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Programmer's Project Manager (PPM)
Version 1.10
Copyright 1993
by
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha MN 56437-0297
Phone: (218) 924-2050
FAX: (218) 924-2050 (Ext. 11)
The Bertha BBS: (218) 924-2060, 8,N,1
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Welcome! │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
STSI is proud to introduce PPM into the shareware market. PPM is a utility
designed to make programming easier. Much easier! By setting up your own
program in PPM, you can compile and link your source files, compress the
resulting EXE file, date and time stamp selected release files, scan them for
viruses, create a final compressed file in .ZIP, .ARJ, or .SQZ format, and
copy any of the above categories of files to destination directories on any
drive. PPM is meant to be a complete environment, helping you put together a
program from start to finish.
If you appreciate PPM, you are encouraged to call The Bertha BBS at (218) 924-
2060, and let us know! Comments, suggestions, and enhancement requests are
always welcome!
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Requirements │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
To run PPM reliably, you will need the following:
∙ DOS 3.3 or Higher
∙ IBM PC, PC-Compatible or MS-DOS Computer with a Hard Drive and 640K RAM
∙ CGA Color, EGA Color, or VGA Color Monitor (Highly Recommended)
Page 1
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Table of Contents: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Title Page & Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
Quick-Start Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
PPM's Feature List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Installing PPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Executing PPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
Using PPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
The File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
The Project Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
The Compile Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
The Link Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
The Utility Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
The Master Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17
The Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
The Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20
Troubleshooting / Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
Questions And Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
Programs Mentioned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
PPM Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24
Page 2
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Quick-Start Instructions: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
To get PPM up and running in a hurry, follow these Quick-Start instructions:
1. Run the Install program by logging to the correct drive and directory, and
type "INSTALL".
2. After installing PPM, you should edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, and add the
following statement:
SET PPM=DRIVE:\PATH (Replace with your drive and path.)
EXAMPLE: SET PPM=D:\PPM
(Note: You do not need to edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT file if you accepted the
default destination directory of "C:\PPM".)
3. Reboot your machine to ensure that the new changes to your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file have taken effect.
4. Execute Programmer's Project Manger by typing "PPM".
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Disclaimer: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
By using PPM and/or any of its components, users indicate their acceptance of
the following terms:
"PPM is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or
implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and
of fitness for any purpose. Neither STSI, The Bertha BBS, or any STSI
employees will be held responsible for any damages, direct or consequential,
which may result from the use of PPM and/or any of its components."
"Information in this documentation is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of STSI. STSI may make
improvements and/or changes in this documentation or in the products and/or
programs described in this documentation at any time."
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Registration: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
PPM is distributed under the shareware concept. It is NOT freeware! You may
try PPM for a period of two weeks. After this period, you must either
discontinue using it, or register it. A single-user license is only $49.95.
This price includes printed documentation, 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" diskettes, and a
registration number for PPM.
By registering PPM and receiving a valid registration number, users will be
able to automatically remove all program delays, and will be notified of
Page 3
major product updates and revisions.
To order PPM and receive a registration number, call STSI at (218) 924-2050,
and charge it to your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit
card. Upon request, you will receive a temporary registration number over the
telephone. Using this number will automatically remove all delay screens from
PPM. For further registration information and pricing, please read the
REGISTER.DOC file included with PPM. There is also a registration form
contained at the end of this documentation file.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Technical Support: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Technical support is available to PPM users through the following means:
The Bertha BBS: New versions of PPM will be posted here as soon as they are
available. The Bertha BBS uses a U.S. Robotics Dual-
Standard Modem, which is capable of V.32bis, V.32, HST, and
2400 baud connect speeds. The access number for The Bertha
BBS is (218)-924-2060. Technical support questions should
be addressed to the SYSOP.
STSI FAX: STSI has a FAX machine on-line 24 hours-a-day to accept FAX
transmissions. Technical support questions / problems may
be faxed to (218) 924-2050. Most FAX transmissions will be
automatically routed to the FAX machine. If you have
problems reaching our FAX machine, wait until after the
first ring, press 11, and then begin transmitting.
Telephone: Technical support calls may be placed at (218) 924-2050.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ PPM's Feature List │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
PPM makes programming easier. Much easier! By setting up your own program in
PPM, you can perform any or all of the following tasks:
1. Edit source, documentation, or release files directly from PPM.
* Choose an editor from a master list, or customize the editor name,
path, and switches as you need them.
* Optionally use PPMEDIT, a built-in (64K-limit) text editor with a
multiple document interface, and other powerful features.
* Optionally pass the name of a source, documentation, or release file
to edit, so your editor can pre-load it.
2. Compile all, selected, or changed source files.
Page 4
* Choose the project compiler from a master list, or customize the
compiler name, path, and switches as you need them.
* Optionally pause after each compile, last compile, or disable pausing.
3. Link all source files.
* Choose the project linker from a master list, or customize the linker
name, path, and switches as you need them.
* Select any combination of libraries to include from a master list.
* Set the name of the executable file to be created, and specify the
first file to be listed in the linking process.
* Optionally specify the second file to be listed in the linking
process.
* Optionally pause after linking, or disable pausing.
* Optionally create a link map file.
* Optionally compress the EXE file immediately after linking.
4. Compress the executable file.
* Choose the EXE compressor from a master list, or customize the
compressor name, path, and switches as you need them.
