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BasicBasic is copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver.
All rights reserved.
LICENSE INFORMATION
-------------------------------------------------------
This shareware version of BasicBasic may be distributed
to others subject to the following 2 conditions:
1) Only a nominal fee, not to exceed $5.00, may be
charged for distribution.
2) The following files must ALL be distributed UNALTERED.
DOS Version Windows Version
----------- ---------------
BBE.EXE WBBE.EXE
BB.EXE WBB.EXE
BBLIB14.EXE WBBLIB14.EXE
BBR.DAT BBR.DAT
BB14.STB BB14.STB
BB.DOC BB.DOC
ORDER.DOC ORDER.DOC
SAMPLE1.EXE SAMPLE1.BAS
SAMPLE2.EXE SAMPLE2.BAS
SAMPLE3.EXE SAMPLE3.BAS
SAMPLE4.EXE SAMPLE4.BAS
SAMPLE5.EXE SAMPLE5.BAS
SAMPLE6.EXE SAMPLE6.BAS
SAMPLE7.EXE SAMPLE7.BAS
SAMPLE8.EXE SAMPLE8.BAS
SAMPLE9.EXE SAMPLE9.BAS
SAMPLE10.EXE SAMPLE10.BAS
SAMPLE11.EXE SAMPLE11.BAS
SAMPLE12.EXE SAMPLE12.BAS
SAMPLE13.EXE SAMPLE13.BAS
SAMPLEW1.BAS
SAMPLEW2.BAS
SAMPLEW3.BAS
SAMPLEW4.BAS
SAMPLEW3.ICO
BBICON.EXE
WBB.FON
The software and accompanying documentation are provided
"as is" without warranty of any kind. The entire risk as
to the results and performance of the software is assumed
by you.
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary ................................ 2
Getting Started Quickly ................ 3
DOS Instructions ..... ................. 5
Windows Instructions ..... ............. 9
Statement and Function Reference ....... 13
Graphics Programming for Beginners ..... 47
Programming Buttons .................... 50
Programming Menus ...................... 52
Programming Dialog Boxes ............... 54
Program Icon ........................... 60
Communications Programming ............. 62
Windows and Graphics ................... 63
Bitmaps ................................ 67
Windows and Fonts ...................... 71
Chaining and Common .................... 75
BasicBasic Technical ................... 76
Windows Metacommands ................... 78
Metacommands ........................... 79
Seperate Compilation ................... 80
Default Windows Font.................... 82
(386 Enhanced Mode Font information)
Errors ................................. 84
Keyboard codes ......................... 86
1
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
SUMMARY
-------------------------------------------------------
BasicBasic is an easy to use program development system
for DOS or Windows. You can use BasicBasic to make your
own programs. BasicBasic creates EXE files which can be
run under DOS or Windows. BasicBasic supports both
graphics and text screens. BasicBasic supports many
commands common to other Basic compilers, as well as, many
new commands unique to BasicBasic.
Programs written using BasicBasic can run under either DOS
or Windows. The BasicBasic development system, itself,
may run under either DOS or Windows.
Here is a list of statements and functions the BasicBasic
compiler recognizes. Refer to the detailed description
later on for the exact syntax recognized.
