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- QuickBASIC Front End - v.1.0 - 06/21/87 - Help screens
-
- This program is a development utility for QuickBASIC (QB) programmers.
-
- QBFront allows you to edit, compile and link programs from a single,
- special purpose menu. The editor you use is your choice, by entering
- the commands to run the editor in the "Editor name" space. You can
- modify all of the parameters that affect the compiling process,
- including optional command line switches, object, and library
- filenames. This information can be stored in a disk file for quick,
- repeated editing, compiling and linking sessions.
-
- QBFront can be distributed free of charge to anyone. A small charge as
- a copying fee is allowed, up to $10. The copyright on this program is
- to prevent despicable persons from trying to make money off my hard
- work. I also don't want anyone else releasing "their" version of my
- program. Suggested modifications are welcome, but let me implement
- them.
-
- Since QBFront is "user-supported software", that means it is NOT free
- software. A mere $15 registration fee will ease your conscience about
- using it, and allow you to harass me over the phone. I know I've sent
- more money for programs that don't save me nearly as much time. For
- another measly $25, I'll even send you a copy of the source code. The
- source code is copyrighted, so if you intend to use my routines or
- sub-programs in a program for distribution, please make sure you
- surround them with enough original code to call the program your own.
-
- For those noble people who see fit to reward me for my insanity, you
- may mail your contribution to:
-
- Electronic Applications Development
- P.O. Box 5264
- Valdosta, GA 31603-5264
-
- If I do well from this and my other efforts (fat chance!), my name
- will become known like Jim Button's! Then we will all know that $15
- was too much, so send what you think the program is worth (yes, I
- accept pennies). Enough plea for money, on with the instructions....
-
- It is assumed that the user is familiar with QuickBASIC version 2 or
- higher, and you will probably need to refer to the manual to aid in
- the use of this program. The instructions for the separate compilation
- method are a bit skimpy, so you will need to do some experimentation
- to determine what options to use. Some of the command line switches
- seem to work backward from what may be expected, and QBFront follows
- the conventions of the compiler's menu.
-
- The program is invoked by running the batch file called "QBF.BAT".
- QBFront sets up another batch file called "QBRUN.BAT" that contains
- the instructions to perform the function. For all functions except
- "Quit to system", QBRUN calls QBF to restart the sequence. A basic
- outline of QBFront's operations is shown on a later page of the help
- screens.
-
- When the program first runs, it loads in parameters from a file called
- "QBFRONT.PAR". If the file does not exist, it is created with default
- parameters. The parameters are shown on the right side of the screen.
-
- There are three basic groupings of parameters:
-
- The top section of the screen shows the name of the source code that
- we are working with. The name of the editor is shown on the next line,
- just as it would be called from the DOS prompt. The last information
- is the current default drive and the space remaining on the disk.
-
-
- The next section deals with the parameters associated with the QB
- compiler. This information is translated into command line option
- switches whenever the compiler is invoked.
-
-
- The last section contains the information for setting up the command
- line for the linker, including the object and library files to read,
- and the names of the .EXE and .MAP files to create.
-
- The line editor:
-
- The text parameters are entered using QBFront's line editor. The line
- editor places bars at either limit of the line, and changes the color
- of the entry area. The following keys are use to edit the entry:
-
- - RETurn ends the entry. Whatever text is on the entry line is entered.
- - INSert toggles the insert mode, which is shown by the type of bar
- at the right end of the entry line.
- - BKSPace deletes one character to the left.
- - DELete & ^BKSP delete one character to the right.
- - ^T deletes one word to the right.
- - ^Y deletes the entire entry.
- - HOME goes to the beginning of the entry.
- - END goes to the right end of the line.
- - ESCape restores the line to its original entry.
-
- Note that insert mode is toggled off when you reach the end of the
- entry (bug avoidance).
-
- On the left side of the opening screen is the Main Menu, which looks
- like this:
-
- ┌[ - Main Menu - ]──┐ A highlighted bar will indicate the
- │ │ current selection. An option can be
- │ 1-Help screens │ selected in one of three ways:
- │ 2-Save parameters │
- │ 3-Load parameters │ 1 - Use the up and down cursor control
- │ 4-Edit parameters │ keys to move the bar to the desired
- │ 5-QBASIC direct │ selection, and press RETURN.
