Information Presentation Facility

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Information Presentation Facility (IPF) is a system for presenting online help and hypertext on IBM OS/2 systems. IPF also refers to the markup language that is used to create IPF content. The IPF language has its origins in BookMaster and Generalized_Markup_Language developed by IBM.

IPF files are compiled using the IPF Compiler (IPFC) into viewable INF or HLP files. IPF HLP files are distinct from the WinHelp HLP files that are prevalent in Windows.

OS/2 contains a built in viewer, and there are other viewers available for other platforms.

[edit] Example

Here is a sample of IPF markup from IBM's Information Presentation Facility Programming Guide.

    .*
    :userdoc.
    :title.Endangered Mammals
    :h1 res=001.The Manatee
    .*
    :p.
    The manatee has a broad flat tail and two flipper
    like forelegs.  There are no back legs.
    The manatee's large upper lip is split in two and
    can be used like fingers to place food into the
    mouth.  Bristly hair protrudes from its lips,
    and almost buried in its hide are small eyes, with
    which it can barely see.
    .*
    :euserdoc.

[edit] Status of IPF

IPF is still used as part of OS/2's latest incarnation, eComStation. It is otherwise rarely used, although there are several tools that can read or write IPF files.

HTMIPF: Converts HTML to IPF
HyperMake: Multi-format documentation generator
IPF Editor: Commercial IPF editor
UDO: Open source multi-format documentation generator
VyperHelp: Open source IPF editor and converter