ABS ADDSUBMENU ASC ATN BEEP BITMAPC BITMAPH
CALL CBUTTON CHAIN CHDIR CHDRIVE CHR$ CIRCLE
CLOSE CLS COLOR COMMAND$ COMMON COMSTATI
COPYBITS COS CREATEBITMAP CREATEFONT CSRLIN
CURDIR$ DATA DATE$ DBUTTON DECLARE DIALOG
DIALOG$ DIM DIR$ DLEN DO END SUB EOF EXIT DO
EXIT FUNCTION EXIT SUB FIELD FIX FONT FONT$
FOR..NEXT FREEMEM FUNCTION GET GET #
GOSUB..RETURN GOTO IF..THEN..ELSE INKEY$ INPUT
INPUT # INPUT$ INSTR INT KILL LEFT$ LEN LET
LINE LINE INPUT # LOADBITMAP LOC LOCATE LOOP
LSET MAINMENU MENUITEMGRAY MENUITEMON MID$ MKDIR
MOUSEB MOUSEON MOUSEX MOUSEY ONCLOSE ONPAINT
OPEN OPEN "COMn:" OPENFILEREAD OPENFILESAVE PAINT
PALETTE POINT POS POSITION POINT PRINT #
LPRINT PRINT USING PUT PUT # LPRINT USING PRESET
PSET OSTYPE RADIOON RADIOOFF RANDOMIZE READ
REM RESTORE RETURN RIGHT$ RMDIR RND SCREEN
SCROLLAREA SELECTBITMAP SELECTFONT SETERRLEVEL
SHELL SIN SOUND SPACE$ STOP STOREBITMAP STR$
STRING$ SUB SYSTEM TAB TAN TIME$ TIMER
UCASE$ VAL WRITE #
and the operators + - / * \ ^ AND OR
2
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
-------------------------------------------------------
The easiest way to run BasicBasic is to have all required
files in one directory. Create a directory and copy the
supplied files into the directory. BasicBasic files
required for each operating environment are:
FILE USE
_____ __________________________________
BBE.EXE \
BB.EXE |- required under DOS
BB14.STB |
BBLIB14.EXE |
BBR.DAT /
WBBE.EXE \
WBB.EXE |- required under Windows
BB14.STB |
WBBLIB14.EXE |
BBICON.EXE |
WBB.FON |
BBR.DAT /
In addition many sample programs are provided to let you
get started quickly. The sample programs have file names
of the format SAMPLEnn.BAS. In addition an Icon (.ICO)
and Bitmap (.BMP) file are provided for use by the sample
programs. The best way to install BasisBasic is to copy
ALL supplied files to your BasicBasic directory.
If you are new to programming, or new to BasicBasic, it is
a good idea to start out by compiling and running these
sample programs. If you are new to Basic programming a
good second step is to try modifying the sample programs
to operate differently.
SAMPLE1.BAS
SAMPLE2.BAS\__ Examples applicable to DOS and Windows
SAMPLE3.BAS/
.
.
SAMPLEW1.BAS
SAMPLEW2.BAS __ Examples For Windows Only
.
.
DOS Startup:
3
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
To start the BasicBasic development system under DOS you
must first be in the directory you placed the BasicBasic
files in; then type 'BBE' at the DOS prompt.
WINDOWS Startup:
To start the BasicBasic developement system under
Windows you must run the program WBBE. You can do this
from the Program Manager File menu. Alternately you can
install WBBE in a program group using the Program
Manager and then start it by double clicking on it's
icon.
Once started you are in the BasicBasic edit mode and can
type in programs from the keyboard or read them in from
disk. When ready you can tell BasicBasic to run the
program. The program will run and then control will be
returned to the BasicBasic editor. The following sections
provide a more detailed description of how to operate in
the BasicBasic development system.
4
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
DOS INSTRUCTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------
BasicBasic allows you to write programs using the BASIC
programming language. This programming language works the
same in DOS or Windows. The BasicBasic editor which
allows you to enter your program is slightly different in
DOS and Windows. This section contains specific
instructions on using the DOS version of BasicBasic. The
next section contains similar instructions for Windows.
(Note: If you do not want to use the BasicBasic editor,
you do not have to. See the section on Seperate
Compilation for instructions on compiling programs entered
with another editor)
This section assumes you have installed all required files
in one directory as described in the preceding section
'Getting Started Quickly'. It also assumes that you have
Changed Directories so that the BasicBasic directory is
the current directory.
To start BasicBasic you type BBE<
(< means Enter)
BasicBasic will then setup the screen in the following
format:
---------------------------------------------
1 | file name line |
2 | Function summary line |
3 | |
. . .
. . .
. . .
25 | Error line |
---------------------------------------------
The top line (line 1) displays the name of the currently
opened file. When you first start BasicBasic no file will
be opened so the top line displays the name of the
program. The second line contains a list of the most
commonly used funtion keys. The bottom line (line 25)
displays any errors which occur during compilation. Lines
3 through 24 are used for display/editing of your program.
The DOS version of BasicBasic does not use a mouse for
editing functions (though, if you have a mouse, you can
use it in the programs you write). All editor operations
are available with a combination of keyboard keys.
The best way to learn to use any editor is to use it. The
BasicBasic editor is fairly straight-forward. F1 will
5
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
bring up a list of all special key combinations. F3 opens
a file for editing or compiling. F8 compiles a program.
F9 runs a program (and compiles, if necessary). These are
the most common special keys you will use.