* Optionally pause after compressing the EXE file, or disable pausing.
5. Date and time stamp the release files.
* Enter a specific date and time to place on selected release files.
* PPM allows version tracking, and displays the program's version
number on the date/time stamping screen.
6. Virus scan the release files.
* Choose the virus scanner from a master list, or customize the
scanner name, path, and switches as you need them.
* Optionally pause after scanning each file, the last file, or disable
pausing.
7. Compress the release files for distribution.
* Choose the project compressor from a master list, or customize the
compressor name, path, and switches as you need them.
* Optionally pause after compressing the project files, or disable
pausing.
* Specify the name and path of the compressed file to be created.
* Use PKZIP, ARJ, or SQZ to compress the release files.
Page 5
8. Update files to destination directories.
* Optionally copy the source files, documentation files, release files,
executable file, or compressed file to one or more destination
directories during PPM's update routine. This is especially helpful
for backing up precious data, or creating a master directory full of
your program's files.
9. Create a master program.
* Optionally perform any one or more of the previously listed events in
sequence.
10. Print any or all of the project files.
* Print files directly from PPM, or route them to an external printing
utility. (Useful for laser printers and utilities that can print 2-up
on a laser printer.)
11. Run the executable file directly from PPM.
* Optionally specify run arguments (command line parameters) to be
passed during the execution process.
12. Other features...
* Create a master list of compilers, linkers, libraries, editors, EXE
compressors, virus scanners, and project compressors. PPM supports an
unlimited number of entries in each category.
* Create project files in one of three categories: source files,
documentation files, or release files. PPM supports an unlimited
number of files in each category. Create default directories for each
category of files.
* Optionally use PPM's optimum shell routines to swap PPM to disk or EMS
when executing an external program.
* Mouseable interface makes PPM fast and easy to use!
Why use PPM? It does everything except write the programming code for you!
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Installing PPM │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
The files needed to properly install PPM are listed in the file PACKING.LST.
Log to the drive where you are installing PPM from, and type "INSTALL". The
installation program will ask you where you are installing PPM from (usually,
the current directory), and the location where the program files should be
stored. (The default destination directory is C:\PPM.)
PPM can be installed on any drive in your system, including network drives.
Page 6
Important! Be sure to include a "SET PPM=N:\PPM" statement (or wherever you
put PPM), in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If this environment
variable is not found, PPM defaults to using the C:\PPM sub-
directory.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Executing PPM │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
To execute PPM, type "PPM" from the \PPM sub-directory, and press [ENTER].
PPM's desktop will display the main menu, along with a logo containing version
and copyright information.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Using PPM │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
PPM has a user-friendly interface to make working with project files as easy
and seamless as possible. PPM supports the use of either the mouse or the
keyboard. Persons using the keyboard will want to become familiar with the
keys and key combinations available for use within PPM. They are as follows:
HOME Move to beginning of field
CTRL+HOME Move to beginning of field
END Move to end of field
CTRL+END Move to end of field
INSERT Insert Mode / Overstrike Mode
DELETE Remove character over the cursor
BACKSPACE Remove character left of the cursor
LEFT ARROW Move cursor one character to the left
RIGHT ARROW Move cursor one character to the right
ENTER Move cursor to the next field
TAB Move cursor to next field
SHIFT+TAB Move cursor to previous field
ALT+DOWN ARROW Show list on drop-down list box
DOWN ARROW Select next entry in drop-down list box
UP ARROW Select previous entry in drop-down list box
SPACE BAR Highlight file in file list box
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Getting Started │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
To start working with PPM, you will need to set up your defaults under the
Setup menu. This should always be the place to start, since all other project
settings depend on what is set up under the Setup Menu. Modify each of the
options on the Setup screen as they apply to you. For information on what
each of the options on the Setup screens mean, see "The Setup Menu", explained
below.
After you have set up the PPM program defaults, you can create your first
project. The following steps will assist you in creating a new project file.
1. Select New Project from the File menu, fill in each of the fields, and
select Ok.
Page 7
2. Select Project Paths from the Project menu, and enter the default path
where your source, documentation, and release files will be maintained.
The source path should be the location of the files that will be compiled
and linked. The documentation path should be the location where text
(information) files will be created and edited. The release path should
be the location of the files that will released with the project. These
files can be optionally date and time stamped, scanned for viruses, and
included in a compressed project file.
3. Select Project Editors from the Project menu, and set up the default
editors you will be using for each set of files.
4. Select Manage Project Files from the Project menu, and add the names and
paths of the files you want included in each group.
5. Select Compiler from the Compile menu, and choose the default compiler you
will be using with the current project.
6. Select Linker from the Link menu, and choose the default linker you will
be using with the current project.
7. Select Libraries from the Link menu, and mark each of the library names
that you want included in the linking process.
8. Select EXE Filename / Link Files from the Link menu, and specify the name
and path of the executable filename to be created, the first file to be
listed in the link response file, and, optionally, the second file to be
listed in the link response file.
9. Select EXE Compressor from the Link menu, and choose the default EXE
Compressor you will be using with the current project.
10. Select Virus Scanner from the Utility menu, and choose the default Virus
Scanner you will be using with the current project.
11. Select Project Compressor from the Utility menu, and choose the default
Project Compressor you will be using with the current project.
12. Select Setup Update Routines from the Master menu, and enter the paths
where each of the listed file groups should be copied during the update
routine.
