Short:    mathffp.library FPU speedup patch
Author:   Jess Sosnoski (at the below address!!!)
Uploader: starblaz@postoffice.ptd.net
Type:     util/boot
Version:  1.0beta
Requires: fmath406.lha, an 020, and a 68881/2 FPU.
Long:

FFPpatch 1.0beta © 1997 Jess Sosnoski

DESCRIPTION:
-----------
This is a program that patches some functions of the mathffp.library
to use 68881/2 instructions, thus squeezing out a bit more speed.

This is also the first speedup patch I ever attempted to write! :)

This program REQUIRES mathtrans.library v40+ from the fmath406.lha archive
on aminet...and a 68881/2 FPU. (AND at least a 68020)
(and if you have an FPU you will definately have at least an 020)

But...will it work on an 040....I'd guess it would, as it doesn't use
any trig functions whatsoever...so all you lucky 040 (060!) owners can
knock yourselves out too! :)

For now mathtrans.library is required to convert FFP math to IEEE math...
eventually, I'm going to remove this requirement and put the conversion
routines directly into the patch.

If you don't use the fmath406 libraries, the patched functions will likely
run slower.

DISCLAIMER:
----------
Use this program at your own risk!
I assume no responsibility or liability for problem(s) and/or damage(s)
that occur by the use, modification, and/or existence of this product,
and/or its parts in any form.

 But if it don't work right, or slows things down, don't be afraid
 to send me email...or even send some email if it makes your system
 outprocess a cray (yeah, right)

Anywayz tho...the following functions are patched, and here's the
speed differences I got with a test program I wrote:
(the test program wasn't the best in the world either, but....)

          (time in seconds)
Function     New      Old
----------------------------
SPAbs        1.93     2.44
SPNeg        1.89     2.53
SPMul        4.85     7.88
SPDiv        5.23     5.56
SPFix        1.89     2.84
SPFloat      1.89     1.89

No astronomical difference, but multiply is definately a lot faster.

USAGE:
-----
run <>NIL: ffppatch

OUTPUT:
------
None...as I didn't feel like figuring out how to to text output
in assembly.
Although, if you don't have the right versions of the required libraries,
it will exit with a returncode of 20.

REMOVAL:
-------
sorry....once it's in...it stays in!
(didn't I hear Al Bundy say that to Peg once...hmmm....)

CAVEATS:
-------
Opens mathffp and mathtrans.libraries, and never closes them...oh well...
(I was too lazy to put that code in)

HISTORY:
-------
1.0      First Release

FUTURE:
------
Remove mathtrans.library references and do conversion from within the
patch.
Add more patches for the other functions.
Make this doc file a bit more presentable, and maybe leave it as plain
text without amigaguide OR HTML just for kicks.

BUGS:
----
Hmmm...what would Tom say, ohyeah, um....possibly.

AUTHOR:
------
Jess Sosnoski
651 Hillside Drive
Mount Carmel, PA 17851-2463
USA

starblaz@postoffice.ptd.net
http://home.ptd.net/~starblaz

IRC nick: starblaz
On: galaxynet (#amichat), beyondirc (#styx, #amirc), dalnet (#nin ,#c-64)

Emails, gifts, money, food, cigarettes, Amiga4060T's will all be
gladly accepted.