At this point open and compile or run some of the supplied
sample programs (e.g. SAMPLE1.BAS). F3-OPEN will ask you
to enter the name of the program you want to open. You
can either type in the file name, including the extension,
or use the TAB key to select a file from the file list
box. You use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through
the file list box. Remember that if you type in the file
name you MUST supply the complete name, including
extension (e.g. SAMPLE1.BAS).
Here is a description of the editor special keys:
Insert Toggles between Overtype/Insert modes
F1 Help Displays a list of editor special keys
F2 New Closes any currently open file and
clears the screen. You will be
prompted to save any changes.
F3 Open Displays a box to allow you to open a
file. You may either type in the
complete file name or TAB to a file
list box and select file with the
arrow keys. After highlighting the
file you want press ENTER.
F4 SaveAs Allows you to save the text you are
editing and specify a file name.
Ctrl-F4 Save Saves the text you are editing to the
same name you originally opened.
F5 Exit Exits the program. You will be
prompted to save any changes.
F6 Find Displays a box to allow you to enter
text to find. Upper/lower case are
ignored. The search is from the
current position in the file. To
search the entire file you must have
the start of the file displayed on the
screen. The found string will be
highlighted and the display altered to
show the highlighted item on the first
display line. If no match is found a
'BEEP' will be sounded.
Ctrl-F6 Find Next Searches for the next occurence of the
6
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
last search string you entered.
F7 Next Error If you have compiled a program and
there were errors in the compilation,
then the bottom line of the display
will display the error message. If
there is more than one error pressing
F7 will go to the next error message.
When an error message is displayed,
the corresponding source line will be
moved to the first display position if
applicable.
F8 Compile Compiles your current source and makes
an EXE file if there are no errors.
F9 Compile & Run Compiles your current source(only if
required) and then executes the
program. When your program terminates
you will return to the editor.
F10 About Tells about BasicBasic.
Up arrow
Down arrow
Left arrow
Right arrow Moves cursor around the screen.
Insert Changes between insert mode(small
cursor) and overwrite move (large
cursor)
Delete Deletes current character
Ctrl-PgUp Goes to first line of file.
Ctrl-PgDn Goes to last line of file.
Shift-arrow key Holding down the shift key while
pressing an arrow key will select text
for copying or cutting.
Shift-Delete Copies currently selected text to
clipboard.
Ctrl-F1 If text is selected deletes all of
selected text and transfers to
clipboard.
Shift-insert Pastes from clipboard to screen.
Home Moves to beginning of line.
End Moves past last character in line.
7
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
RUNTIME ERRORS
While executing a program you have entered you may
receive a runtime error message. The message will have
two numbers; the first being an error number and the
second being a runtime error address. This manual
contains a list of error numbers. The runtime error
address will show you what line had the error.
Each time you compile your program BasicBasic creates a
file which shows the runtime address for each line. You
can examine this file with the BasicBasic editor to find
which line contains the address the address at which the
runtime error occurs. The file BasicBasic creates has the
extension .TMP. For example if you compile the program
SAMPLE1.BAS, then BasicBasic will create the file
SAMPLE1.TMP, which will have the runtime addresses.
(Occasionaly you might want to delete all .TMP files from
your BasicBasic directory to conserve disk space.)
TOO BIG
If you write very large programs there may not be room in
memory to compile your program while the editor is
running. If you receive an error message saying not
enough memory to compile you may need to exit the editor
and compile seperately. See the section on Seperate
Compilation for instructions.
IMPORTANT: To run programs compiled with BasicBasic the
runtime module must be present. For DOS this is the file
BBLIB14.EXE.
8
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
WINDOWS INSTRUCTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------
BasicBasic allows you to write programs using the BASIC
programming language. This programming language works the
same in DOS or Windows. The BasicBasic editor which
allows you to enter your program is slightly different in
DOS and Windows. This section contains specific
instructions on using the Windows version of BasicBasic.
The preceding section contains similar instructions for
DOS.
(Note: If you do not want to use the BasicBasic editor,
you do not have to. See the section on Seperate
Compilation for instructions on compiling programs entered
with another editor)
You may install the BasicBasic program in a program group.
The file you want to install is WBBE.EXE. Alternately you
can select RUN from the program manager and execute
WBBE.EXE.
Once started you will see a standard Windows editing
screen. There is a menu bar at the top with available
choices. To compile and run a program (such as
SAMPLE1.BAS) you would need to select OPEN from the file
menu and then COMPILE & RUN from the Build menu. Remember
that you must enter the complete file name, including
extension (e.g. SAMPLE1.BAS).