13. Select Save Project from the File menu to save your project file with your
customized settings.
Taking the steps listed above will help you to get started on your own project
with PPM. Once each of these steps has been completed, you should be prepared
to use any of PPM's features.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The File Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
New Project:
Selecting New Project allows the creation of a new PPM project file in .PPM
format. When this option is selected, a screen will display prompting you for
the filename, project description, and version number. When entering the
project's version number, only enter the numeric representation of the
Page 8
version. For example, type "1.05", not "Version 1.05". (PPM displays the
version number on the date/time stamp screen to assist you when stamping your
release files.)
Open Project:
Opening a project allows an existing project file to be opened for use on the
desktop. The starting drive and directory for opening files is the default
path for .PPM files, as specified in the Setup PPM Path screen.
Close Project:
Closing a project file removes it from use on the desktop, and disables all
related menu items until another project file is created or opened. If any
changes have not been saved to the project file, PPM will warn you and give
you the option to save them before closing.
Save Project:
Saving a project file places all of your current settings into a .PPM file,
allowing you to recall them for later use. Among the information stored in a
.PPM file is the list of source, documentation, and release files, and the
names, paths, and switches of the compiler, linker, scanner, compressors,
libraries, and editors you have selected as the default for your project.
Save Project As:
Selecting Save Project As allows a project to be saved under a new filename,
maintaining all of the default settings already set up in the source project
file that is being copied.
Print Processor:
This option can be selected to choose a print processor for the open project
file. PPM allows direct printing of source, documentation, and release files,
but also offers the option of routing files to an external print processor.
This can be useful for printing your files in a custom fashion, such as
printing source files 2-up on a page using a laser printer. The list of
available external print processors depends on the ones you set up on the
Setup Defaults screen.
Print:
When this option is selected, PPM displays the printing screen. One file can
be printed at a time, with the option of sending it directly to the printer
port (LPT1, LPT2, or LPT3) or to a file, or the file can be routed through an
external print processor, as set up under the Print Processor option explained
above. (Note: Network users experiencing errors when printing should see the
Troubleshooting section toward the end of this documentation.)
Delete Project:
Selecting Delete Project allows an existing project file to be deleted from
the drive. The starting drive and directory for deleting files is the default
path for .PPM files, as specified in the Setup PPM Path screen.
Page 9
Shell To DOS:
PPM's Shell To DOS feature is handy for programmers who need to perform other
functions in the middle of using PPM. PPM can do a standard Shell To DOS, or
it can use a special Optimum Shell routine that swaps PPM out to EMS or to
disk. (Default Optimum Shell options can be specified on the Setup Optimum
Shell Options screen.) Using the Optimum Shell option provides more available
memory to execute other programs, etc.
Exit PPM:
When you are ready to exit PPM, you can select Exit PPM from the File menu.
Before exiting, PPM will warn you if your project file contains unsaved
changes, offering you the option to save them before exiting. PPM will then
close the project file, and display a confirmation message before exiting.
(Mouse users can double-click on the close box located in the top left corner
of the PPM title bar to execute the Exit PPM command.)
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The Project Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Project Information:
Project Information can be accessed to change information that was specified
when a .PPM file was originally created. This allows the drive, path,
filename, project description, and/or version number to be changed at any time
in the process of developing a program.
Project Paths:
The Project Paths screen contains three separate default paths for the project
files. There is one path for the source files, one for the documentation
files, and one for the release files. The paths that are set up here will
determine the default location of each of these files. Since this is only a
default, alternate paths can be specified on any of the related files.
Specifying paths in these locations simply makes data entry easier and faster.
Project Editors:
Default editors for the source files, documentation files, and release files
can be set up under the Project Editors option. PPM offers three different
editing options. The first option is to use PPM's Real-Mode editor, called
PPMEDIT.EXE, which is the default. PPMEDIT is a simple, but well-written text
editor with a 64-K limit. The second option is to use PPM's Protected-Mode
editor, which requires a 286 or higher. The third option is to use an
external, user-defined editor. When you select an external editor, PPM
displays a drop-down list box with the names of all of the editors you set up
on the Setup Defaults screen. This allows you to quickly choose the one that
will best-suit your current project files. Since there are three separate
file groups, a different editor can be specified for source, documentation,
and release files, allowing maximum flexibility when creating a complete
project.
Page 10
Manage Project Files:
This menu item will be, perhaps, one of the most used menu items within PPM.
Through the Manage Project Files screen, you will manage all of the files
contained in the open project.
File Group:
This drop-down list box contains a list of the three file groups used by
PPM. The three groups are 1) Source Files, 2) Documentation Files, and 3)
Release Files. Each of the groups has their own list of included files.
The Source Files group should contain a list of each of the files that
will be compiled and linked with the project. The Documentation Files
group should contain a list of each of the text (information) files that
are considered to be part of the project. This may include a revision
history, technical notes, on-line documentation files, and more. The
Release Files group should contain a list of all of the files that will be
released with the final project. Files listed in this group may be date
and time stamped, scanned for viruses, and/or added to a final compressed
project (archive) file.
Included Files:
The Included Files list box displays a list of each file maintained in the
currently selected group. When the File Group changes, the list of
displayed files also changes. The files maintained in the Included Files
list are sorted alphabetically, making them easier to locate. A counter
at the bottom of this list box shows the number of files located in the
currently selected File Group.
