript remained the dominant technology for international text until Mac OS X, because of limited application support for ATSUI.
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
was introduced.
Starting with version 7.1, Apple unified the implementation of non-Roman script systems in a programming interface called WorldScript. WorldScript I was used for all one-byte character sets and WorldScript II for two-byte sets. Support for new script systems was added by so-called Language Kits. Some kits were provided with foreign versions of the system software, and others were sold by Apple and third parties. Application support for WorldScript was not universal, since building in support was a significant task. Good international support gave a marketing edge to word-processing programs such as Nisus Writer
Nisus Writer
Nisus Writer, originally Nisus, is a word processing program for the Apple Macintosh. The program is available in two varieties: Nisus Writer Express, and Nisus Writer Pro....
and programs using the WASTE text engine
WASTE text engine
The WASTE is an Apple Macintosh text editing software library. The "text engine" allows Macintosh programmers to easily add advanced text display and editing features to their applications....
, since Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a word processor designed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1983 under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems. Subsequent versions were later written for several other platforms including IBM PCs running DOS , the Apple Macintosh , the AT&T Unix PC , Atari ST , SCO UNIX,...
prior to version 2001 was not WorldScript aware.
In 8.5, full Unicode
Unicode
Unicode is a computing industry standard for the consistent encoding, representation and handling of text expressed in most of the world's writing systems...
support was added to Mac OS through an API
Application programming interface
An application programming interface is a source code based specification intended to be used as an interface by software components to communicate with each other...
called ATSUI. However, WorldScript remained the dominant technology for international text until Mac OS X, because of limited application support for ATSUI.