The best way to learn any editor is to use it. The
BasicBasic editor is fairly straight-forward. The FILE
menu contains an Open command. The MAKE menu contains
commands to compile and run your program.
Here is a complete list of the Windows BasicBasic editor
functions.:
Insert Key Toggles between Overtype/Insert modes
FILE MENU
New Closes any currently open file and
clears the screen. You will be
prompted to save any changes.
Open Displays a box to allow you to open a
file. You may either type in the
complete file name or TAB to a file
list box and select file with the
9
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
arrow keys. After highlighting the
file you want press ENTER.
SaveAs Allows you to save the text you are
editing and specify a file name.
Save Saves the text you are editing to the
same name you originally opened.
Exit Exits the program. You will be
prompted to save any changes.
EDIT MENU
The edit menu allows you to manipulate text you have
selected. You select text in the usual Windows fashion
by holding down the mouse button as you move over the
text you want to select. Alternately you can use the
arrow keys with the SHIFT key held down.
Copy Copies currently selected text to
clipboard.
Cut If text is selected deletes all of
selected text and transfers to
clipboard.
Paste Pastes from clipboard to screen.
SEARCH MENU
Find Displays a box to allow you to enter
text to find. Upper/lower case are
ignored. The search is from the
current position in the file. To
search the entire file you must have
the start of the file displayed on the
screen. The found string will be
highlighted and the display altered to
show the highlighted item on the first
display line. If no match is found a
'BEEP' will be sounded.
Find Next Searches for the next occurence of the
last search string you entered.
MAKE MENU
Compile Compiles your current source and makes
an EXE file if there are no errors.
10
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
Control is returned to BasicBasic when
the compilation is complete.
Compile & Run Compiles your current source(only if
required) and then executes the
program. If there are compilation
errors the program will not be
executed. When your compiled program
is run it's window will be made the
top window, but the BasicBasic editor
will continue to run.
OPTIONS MENU
In there are errors in compilation BasicBasic will
display an error windows at the bottom of the edit
windows. You can scroll through this window to examine
errors. Selecting an error in the error window will
cause the corresponding source line to become the first
line in the edit window. The Options Menu contains an
item, 'Error Window' which will remove the error window
when you no longer need the errors displayed.
TRANSFER MENU
The transfer menu contains one entry. This is the
'Icon Editor'. Using the $ICON metacommand you can
assign a Windows Icon to your program. The icon editor
allows you to create the icon. See the section on
'Program Icon' for more information.
RUNTIME ERRORS
While executing a program you have entered you may
receive a runtime error message. The message will have
two numbers; the first being an error number and the
second being a runtime error address. This manual
contains a list of error numbers. The runtime error
address will show you what line had the error.
Each time you compile your program BasicBasic creates a
file which shows the runtime address for each line. You
can examine this file with the BasicBasic editor to find
which line contains the address the address at which the
runtime error occurs. The file BasicBasic creates has the
extension .TMP. For example if you compile the program
SAMPLE1.BAS, then BasicBasic will create the file
SAMPLE1.TMP, which will have the runtime addresses.
(Occasionaly you might want to delete all .TMP files from
your BasicBasic directory to conserve disk space.)
11
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
TOO BIG
If you write very large programs there may not be room in
memory to compile your program while the editor is
running. If you receive an error message saying not
enough memory to compile you may need to exit the editor
and compile seperately. See the section of Seperate
Compilation for instructions.
IMPORTANT: To run programs compiled with BasicBasic the
runtime module must be present. For Windows this is the
file WBBLIB14.EXE.
12
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
STATEMENT AND FUNCTION REFERENCE
-------------------------------------------------------
Here is a brief description of available functions and
statements. More detailed information on those not unique
to BasicBasic can be found in standard Basic reference
books.
ABS(numericexpression)
This function returns the absolute value of the numeric
expression.
ADDSUBMENU menunumber,stringexpression,keycode
Addsubmenu adds an item to a pull down menu with the
text stringexpression. When the user selects this menu
item the keycode will be returned at the next INKEY$
function call. See the section 'Programming Menus' for
more details
ASC(string expression)
This function returns a numerical value which is the
ASCII code for the first character of string expression.
ATN(numeric expression)
This function returns the arctangent of a numeric
expression.
BEEP
This statement sounds the ASCII bell character.
BITMAPC(filename,longinteger array)
This function returns colors values for a disk file
device independent bitmap.
e.g. A=BITMAPC("C:\WINDOWS\CARS.BMP",COLORS&(0))
13
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
Each element of the array COLORS& will contain one RGB
color value up to the total colors available (see
BITMAPH). See the section BITMAPS for further
information.
BITMAPH(filename,longinteger array)
This function returns the bitmap header from a file
device independent bitmap.
e.g. A=BITMAPC("C:\WINDOWS\CARS.BMP",HEADER&(0))
The data returned are:
0 - size of bitmapinfoheader
1 - width in pixels
2 - height in pixels
3 - always 1
4 - color bits per pixel
5 - compression flag
6 - total bytes in image
See the section BITMAPS for further information.
CALL name [arguments]
This statement transfers control to a BASIC SUB
procedure. Arguments may be any valid BasicBasic data
type. Arrays are specified with emply parenthesis.
here is an example of a CALL statement.
a=2
b=3
call printsum(a,b)
stop
sub sum(x,y)
print x+y
end sub
The EXIT FUNCTION statement may be used to exit a
function at any time. You may not transfer control out
of the function except with the END FUNCTION or EXIT
FUNCTION statements.
In this version of BasicBasic procedures do not have
access to common variables.
14
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
CBUTTON "name",keycode,0,"type",0,left,top,xsize,ysize,
forecolor,backcolor
This command defines and creates a button on screen.
This command is DOS and Windows compatible. In screen
mode 0 left,top,xsize,ysize are in character units. In
graphics screen modes these must be supplied in pixel
units. The name is the text which will be displayed in
the button. When you define a button you must define
the keycode which will be returned when that button is
pressed by the user. Legal button types are "Radio",
"Push" or "Invisible". Left, top, xsize, ysize define
the position and size of the button(in character
position). Radio buttons may have a foreground and
background color defined. If these are left 0 then the
default colors will be used. In DOS the colors are also
used for Pushbuttons.
When the user presses the button the indicated keycode
will be returned to the INKEY$ function. If a button is
pressed while executing the INPUT command the input will
be ended, but the keycode will not be returned until a
subsequent INKEY$ function is called. Instead of using
the mouse to press the indicated button, the user can
also press the keyboard key which returns the indicated
keycode.
Any key may be defined for a button. See the section
"Keyboard codes" for a list of codes recognized by
BasicBasic. As an example the uppercase letter 'A'
would be the keycode 65. Extended keycodes are
indicated by adding 1000 to the second part of the code.
For example F1 would be 1059, or F10 would be 1068.
e.g. CBUTTON "Exit",1068,"Push",0,1,1,8,1,7,4
Creates a push button on the top line. Because
it is a Push button the color values are ignored
in windows, but used in DOS.
See RADIOON and RADIOOFF for instructions on
checking/unchecking radio buttons.
See the section "Programming Buttons" for more detail on
programming buttons.
Note that while CBUTTON creates a button it will not
respond to the mouse button until the function MOUSEON
has been issued.
15
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
SAMPLE5.BAS and SAMPLE6.BAS use the CBUTTON command.
CHAIN filespec
This command transfers control from the current program
to another program. COMMON may be used to pass
variables between programs. Files are left open when
transfering to another program. See the section
'Chaining and Common' for more details.
e.g. CHAIN "TEST2.EXE"
CHDIR drive$
This statement changes the default directory for the
specified drive. CHDIR statement changes the default
directory, but not the default drive.
CHDRIVE drive$
This statement changes the current drive to that given
in the string expression drive$
CHR$(numeric expression)
This function returns the ASCII code for the numeric
expression. The returned code is one character.
CIRCLE [STEP](x1,y),radius,[color],[start],[end],[aspect]
This statement draws a circle, ellipse, or pie section
on the graphics screen. (x,y) are the screen
coordinates of the center of the figure. Radius is the
radius in pixels. Start and End are angles in radians.
Omiting these results in a complete circle or ellipse.
You may use Start,End to draw arcs or pie sections. A
complete circle has a start randian of 0 and an end
radian of 6.2832.
If start or end are negative the value is converted to a
positive number for purposes of drawing the arc, but
then a line is drawn from the center of the figure to
the end point of the arc. PIE figures may be draw in
16
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
this way.
Example of a complete circle, radius 50, color blue
SCREEN 8
CIRCLE (100,100),50,1
Example of pie figure, filled in
SCREEN 8
CIRCLE (100,100),50,1,-.01,-2
PAINT (102,98),1,1
Aspect can be used to adjust the ratio of y radius to
the x radius. By default BasicBasic sets aspect to a
number to create round circles for the type of screen
being used.
CLOSE #filenumber
This statement terminates I/O to the indicated
filenumber. Only one number allowed for each CLOSE
command.
CLS
This statement clears the screen. If a scrollable area
has been define the entire screen is still cleared.
COLOR foreground,background
The format of this statement varies depending on the
screen mode you are in.
MODE 0
This statement sets the screen colors to the indicated
foreground and background colors. Color values are:
0 - Black
1 - Blue
2 - Green
3 - Cyan
4 - Red
5 - Magenta
6 - Brown
7 - White
8 - Gray
17
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
9 - Light Blue
10 - LIght Green
11 - Light Cyan
12 - Light Red
13 - Light Magenta
14 - Yellow
15 - High intensity white
Foreground values can be 0 through 15 and background
values can be 0 through 15.
MODE 8,9
The first argument (foreground color) is a color
attribute. The second argument(background color) is a
screen color. For Windows programs see the section
WINDOWS AND GRAPHICS for additional information on the
COLOR statement.
MODE 12
Only one argument is used. The first argument
(foreground) color is a color attribute. In this mode
to change the background color for the entire screen use
the PALETTE command to change the definition of color
attribute 0.
MODE 1000
This mode is only supported under Windows. The first
argument (foreground) is a color attribute. The second
arguement (background) is a color attribute. In this
mode to change a palette color you must use the PALETTE
command.
COMMAND$
This function returns the command line used to start the
program.
e.g. TEST myfile.dat
COMMAND$ would return: myfile.dat
COMMON variablelist
Common passes variables to a chained program.
Variablelist is a list of variables and arrays whose
contents will be preserved when Chaining to a new
program. Only 'blank' common is supported. A blockname
18
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
is not allowed. the SHARED attribute is not allowed.
Arrays are indicated by blank parenthesis. See the
section 'Chaining and Common' for more details.
e.g. COMMON A,B,A$,B$()
COMSTATI(comnum)
This function returns the status of a communications
port. 8 bits of data are returned. These are defined
as follows:
bit 7 = Data Carrier Detect
6 = Ring Indicator
5 - Data Set Ready
4 - Clear to Sent
3 - Break Detect
2 - Framing Error
1 - Parity Error
0 - Overrun Error
e.g. a=COMSTATI(1)
COPYBITS sbm,sx,sy,xlen,ylen,dbm,dx,dy,0
This command is ignored under DOS. This command copies
the contents of one bitmap to another. The parameter
sbm is the source bitmap number and may be either 0, 1,
or 2, where 0 is the screen and 1 and 2 are memory
bitmaps previously created with the CREATEBITMAP
command. Similarly dbm is the destination bitmap
number. Sx, sy are the coordinates of the upper left
corner of the source bitmap to be transfered. Xlen, and
ylen are the number of pixels to copy. Dx, dy are the
coordinates of the upper left corner of the destination.
The following example copies a 100 by 100 pixel
rectangle starting at 0,0 to a memory bitmap and then
copies it back to the screen at x=200 and y=0.
sx=0
sy=0
dx=0
dy=0
copybits 0,sx,sy,100,100,1,dx,dy,0
dx=200
dy=0
copybits 1,sx,sy,100,100,0,dx,dy,0
19
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
COS(n)
This function returns the cosine of an angle expressed
in radians.
CREATEBITMAP n,0,xsize,ysize
This command is ignored under DOS. Under Windows it
creates a memory bitmap of the given size. The first
argument, n, may be either 1 or 2. The second argument
must always be a 0. You can create a maximum of 2
memory bitmaps. Using the SELECTBITMAP command you can
tell BasicBasic to route all screen output to a bitmap
instead. Then you can use the COPYBIT command to
quickly place a complex graphic on the screen.
If a SCREEN command is used in the program always use
CREATEBITMAP after the SCREEN command!
Here is an example of a createbitmap command:
pxsize=100
pysize=50
CREATEBITMAP 1,0,pxsize,pysize
SAMPLEW4.BAS uses the CREATEBITMAP command.
CREATE FONT
Allows creation of fonts in Windows. See section
WINDOWS AND FONTS for a description of this command.