Add:
The Add command button may be selected to add a new entry to the current
File Group. The file being added does not need to reside on the hard
drive in order for it to be added to the project. If necessary, it can be
added first and created later. A Browse command button is available on
this screen to assist you in finding the correct file to add. The file
that is added MUST contain a full drive and path pointing to the new file.
If you attempt to add a file without a drive specification, PPM
automatically prepends the default drive and path for the currently
selected File Group, as set up on the Project Paths screen, explained
earlier. The new file must also contain an extension. If the file you
are entering does not use an extension, simply place a period (".") at the
end of the name.
Modify:
The Modify command button is similar to the Add command button, but
instead of adding a new entry, Modify allows you to change the name and/or
path of the file that is currently selected in the Included Files list
box. Modify only works when the highlight bar is visible over the top of
a file in the Included Files list box.
Edit:
One of the benefits of PPM is that you can automatically execute the
editor of your choice from within PPM. There is no need to exit the PPM
environment to edit your source, documentation, or release files. When
this command button is selected, PPM invokes the editor set up under
Project Editors, and passes the name of the selected file to the editor.
Most text editors can interpret this passed parameter, and automatically
load the named file.
Edit New:
If the file you wish to edit is not listed in the Included Files list, or
if your editor cannot handle the filename as a passed parameter, use the
Edit New command button. This simply executes the editor set up under
Page 11
Project Editors, without passing a filename.
Edit All:
If you have selected the PPM Editor to edit the files in one of the File
Groups, you should notice that this command button is enabled. The PPM
environment works in conjunction with the PPM Editor to automatically
attempt to load all of the files listed in a specific file group. While
this may not be possible in some projects due to the size and/or number of
files listed, other projects may be able to use this very powerful
feature. Any time that the selected editor is not the PPM Editor, PPM
will disable this command button, making it unavailable for use by any
other editor.
Remove:
The Remove command button can be selected to remove a file from the list
of Included Files. A message box will display before performing this
action, allowing you to cancel your selection, or continue to remove the
file.
Ok:
Once you have performed any needed actions on the list of Included Files,
you can select the Ok command button to return to the main menu. Mouse
users can also double-click on the close box.
Run Arguments:
This screen allows the user to enter a sequence of command line parameters to
be passed to the program when it is executed by using the Run Program
statement explained below. Unlike other programs, PPM saves the run arguments
into the .PPM project file, so PPM "remembers" and uses these same arguments
until you change them or remove them completely.
Run Program:
This option allows the created program to be executed directly from the PPM
environment. This allows quick and easy testing of the code, without the need
to exit and re-enter PPM. If run arguments were specified as explained above,
PPM passes these as parameters to the executed program. PPM can execute the
program using a standard DOS Shell command, or it can use a special Optimum
Shell routine that swaps PPM out to EMS or to disk. (Default Optimum Shell
options can be specified on the Setup Optimum Shell Options screen.) Using
the Optimum Shell option provides more available memory to the program being
executed.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The Compile Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Compiler:
This option can be selected to choose a project compiler for the open project
file. The list of available compilers depends on the ones you set up on the
Setup Defaults screen. If you want to enter your own compiler on-the-fly, you
can simply type in the necessary name, path, and switches that will be needed
to properly execute the compiler.
Page 12
Note: For programmers using Builder (made by Hyperkinetix, Inc.), you
should specify "-c" on the switches command line to make sure that Builder
does not attempt to automatically link the project files.
Compiler Preferences:
The Compiler Preferences screen contains the setting for whether PPM should
force the compiler to pause after each file is compiled, after the last file
is compiler, or not to pause at all. Pausing after each compile allows
programmers to troubleshoot problems in their code while debugging it.
Pausing after the last compile is also handy to simply pause at the end of the
compiling process. If you are relatively sure that you will not encounter any
errors during the compiling process, you may want to disable pausing, which
will force PPM to restore the screen immediately after the last file is
compiled. The compiler preferences screen also contains a check box which,
when selected, will force PPM to issue a beep-beep-beep whenever a pause is
issued.
Compile All Modules:
When Compile All Modules is selected from the compile menu, PPM executes the
project compiler (see above) and passes the name of each source file
maintained in the project. Users can optionally specify if they want to pause
after each file is compiled, after the last file is compiled, or disable
pausing by setting the desired option on the Compiler Preferences screen as
explained above.
Compile Changed Modules:
When Compile Changed Modules is selected from the compile menu, PPM executes
the project compiler (see above) and passes the name of each source file to be
compiled that has changed since the last time it was compiled. If a .OBJ file
from a previous compile cannot be found, PPM automatically compiles the file,
creating a new module. This is definitely one of the most useful features of
PPM. Programmers are not forced to remember the names of the modules that
need to be recompiled. PPM does it automatically. Users can optionally
specify if they want to pause after each file is compiled, after the last file
is compiled, or disable pausing by setting the desired option on the Compiler
Preferences screen as explained above.
Compile Selected Modules:
Selecting Compile Selected Modules from the compile menu causes a screen to
display with a list of all source files in the current project. Programmers
can click in the check box next to the listed file to select a file, and
select Compile to compile the selected source files in the project. A counter
in the lower right corner of this screen displays the total number of files
listed, along with the number of user-selected files. PPM maintains a list of
the selected source files, and writes these to the .PPM file. The next time
you choose to Compile Selected Modules, PPM automatically checks the same ones
you selected the last time you used this routine.