- │ 6-Run editor │ 2 - Press the corresponding number key
- │ 7-Disk directory │ to move the bar directly to the entry
- │ 8-Subprg manager │ desired, and press RETURN.
- │ 9-Exit QBFront │ 3 - Press the corresponding function key
- │ 0-Compile source │ to immediately execute the desired
- └───────────────────┘ selection.
-
-
- Each of the functions is outlined on the following pages.
-
- 1-Help screens
-
- This option brings up these help screens. This text is stored in a
- file called "QBFRONT.HLP". The program pauses at the end of each page,
- and will continue to the next page, if any, at any keystroke. To
- return to the opening screen at any time while reading the help
- screens, press ESC.
-
- This file is basically a text file, and can be copied to the printer
- with the command "COPY QBFRONT.HLP PRN" at the system prompt. But
- because it is formatted for screen viewing, the printer output is less
- than perfect.
-
- Because the program is all menu driven, with help prompts at the
- bottom and on the left side of the screen, it shouldn't be necessary
- to have printed instructions.
-
- 2-Save parameters
-
- This option saves the currently displayed parameters to a file called
- "QBFRONT.PAR". Any parameters previously saved in the file will be
- overwritten.
-
- This function is redundant since it is also automatically called any
- time you select a function that exits the program, if you previously
- selected an option to change any parameters.
-
- You will be asked if you want to save the current parameters. If you
- do not save the parameters, the program will still use the displayed
- parameters for the function, but the next time the program is run, you
- will be returned to last saved parameters.
-
- Whenever the prompt " Save current parameters? (Y/N) " is displayed,
- you can abort and return to the Main Menu by pressing ESC.
-
-
- 3-Load parameters
-
- This option loads the parameters in "QBFRONT.PAR" and displays them on
- the screen.
-
- Be careful with this option, as it overwrites the current parameters
- on the screen.
-
-
- Future plans include the ability to have a separate parameter file for
- each program you write, with the filename selected from a pop-up
- window.
-
- 4-Edit parameters
-
- This option allows you to enter the name of the source code, and the
- command to execute the editor, and the other options. While editing
- these parameters, the PG UP will take you back to the first entry, and
- the PG DN key will return you to the menu.
-
- For the source code, it is not necessary to enter the file extension,
- if it is to be ".BAS". The program will automatically add the ".BAS"
- extension when needed. If the file is on another drive or
- subdirectory, enter the complete pathname.
-
- For the editor name, enter the complete path specification for the
- editor, but do not enter the file extension. This entry should be the
- same as the command that you would enter to run the editor from the
- DOS prompt. For automatic return to QBFront, this must not be the name
- of a batch file. If you need to run your editor from a batch file,
- create a new one that calls QBF.BAT instead of exiting to the
- operating system or elsewhere.
-
- 4-Edit parameters (cont.)
-
- The options in the center section are for the compiler.
-
- First, the cursor will be positioned on the "Library files" entry.
- Enter the library file to be included for use in the interactive mode.
-
- Next, enter the size of the communications receive buffer, if any. By
- leaving a `0', the option will not be implemented, and the default
- buffer size will be used.
-
- The last nine entries are toggles. They are toggled with the space bar
- or the left and right arrow keys. An entry toggled to "ON" corresponds
- to an `X' on the QB compile menu, and not necessarily the presence or
- absence of a command line switch. You may have to experiment with
- these a bit.
-
- 4-Edit parameters (cont.)
-
- The five text options at the bottom of the screen are for the linker.
-
- Remember that none of these options requires a file extension, since
- the linker will determine the proper extension by its position on the
- command line. It is best to join multiple entries on each line with a
- plus sign (+).
-
- The .EXE filename is filled in automatically from the source code
- filename, but can be changed to suit your needs.
