• Use default parameter settings for API calls as much as possible.
  When a parameter is not specified explicitly on a GDDM call, the call usually takes the parameter setting from the standard defaults set by the systems support personnel who customize the system. By omitting an explicit parameter on a call, you give end users the freedom to choose parameters for the defaults that best suit their devices. As more devices are supported, users can change their defaults files, so your application doesn't need to be changed to work with them.
• Use the Base API query calls in your program to determine the characteristics of devices being used with the application.
  You can then include special routines for any device that deviates from the normal support. Some query calls are described in this topic-see the GDDM Base Application Programming Reference book for a full list.

Subtopics:

• 19.2.1 Avoiding dependencies when opening and using devices