Compile Changed And Link:
This command allows the fastest possible creation of an executable file by
only compiling the files that have changed, and automatically linking the
resulting modules. This is the same as selecting Compile Changed Modules from
Page 13
the Compile Menu, and Link All Modules from the Link Menu.
Compile All And Link:
This command allows the fast creation of an executable file by compiling all
of the files in the project, and automatically linking the resulting modules.
This is the same as selecting Compile All Modules from the Compile Menu, and
Link All Modules from the Link Menu.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The Link Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Linker:
This option can be selected to choose a project linker for the open project
file. The list of available linkers depends on the ones you set up on the
Setup Defaults screen. If you want to enter your own linker on-the-fly, you
can simply type in the necessary name, path, and switches that will be needed
to properly execute the linker.
Linker Preferences:
The Linker Preferences screen contains several linker settings that determine
actions taken during and after the link process. The first setting determines
whether PPM should force a pause after the linking process is complete, or not
to pause at all. Pausing after the linking process will display an brief
message, and will allow you to view any error messages reported by the linker,
while suppressing the pause will force PPM to restore the screen immediately
after the linking process is complete (whether or not it was successful). The
linker preferences screen also contains a check box which, when selected, will
force PPM to issue a beep-beep-beep whenever a pause is issued.
The linker preferences screen also allows programmers to specify if a map file
should be created during the linking process, and if so, what it should be
called. If the last option on this screen is checked, PPM is instructed to
use the selected EXE compressor (see below) to automatically compress the EXE
file after the linking process is complete.
Libraries:
The Libraries screen allows programmers to select any number of pre-defined
libraries that should be included in the file linking process. To include
libraries in the linking process, a check mark must be placed beside the
desired library name on this screen. To set up a list of available libraries
in PPM, enter the Setup Defaults menu, and specify the libraries you will be
using. (See "The Setup Menu" described below.)
EXE Filename / Link Files:
On the EXE Filename / Link Files screen, programmers can specify the names of
the 1) the executable file to be created, 2) the first link file to be
listed in the link response file, and 3) the second link file to be listed in
the link response file. The executable file can be created in any directory,
and can have any valid DOS filename. The link files must be in .OBJ format,
and they are not required to be part of the list of current source files in
Page 14
the project. Most of the time, programmers only need to specify the name of
the first link file in the project, but a need may arise to specify the name
of the second link file. We recommend not using the second link file field
unless your program requires it. Each of the three drop-down boxes on this
screen allow the user to choose a name from the list of source files in the
project. If a user selects an executable filename from the list of .OBJ
files, PPM will change the extension of the file in this field to .EXE when
the user moves the cursor to another field. (Note: The executable filename
field and the first link file field MUST contain entries in order for PPM to
attempt to link the source (.OBJ) files.)
Link All Modules:
When Link All Modules is selected from the link menu, PPM executes the project
linker (see above) and passes the name of a link response file that is used in
the linking process. The link response file contains the names of the
project's source files, the name (and location) of the executable file, the
name (and location) of the map file (if one exists), and the names (and
locations) of the libraries being linked into the file. Users can optionally
specify if they want to pause after the linking process is complete, or
disable pausing by setting the desired option on the Linker Preferences screen
as explained above. The map file can also be specified on the Linker
Preferences screen. To specify Libraries, the executable filename, and the
first and second link files, see the options explained above.
EXE Compressor:
This option can be selected to choose an EXE Compressor for the open project
file. The list of available EXE Compressors depends on the ones you set up on
the Setup Defaults screen. If you want to enter your own EXE Compressor on-
the-fly, you can simply type in the necessary name, path, and switches that
will be needed to properly execute the EXE Compressor.
Compress EXE File:
When your executable file has been successfully created through the linking
process, you may want to compress it using an EXE compression program.
Selecting this option from the link menu invokes the project's EXE compressor,
as specified above, to compress the executable file. PPM automatically pauses
after the process is complete so you can review any results.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The Utility Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Date / Time Stamp Release Files:
Selecting Date / Time Stamp Release Files from the Utility menu will display a
screen with a list of all the current release files. The PgUp and PgDn
command buttons can be used to search through the list if there are more
present than are currently being shown on the first page. On the right side
of the screen, PPM contains two text fields allowing programmers to enter the
date and time that should be used to stamp the selected files. Once Stamp is
selected, PPM saves the list of date and time stamped files to the project
file, allowing them to be automatically marked as the default the next time
this routine is used. A message will display while the files are being
stamped, and completion message will show up when the process has been
finished.
Page 15
Virus Scanner:
This option can be selected to choose a virus scanner for the open project
file. The list of available virus scanners depends on the ones you set up on
the Setup Defaults screen. If you want to enter your own virus scanner on-
the-fly, you can simply type in the necessary name, path, and switches that
will be needed to properly execute the virus scanner.
Scanner Preferences:
The Scanner Preferences screen contains the setting for whether PPM should
force the virus scanner to pause after each release file is scanned, after the
last release file is scanned, or not to pause at all. Pausing after each
scan allows programmers to view any error messages reported by the virus
scanner. You can disable pausing during or after the scanning process, which
will force PPM to restore the screen immediately after the last file is
scanned. The scanner preferences screen also contains a check box which, when
selected, will force PPM to issue a beep-beep-beep whenever a pause is issued.