-
-
- 5-QBASIC direct
-
- This is the option to enter the interactive mode of QuickBASIC. It
- sets up the command using the information in the QB options area of
- the screen, and the source code name. Once in QB, you may perform any
- actions desired. When you exit QB, you will be returned to QBFront.
-
- This is the only place the QuickBASIC options Library file is used. It
- allows you to include a .EXE type command addition for use in the
- interactive mode. Note that the setting of the debugging option is
- ignored here, as QB always turns on debugging upon entry, regardless
- of the /D command line switch. Also note that the "Stand alone" option
- will not create a self-standing .EXE file from the interactive mode,
- which is one of the main reason I wrote this program.
-
- 6-Run editor
-
- When you select this option, QBFront will run the commands for
- executing your editor, as entered in the source information area of
- the screen. The command line will consist of the text entered as the
- editor name, a space, and the text entered as the source code. If the
- source code name has no extension, ".BAS" will be added.
-
- This command line is written to "QBRUN.BAT" which is then run. QBRUN
- will then re-enter QBFront by running "QBF.BAT" when you exit the
- editor.
-
- I used this option for creating this file by entering "QBFRONT.HLP" as
- the source code name, hitting F6, and then answering "N" to the save
- parameter prompt. That way, I didn't have to re-enter the source code
- name when I return to QBFront.
-
- 7-Disk directory
-
- This simply gives you a look at the disk directory. I plan to use this
- routine in future versions for selecting filenames for entry into some
- of the options, but for now it is presented in it's crude form. An
- arrow will appear in the upper left corner of the directory display if
- there are more than ten files in the directory. Using the arrow keys,
- or the PG UP and PG DN keys, you can browse through the filenames. ESC
- or RET, etc., will return you to the main menu.
-
- 8-Subprg manager
-
- The Sub-program manager is not implemented in this version. Some of
- the planned features include:
-
- - A sub-program documentation database and editor
- - Cross reference listing to show what calls what
- - A "pre-scan" function to insure all CALL's actually have
- sub-program to call
- - A library file manager (there's a nice looking, but buggy one
- by someone else out there already)
- - Most anything else that you users want (write me and let me know!)
-
- This is my first major QuickBASIC project, so I'm still trying to
- decide what I need (suggestions gratefully accepted). I do know that
- the sub-programs can quickly become hard to manage when the calls get
- two or more levels deep. I hope to have large portions of this ready
- by the end of 1987 (register and find out as soon as it is ready).
-
- 9-Exit QBFront
-
- This selection brings up an option menu that allows you to choose how
- QBFront is exited. This menu looks something like this:
-
- ┌[Exit menu]────────┐ The selections are:
- │ │
- │ 1-External Menu │ 1 - Runs a program or batch file called "MENU".
- │ 2-QuickBASIC │ 2 - Enters QBASIC with parameters shown.
- │ 3-DOS prompt │ 3 - Exits to the system prompt.
- │ 4-Abort Exiting │ 4 - Returns to the Main Menu.
- │ 5-yourprog │ 5 - Runs the program shown in the Linker
- └───────────────────┘ "EXE filename" section (if any).
-
- Selection 2 is identical to the "QB direct" option on the main menu.
- I'll decide some day where I want it.
-
- Selection 4 is for those who panic easily, or are too lazy to reach
- for the ESC key, which does the same thing.
-
- Selections are made in the same manner as on the Main Menu.
-
- 0-Compile source
-
- This option sets up QBRUN.BAT to run the compiler and linker using the
- parameters shown on the main screen. This is the option that QBFront
- "lives" for. All of the entered parameters are used, except for the QB
- options Library files. I have had problems doing separate compiling
- using the Library files tied into the compiler itself. Any additional
- functions used should be implemented with object or library files that
- are added in during linking.
-
- The batch file will pause before re-entering QBFront, so you have a
- better chance of reading any error messages that may occur.
-
- Since the compiler erases the output object file, the linker will skip
- linking with an error if the compiler finds a severe error.
-
- ┌───────┐ Basic Outline of QBFront operation
- │ v start
- │ ╔══════════╗ ╔════════════════════╗ ┌───────────┐
- │ ║ QBF.BAT ║ ║ QBFRONT.EXE ║ │ key: │
- │ ╠══════════╣ run QBFRONT ╠════════════════════╣ ├───────────┤
- │ ║ QBFRONT ║ >───────────────> ║ sets up commands & ║ │prog. flow:│
- │ ╟──────────╢ ║ writes them to the ║ │ ────────> │
- │ ║ QBRUN ║ <───────────────< ║ QBRUN.BAT file ║ │data flow: │
- │ ╚══════════╝ exit QBFRONT ╚════════════════════╝ │ ........> │
- │ │ ......................: └───────────┘
- │ │ : QBFRONT writes
- │ V V to this file ╔══════════════════════════╗
- │ ╔═══════════════╗ ║ user commands ║
- │ ║ QBRUN.BAT ║ ╠══════════════════════════╣
- │ ╠═══════════════╣ run commands ║ this could be the QBASIC ║
- │ ║ user commands ║ >─────────────────> ║ compiler, a text editor, ║
- │ ╟───────────────╢ ║ back to system, or back ║
- │ ║ QBF ║ <─────────────────< ║ to any program called ║
- │ ╚═══════════════╝ back for more ║ "MENU" (batch or other) ║
- │(loop) │ ╚══════════════════════════╝
- └────────┘
-
- Troubleshooting:
-
- - PROBLEM: QBFront does not execute any external functions such as
- "Run editor" or "Compile source", but instead just drops back to the
- operating system.
- - FIX: QBFront must be run by executing the batch file QBF. This batch
- file calls QBRUN.BAT when you exit QBFront. If you accidentally enter
- QBFront directly, just run QBRUN when you find yourself back at the
- operating system prompt. QBRUN will execute the selected function, and
- will run QBF to return you to QBFront, unless you selected the "Quit
- to system" function.
-
- - PROBLEM: The operating system issues a "File not found" error when
- the "External Menu" exit option is selected.
- - FIX: QBFront sets up QBRUN to execute "MENU" when you choose
- this option. This is to accommodate those people who have their
- systems set up on a menu program. You can create a batch file called
- "MENU.BAT" with either some dummy command (i.e. "CLS"), or the
- commands to perform some function you want to execute upon leaving
- QBFront.
-
- Troubleshooting: (cont.)
-
- - PROBLEM: All of the compiler, linker, object, library, and source
- files won't fit on floppies, and QBFront won't pause for me to change
- diskettes.
- - FIX: Get a hard drive! Aside from that, there are a few more
- options. Use of a RAMDisk could solve some problems, or the batch file
- QBF.BAT can be edited to pause after running QBFront, and before
- running QBRUN. Editing QBRUN is useless, since QBFront overwrites it
- for each external function. I will work with registered users and beta
- testers to make the program configurable for floppy systems.
-
- - PROBLEM: I keep getting error messages during compiling, etc.,
- and/or the programs I write lock-up or error-out when I run them.
- - FIX: RYFM (Read Your 'Favorite' Manual). QBFront only sequences the
- editing and compiling sequences, it does not do any of the "real" work
- for you. It is NOT a replacement for knowledge about the QuickBASIC
- compiler, but simply a tool to alleviate the tedious, repeated command
- entries required for separate compiling and linking. You still need to
- understand what is going on.
-
- Troubles that won't happen:
-
- There are three files associated with QBFront that don't need to be on
- the default disk.
-
- The .PAR file will be created for you, if needed.
-
- The .HLP and .PMT (help & prompt, respectively) files are not needed,
- and the program doesn't crash without them. So, once you have gotten
- familiar with the operation of QBFront, you can delete them.
-
- Another file not needed is the QBFRONT.HIS file. I ask that you DO
- modify this file, and update the .ARC file with it. This is just for
- curiosity, not to track down un-registered users. Please add when and
- where you got the program before you upload it. I feel it will be
- interesting to see the travels of this, or any other program.
-
- Miscellaneous:
-
- You can edit QBF.BAT to perform other functions. For instance, I added
- "SET LIB=LIB\" at the beginning of QBF.BAT, so that the version 3
- linker will look in the LIB sub-directory for the library files. Just
- remember to keep the basic structure, and keep in mind that QBRUN.BAT
- usually calls QBF.BAT to re-enter QBFront.
-
- There is little way to prevent "disk full" errors, but you can enter
- the drive designation to most of the options. Also, by entering "NUL"
- as the .MAP filename, your can save some disk space.
-
-
-
-
- About QuickBASIC Front End:
-
- This program was developed for two reasons. First, I do not like QB's
- built-in editor. Even if were better that my normal editor, I still
- would not want to have to learn and stay familiar with another editor.
- Next, there is no way to compile a stand-alone program with linked
- object and library files from QB's interactive mode. For me, the
- interactive mode is useful only for fine-tuning certain algorithms,
- and limited debugging.
-
-
- QuickBASIC is a copyrighted program from the Microsoft Corporation.
-
- QuickBASIC Front End was written by Earl A. Daniels
- Copyright (c) 1987, Electronic Applications Development
-
- QuickBASIC Front End was written in QuickBASIC version 3, using
- functions from ADVBAS version 3.3, and other miscellaneous routines
- picked-up and developed through the years.
-
- The future of QuickBASIC Front End:
-
- As a user-supported program, QBFront's future lies mainly with it's
- users. It will be the user feedback and monetary support that will
- determine what it will eventually become. My plans at the moment
- include multiple parameter files, having scrolling menus for selecting
- source, object and library filenames.
-
- I want to expand the support for multiple sub-directories, allowing
- serious developers have more organization for their hard drives. Since
- the program was written on a hard drive system, using it on a floppy-
- based system will be awkward at best, and I will make changes for
- floppy users, if the demand exists (from registered users).
-
- Also down the road, I hope to incorporate a auto-scan function that
- will scan the source file(s), and set the necessary option switches
- for you. This would be most helpful for compiling programs being
- converted from interpreted BASIC, or programs written by others.
-
- I am open to suggestions and ideas, and ultimately, the users will
- decide what features will be incorporated or expanded.
-
- Licensing agreement:
-
- This is a "user-supported" program. It is released as "shareware", and
- registration will be only $15. For an additional $25, registered users
- can get the latest version, complete with source code.
-
- Send to the address on the second page, or to my home address:
- Earl Daniels
- 1406 Iola Drive
- Valdosta, GA 31602
- phone: (912) 244-0950 or (912) 244-2919
-
- To protect myself from those wishing to make money from my program,
- and from unauthorized versions of the program being released,
- QuickBASIC Front End is copyrighted. This copyright does not prevent
- free distribution of the program in un-modified, executable form, but
- does prohibit distribution of the source code or modified versions.
-
- TO PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMMERS: You know how much work is involved in
- writing a program, so you know how much support is appreciated. Also I
- don't mind my routines being "borrowed" for your programs! REGISTER!
- I'm sure the program will pay for itself in saved time.
-
- About ME (Earl Daniels)
-
- I am a long-time (?) (10 yrs) computer hacker. I was a hacker before
- the label "hacker" was considered a bad name. Although I started
- programming in Microsoft BASIC ("in-ROM") on my Ohio Scientific C1P,
- it took a version like QuickBASIC to get me back to BASIC. I am a
- systems designer, and generally specialize in getting PC's to perform
- background tasks, such as monitoring and control. Since QB can have
- direct access to assembly-language routines that are performing the
- background functions, it suits itself well to my needs. The "ON event"
- capabilities also enhance my applications (monitoring the monitoring?)
-
- Although I consider myself basically a hardware person, I obviously do
- some programming too, but don't yet have enough notches cut to call
- myself a "computer programmer"!
-
- I welcome correspondence at the address above or via the Valdosta
- State College RBBS at (912) 333-5975, 24hrs, 3/12/24, 8N1. The SYSOP,
- Paul Worth, is providing the "home" for QBFront End, so drop by and
- leave a line or two.....
-
- --- end of help screens ---
-
-