The files in this folder comprise the source code for Pocket Forth version 0.6.5. Pocket Forth is written in MDS assembly language. You must have or get the MDS assembler in order to use the Pocket Forth source files (see “MDS” note at the end of this file).
WARNING: The MDS assembler requires that you turn OFF 32 bit addressing in the Memory Control Panel!
To assemble Pocket Forth, place all of the source files on the top level of the startup disk. That is do not put them in any folder, nor on the desktop level if you are using system 7. The programs 'Asm' and 'Link' can be anywhere. Select and Open the three .asm files by double clicking them. When assembly is completed, Open the .link file in the same way. After the commotion stops, several new files, including Pocket Forth, will be on the disk. Throw away all of the .rel and .map files as they are of no further use. Put away the source files and Pocket Forth is ready to use. It is recommended that only copies of Pocket Forth be used.
The complete source code for Pocket Forth is contained in these 10 text files:
(No additional 'library' or 'equate' files are needed.)
_Filename______________description___
PocketForth.link Link file
PocketForthAppl.asm CODE resource
DICTResource.asm DICT resource
Interpreter.txt Interpreter code
Interface.txt Window, menu, key and other event code
Dictionary.txt Bulk of the dictionary code
OtherResources.asm Resources used by all systems
System7Resources.txt System 7 resources
Traps.txt Toolbox trap macros for assembler
Macros.txt SANE macros for assembler
If you have Userland's Frontier the deskscript 'AssemblePocketForth' is included. Leave everything in the folder and double click the deskscript. All of the file moving, assembling, linking and disposal is taken care of automatically. If an error occured or Pocket Forth does not appear on the top level of your startup hard disk, you may need to increase the delays between assembling the individual files. Examine the source of the deskscript for more information.
NOTE:
MDS, Macintosh Development System is Apple's, now discontinued, 68000 assembler. To use MDS with modern systems, you must set the signature of .asm files to 'ASM ' and .link files to 'LINK' (this has been done with the appropriate source files.) Then place the files to be assembled (or linked) on the top level of the startup disk. Don't launch the applications, rather open the document files by double clicking them. Within these restrictions, MDS works on any Mac/System configuration, but requires 24 bit addressing mode if used with System 7.
(Consulair sells an assembler that is compatable with MDS. I cannot say from experience whether it assembles Pocket Forth correctly. Consulair's ad in MacTech Magazine gives their address as: PO Box 2192 Ketchum,ID 83340.)