Scan All Release Files:
When Scan All Release Files is selected from the utility menu, PPM executes
the project scanner (see above) and passes the name of each release file
maintained in the project. Users can optionally specify if they want to pause
after each file is scanned, after the last file is scanned, or disable pausing
by setting the desired option on the Scanner Preferences screen as explained
above.
Scan Selected Release Files:
Selecting Scan Selected Release Files from the utility menu causes a screen to
display with a list of all release files in the current project. Programmers
can click in the check box next to the listed file to select a file, and
select Scan to scan the selected release files for viruses. A counter in the
lower right corner of this screen displays the total number of files listed,
along with the number of user-selected files. PPM maintains a list of the
selected release files, and writes these to the .PPM file. The next time you
choose to Scan Selected Release Files, PPM automatically checks the same ones
you selected the last time you used this routine.
Project Compressor:
This option can be selected to choose a Project Compressor for the open
project file. The list of available Project Compressors depends on the ones
you set up on the Setup Defaults screen. If you want to enter your own
Project Compressor on-the-fly, you can simply type in the necessary name,
path, and switches that will be needed to properly execute the compressor.
(Note: Currently, PPM supports the use of ARJ, SQZ, and PKZIP to compress
project files. LHA cannot be used at this time due to its lack of support for
list files.)
Project Compressor Preferences:
The Project Compressor Preferences screen contains several compressor settings
that determine actions taken during and after the compression process. The
first setting determines whether PPM should force a pause after the
compression process is complete, or not to pause at all. Pausing after the
Page 16
linking process will display a "Strike any key to continue..." message, and
will allow you to view any error messages reported by the project compressor,
while suppressing the pause will force PPM to restore the screen immediately
after the compression process is complete (whether or not it was successful).
The project compressor preferences screen contains a check box which, when
selected, will force PPM to issue a beep-beep-beep whenever a pause is issued.
This screen should also contain the name of the compressed file to be created
during the compression process.
Compress All Release Files:
When Compress All Release Files is selected from the utility menu, PPM
executes the project compressor (see above), and passes a filename with a list
of each release file maintained in the project. Users can optionally specify
if they want to pause after the compression process is complete, or disable
pausing by setting the desired option on the Project Compressor Preferences
screen as explained above.
Compress Selected Release Files:
Selecting Compress Selected Release Files from the utility menu causes a
screen to display with a list of all release files in the current project.
Programmers can click in the check box next to the listed file to select a
file, and select Compress to add the selected release files into a compressed
project file with the filename set up on the Project Compressor Preferences
screen. A counter in the lower right corner of this screen displays the total
number of files listed, along with the number of user-selected files. PPM
maintains a list of the selected release files, and writes these to the .PPM
file. The next time you choose to Compress Selected Release Files, PPM
automatically checks the same ones you selected the last time you used this
routine.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The Master Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Setup Update Routines:
The Setup Update Routines screen is a useful feature of PPM that allows
programmers to copy the newest files (listed in the File Groups) to several
different locations on the disk drive.
File Group:
In addition to the standard three file groups (Source Files, Documentation
Files, and Release Files), this drop-down list box contains two more
groups, called Executable File, and Compressed Project File.
Copy Group Files To Directory / Directories:
In this list box, programmers can enter one or more destination
directories where files in each of the files groups are copied. This is
especially useful for making a backup copy of your programming files to
another drive, or updating alternate directories with the newest version
of your program file. The number of directory entries for each file group
is limited only by memory. A list of the destination directories for each
file group is saved and maintained in the individual project file.
Page 17
Add:
The Add command button may be selected to add a new destination directory
to the current File Group. A Browse command button is available on this
screen to assist you in finding an existing directory.
Modify:
The Modify command button is similar to the Add command button, but
instead of adding a new entry, Modify allows you to change the drive
and/or path of the destination directory that is currently selected in the
Copy Group Files To Directory / Directories list box. Modify only works
when the highlight bar is visible over the top of a destination directory.
Remove:
The Remove command button can be selected to remove a destination
directory from the list. A message box will display before performing
this action, allowing you to cancel your selection, or continue to remove
the entry.
Ok:
Once you have performed any needed actions on the list of destination
directories, you can select the Ok command button to return to the main
menu. Mouse users can also double-click on the close box.
Update Files:
The Update Files menu option actually performs the task of updating files to
the destination directories, as set up under Setup Update Routines, described
above. This screen presents five check boxes, allowing users to select any or
all of the five file groups to update. When Ok is selected the update process
begins, and a message displays the current file being copied, and the
destination of the copied file. If PPM is unable to copy the current file, it
issues an error message, explaining which file could not be copied, and where
its destination directory should have been. Reasons for an error can range
from the original file not existing, or not being found, to the destination
directory not being present. Once the updating process is complete, PPM
informs you with a message box.
Create Master Program:
This feature presents PPM's "icing on the cake". Create Master Program allows
you to complete any or all of the operations performed during the normal
routine of creating a program. This includes compiling all, changed, or
selected modules, linking all modules, compressing the executable file, date
and time stamping the release files, scanning all or selected release files
for viruses, compressing all or selected release files into a compressed
project file, and updating selected file groups to the previously set up
destination directories. Each of these operations are optional, allowing you
to exclude any of them from the master process. Using this menu options
causing PPM to perform all of the selected operations in succession, improving
the speed of the process. While parts of the process may be automatic, some
routines may require user intervention, such as compiling selected modules,
date and time stamping files, scanning selected release files, compressing
selected release files, and updating. Of course, if you have selected any of
the pausing options on the various preferences screens, PPM will issues the
pause statements at the pre-selected places.
