To use a direct-interface program to retrieve attribute values, your component must register with the service layer as a direct-interface component. When it registers, the component passes its entry point to the service layer. This enables the service layer to pass control to the direct-interface program when an attribute's value is required. When the direct-interface program unloads, it unregisters with the service layer.

You can indicate that your component relies on a direct-interface program by using the direct-interface keyword in the path definition of the component's MIF file. For example: 

   start paths
         name = "NAMES - Direct Interface"
         os2 = direct-interface
         unix = direct-interface
   end paths

This ensures that the service layer can return an appropriate error if it attempts to access the value for an attribute and the direct-interface program is not running.

For implementation details specific to the operating environments supported by SystemView Agent: