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Gold Medal Software - Volume 3 (Gold Medal) (1994).iso
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hshell1.arj
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Introduction to creating hyperfiles - Version 4
===============================================
So, you want to create your own hypertext application?
You should start by finding out how the HyperShell program is used,
by reading the HS hyperfile (choose 'Introduction' on the HOME
menu) first. This will let you see the basic concepts of the
system, and the kinds of thing it can provide. Running the other
demonstrations can also show the capabilities of the system.
HyperShell is a very complex program and handles very complex
hyperfiles. This does NOT mean that you have to know everything
about it before you start. The more powerful features can be learnt
as and when you need them.
To show how simple a file can be, try giving the name of any normal
text file to HyperShell (such as the READ.ME file):-
HS READ.ME
This gets treated as a single 'frame' hyperfile which you can page
through, and use F10 to exit from. A basic hyperfile should,
however, contain frames with references between them. Hyperfiles
are files with the extension .HYP, and are text files like this one
or the READ.ME file, or batch files. Examining the MSDOS hyperfile
and the other examples, you will see how to set up different types
of application. Some of the supplied hyperfiles are compressed, but
may be expanded again to text files using the HCX utility, the
instructions for which are in the documentation.
The notefile hyperfile
----------------------
The demo notefile hyperfile is the basis for a simple text
database, and you should use this first to become familiar with
the editing arrangements in the integrated environment. You can
run this by dearchiving the development archive and running:-
hi edintro
This gives basic instructions on how to add frames and notes, and
how to insert references in the text.
If you practise using this, you will become familiar with the edit
mode, and with the structure of hyperfiles.
It is a good idea to load HYPOP with the quick reference guide, so
that you can use it as a popup help system, using Alt-H. Do this
by unpacking the HYPOP archive and running 'hypop quickref.hyp'.
Creating a new hyperfile
------------------------
New hyperfiles can be created using the 'hyperkit' hyperfile, or by
simply copying one of the template hyperfiles to a file with the
name you want. This is then edited using the integrated
environment.
The integrated environment is not a fixed format program with a
predefined set of functions, like certain programming language
development systems, but is a configurable environment which can be
set up to behave in different ways, depending on where it is being
used. The notefile hyperfile is an example of this, with a menubar
giving all the editing operations.
When editing your own hyperfiles, however, the screen layout,
colours etc. are part of your application, and the editing
functions are only there when you want them. This is handled using
a 'control hyperfile' called HS_IDE.HYP. To edit your own
hyperfile, make sure the files HI.EXE and HS_IDE.HYP are in the
current directory, along with your hyperfile, then type 'hi
yourfile' where 'yourfile' is the name of your hyperfile. Now, to
edit this hyperfile, just press the '#' key, and a menu will pop
up. This is the edit contol menu, and you can choose 'Edit' then
'Current frame' to edit the current frame, or 'Add' then 'Frame' to
add a frame. Follow the prompts to give the frame name and title,
and you will end up in edit mode. A number of other edit operations
which are similar to the notefile ones are also available from the
edit control menu. Experiment with a sample hyperfile before
progressing to a more ambitious project.
Using a text editor
-------------------
Alternatively, if you have a text editor or word processor which
can produce text files, you can use that to produce your
hyperfiles. See the documentation on how to create hyperfiles.
If you use a word processor and export the file as ASCII Text format
this is generally O.K., but you must be careful to not use margins
on the directives (.FRAME etc), and AVOID TRAILING SPACES on frame
and item names, as these will not match cross references etc.
The next step
-------------
After becoming familiar with the simple editing capabilities, you
can read the documentation further to get ideas on what can be
done. This also contains full information on how the editor is used.
Who HyperShell is intended for
------------------------------
HyperShell is intended for almost anyone who uses a personal
computer as it is a general purpose applications toolkit which can
be used for a diverse range of computer jobs.
Existing HyperShell users have a very wide spectrum of skills, so
you don't have to be a programmer to make good use of the system.
Don't try to do everything at once. Take things step by step as you
learn about the system.
Good Luck, and enjoy using HyperShell.