Page 18
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The Setup Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
PPM Path:
To modify the default location for .PPM files, select PPM Path from the
Setup menu. The path specified here will be the default for where the Open
Project, Save Project As, and Delete Project dialog boxes display files when
performing any of these actions.
Defaults:
The Setup Defaults screen is the heart and soul of PPM. This is where each of
the utilities you will be using is set up. There are eight categories of
utilities that can be created, and each category can have as many utilities as
are needed. The categories are as follows:
Compilers Project Compressors
Linkers Virus Scanners
Libraries Editors
EXE Compressors Print Processors
Every utility entered can have a Utility Name, Default Path, and Default
Switches (except on Libraries, which do not use switches). Each of the
available utilities listed can be modified or removed at will, allowing
complete flexibility with any utilities you may be using.
Add:
The Add command button may be selected to add a new utility to the current
utility group. A name and path MUST be specified in order for PPM to
accept the new entry as valid. A Browse command button is available on
this screen to assist you in finding an existing program. If you select a
file from the browse screen, PPM pastes the filename, along with its drive
and path, into the Path text box.
Modify:
The Modify command button is similar to the Add command button, but
instead of adding a new entry, Modify allows you to change the name, path
and/or switches of the utility that is currently selected in the list box.
Modify only works when the highlight bar is visible over the top of a
utility name.
Remove:
The Remove command button can be selected to remove a utility from the
list. A message box will display before performing this action, allowing
you to cancel your selection, or continue to remove the utility.
Ok:
Once you have performed any needed actions on the list of utilities, you
can select the Ok command button to save the changes to the PPM.INI file,
and return to the main menu.
Cancel:
If you do not wish to save changes that have been made to this screen, you
can select the Cancel command button to return to the main menu. Any
changes that have been made will be lost.
Page 19
Optimum Shell Defaults:
The Optimum Shell Defaults screen is used to select when and where PPM's
optimum shell will be used. The optimum shell routine works by swapping PPM
out to EMS or to disk, allowing more available conventional memory for
executing compilers, linkers, etc. If optimum shell is not selected (check-
marked), PPM uses a standard DOS shell, which leaves very little available
conventional memory for the execution of other programs.
PPM's optimum shell feature can be used for the following routines:
* DOS Shell (Available from the File menu)
* Compiling Source Files (Available from the Compile menu)
* Linking Source Files (Available from the Link menu)
* EXE File Compression (Available from the Link menu)
* Virus Scanning (Available from the Utility menu)
* Project Compression (Available from the Utility menu)
* Program Execution (Available from the Project menu)
* External PPM Editor (Available from the Manage Project Files Screen)
* External (User-Selected) Editor (Available from the Manage Project Files
Screen)
* External Print Processor (Available from the File menu)
Register:
Selecting Register from the Setup Menu will allow users to enter a
Registration Name and Number which will register their copy of PPM. This will
automatically eliminate any built-in nag screens and accompanying delays. In
addition to removing all program delays, registered users will receive the
latest version of PPM on diskette, along with a printed manual, and will be
notified of major product updates and revisions.
To register PPM, call STSI at (218) 924-2050, and charge it to your Visa,
MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card. Upon request, you will
receive a registration number over the telephone. Using this number will
automatically remove all delay screens from PPM. For further registration
information and pricing, please read the REGISTER.DOC file included with PPM.
There is also a registration form contained at the end of this documentation
file.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ The Help Menu │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
About PPM:
This screen displays version and copyright information about Programmer's
Project Manager, and how to contact STSI, the author of PPM.
Page 20
Registration Info:
This screen display ordering information for PPM, including payment methods
and telephone numbers. For further registration information, please read
REGISTER.DOC, included in this package.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Troubleshooting / Common Problems: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Problem #1:
After printing a text file directly to the printer, network users may receive
the error, "An error occurred while attempting to print the selected file."
This is not a problem with PPM, but rather a quirk when using a network. Even
though the file is printed correctly to the right port, the network can send
an errorlevel back to DOS, causing this error message. This is not serious,
and should not interfere with the printing process at all.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Questions And Answers │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Question #1: What compilers, linkers, compressors, etc. have been tested with
Programmer's Project Manager?
Answer: Although most compilers, linkers, virus scanners, and
EXE compressors should work with PPM, these are the ones that
have been specifically tested with PPM, and appear to work
without any problems.
Compilers: BC.EXE (Visual Basic for DOS)
BLD.EXE (Builder)
Linkers: LINK.EXE (Visual Basic for DOS)
MLINK.EXE (Builder)
EXE Compressors: DIET.EXE (Diet)
PKLITE.EXE (PK-Lite)
TINYPROG.EXE (TINYPROG)
Virus Scanners: SCAN.EXE (Scan)
Project Compressors: ARJ.EXE (ARJ)
PKZIP.EXE (PKZIP)
SQZ.EXE (SQZ)
External Print Processors: 4PRINT.EXE (4-Print)
MW-LASER.EXE (MW-Laser)
Note: A problem has been noted that MW-Laser does not handle
PPM's method of printing when command line parameters
are passed to MW-Laser. PPM passes parameters first,
and the filename second. MW-Laser wants these
parameters in reverse order, causing MW-Laser to pause
and request a filename to print. PPM will attempt to
deal with this problem in a future release.
Page 21
Question #2: Does PPM take any precautions against losing information
maintained in the individual .PPM files?
Answer: Yes. When working in-depth with PPM, you may notice that the
"Writing Project File..." message box will show up prior to
performing certain critical operations. PPM automatically saves
the project file prior to performing any of the following
operations:
Compiling Changed Modules
Compiling Selected Modules
Compiling All Modules
Linking All Modules
Scanning Selected Modules
Scanning All Modules
Compressing Selected Modules
Compressing All Modules
Saving the project file prior to performing these operations
protects your information against the possibility of "crashes"
which may occur from time to time, due to running external
programs. In addition, PPM also detects whether or not the
project file is saved prior to running the program (from the
Project menu). If it is not saved, it offers the option of
whether or not to save it before continuing.
Question #3: What is the difference between "pre-switches" and "post-
switches" when setting up default external editors?
Answer: The pre-switches and post-switches fields are a new feature in
version 1.10 of PPM. Pre-switches are command line switches, or
parameters, that are sent to the editor prior to the filename to
be edited, while post-switches are command line switches, or
parameters, that are sent to the editor after the filename to be
edited.
In version 1.00 of PPM, the command line to invoke an external
editor looked similar to this:
Editor Switches Filename
(Editor was the full path of the external editor; Switches were
the command line parameters that were sent, as set up under the
project editors screen, and Filename was the name of the file
that was to be edited.)
While most text editors accept the command line switches when
they are placed before the filename, the text editor we use
inside our company requires the use of switches to be placed
AFTER the filename. The command line to invoke an external
editor in version 1.10 of PPM looks similar to this:
Editor Pre-Switches Filename Post-Switches
In the event that either the pre-switches or the post-switches
are blank, a null (or blank) string is sent to the editor. In
the event that a filename is not passed, the pre-switches and
post-switches are sent without the filename to separate them.
Page 22
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Programs Mentioned │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
ARJ is copyrighted by Robert K Jung.
Builder is copyrighted by Hyperkinetix, Inc.
LHA is copyrighted by Haruyasu Yoshizaki.
MS-DOS is copyrighted by Microsoft.
PKLITE is copyrighted by PKWARE, Inc.
PKUNZIP is copyrighted by PKWARE, Inc.
PKZIP is copyrighted by PKWARE, Inc.
SQZ is copyrighted by Jonas I Hammarberg.
Visual Basic for DOS is copyrighted by Microsoft.
Page 23
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha, MN 56437-0297
Phone: (218) 924-2050
FAX: (218) 924-2050 (Ext. 11)
The Bertha BBS: (218) 924-2060, N,8,1
Programmer's Project Manager 1.10 Registration Form
Qty Description Price Each Total
_____ PPM 1.10 Single-User Registration $49.95 ________
Includes Printed Manual, 3 1/2" & 5 1/4" Diskettes
_____ PPM 1.10 Site-License (Users? ____) _______ ________
┌────────────┬─────────────┐ ┌────────────┬─────────────┐
│ # of Users │ Price │ │ # of Users │ Price │
├────────────┼─────────────┤ ├────────────┼─────────────┤
│ 5 │ $150.00 │ │ 50 │ $1000.00 │
│ 10 │ $300.00 │ │ 100 │ $1500.00 │
│ 20 │ $500.00 │ │ More? │ CALL │
└────────────┴─────────────┘ └────────────┴─────────────┘
_____ Additional Copies of Printed Manual $10.00 ________
Sub-Total: ________
Minnesota Residents Add 6.5% Sales Tax: ________
Total: ________
Name: ___________________________________ Title: ______________________
Company: __________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________ City: ____________________________
State: ___________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: ___________________
Please Register PPM To This Name: _________________________________________
Method of Payment: ___ Visa/MC ___ American Express ___ Discover
___ Check/Money Order Enclosed
(Checks/MO's must be in U.S. Funds drawn on a U.S. Bank!)
Credit Card #: __________________________________ Expiration Date: ___/___
Name on Card: _______________________ Signature: _________________________
Comments / Suggestions: ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Page 24
Please take a minute to answer the following questions. Your answers
will assist us in improving and marketing PPM.
(Check all that apply.)
Where did you hear about PPM?
[ ] BBS [ ] Catalog/Magazine [ ] Friend/Relative [ ] Other
What operating systems / environments do you use?
[ ] DOS [ ] Windows [ ] DESQview/DESQview/X [ ] OS/2
What features of PPM do you use?
[ ] Compiling [ ] Linking [ ] EXE Compression
[ ] Date/Time Stamping [ ] Virus Scanning [ ] Project Compression
[ ] Updating Files [ ] Printing [ ] Program Execution
What programming language(s) do you use?
[ ] BASIC [ ] C / C++ [ ] Pascal [ ] Assembler
[ ] Builder [ ] Other
(Please specify) _________________________
What is the name of your...
Compiler? __________________________ Linker? ____________________________
EXE Compressor? ____________________ Virus Scanner? _____________________
Project Compressor? ________________ Printing Utility? __________________
What feature(s) do you like the most about PPM? _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
What feature(s) would you like to see added to PPM? _____________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments: ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
May We Quote You? [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Doesn't Matter
Page 25