SAMPLEW1.BAS, SAMPLEW2.BAS and SAMPLEW3.BAS use the
CREATE FONT command.
CSRLIN
This function gets the current line position of the
cursor(starting with 1). In graphics mode 1000 the
pixel line position is returned (starting with 0).
CURDIR$[(drive$)]
This function returns the path currently is use for the
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
specified drive. If the optional parameter is omitted
then the path for the currently selected drive is
returned.
DATA
This statement is used in conjuction with the READ
statement to input numeric or string constants.
DATE$
This function returns a string of ten characters
corresponding to the current computer date.
DBUTTON keycode
This statement erases a button from the screen (using
currently define colors) and disables input from it.
The keycode should be the same as that used in the
CBUTTON command. See the section "Programming Buttons"
for more information on buttons.
DECLARE function name[(parameters)]
The DECLARE statement defines a function before the
actual function is created. Before you can use a user
function in your program you must either create the
function (using the FUNCTION, END FUNCTION statements)
or declare it with the DECLARE statement. The DECLARE
statement, therefore, allows you to put your user
functions someplace else other than the start of our
program. The name of the function, type and number of
parameters must the the same in the DECLARE statement as
in the FUNCTION statement.
DECLARE ADD%(A%,B%0
I%=2
J%=3
PRINT ADD%(I%,J%)
STOP
FUNCTION ADD%(X%,Y%)
ADD%=X%+Y%
END FUNCTION
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DIALOG A$(),x,y,xlen,ylen,id,Header String
This statement executes a Dialog. See the section
"Programming Dialog Boxes" for details. The array a$()
contains text which defines the dialog box. X, y, xlen,
ylen are in pixel units in graphics screen modes and
character units in screen mode 0.
DIALOG$()
This function returns information on a Dialog Control.
See the section "Programming Dialog Boxes" for details.
SAMPLE11.BAS uses the DIALOG$ command.
DIM variable(subscripts),...
Defines arrays. There is no default array size of 10 in
BasicBasic; every array must be defined. SHARED is not
supported. Arrays may not be used as subscripts in a
Dimension statement.
LEGAL Dimension
DIM A$(10,5)
DIM B%(A%)
ILLEGAL Dimension
DIM A$(B%(1,2),5)
DIR$(path,[type])
or
DIR$
This function returns file names. If no type is
specified or type is set to 0 then file names not
including system and hidden will be returned. If no
path is specified then the next name using the previous
search path will be returned. Type may be set to a
non-zero value to return the names of special classes of
files.
type file type
1 Read Only files
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2 Hidden files
3 System files
5 Directories
6 Archive bit set
SAMPLE10.BAS uses the DIR$ command.
DLEN (string)
This function returns the length in pixels of a string.
It is intended for use in Windows graphics mode but also
works in DOS graphics mode.
DO [UNTIL condition][UNTIL condition]
This statement incombination with the LOOP statement
repeats a series of statements while/until the condition
is true. A LOOP command must terminate the series of
statements. Alternately the while/until condition may
be placed after the LOOP command. In this case the
true/false checking of the condition occurs AFTER the
series of statements has been executed once. Here are
some examples:
I=0
DO WHILE I<5
PRINT I
I=I+1
LOOP
I=0
DO UNTIL I>4
PRINT I
I=I+1
LOOP
I=0
DO
PRINT I
I=I+1
LOOP WHILE I<6
I=0
DO
PRINT I
I=I+1
LOOP UNTIL I>3
The EXIT DO statement may be used to exit from a
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DO..LOOP series of statements. Here is an example:
I=0
DO WHILE I<20000
IF INKEY$<>"" THEN EXIT DO
PRINT I
I=I+1
LOOP
END SUB
This statement is used at the end of a SUB procedure.
See the CALL statement for an example.
EOF(filenumber)
This function tests for end-of-file.
EXIT DO
Statement allows exit of a DO..LOOP series. See the
description of the DO statement for an explanation.
EXIT FUNCTION
Statement allows exit of a user Function. See the
description of the FUNCTION statement for more details.
EXIT SUB
Statement allows exit of a user Procedure. See the
description of the SUB statement for more details.
FIELD #filenumber,fieldwidth AS stringvariable...
This statement allocates space for variables in
random-access file buffer. The filenumber is the number
under which the file was opened. Fieldwidth is a number
indicating the length of the field and string variable
is the name of the field. Multiple fields can be
defined at once.
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e.g. OPEN "TEST.DAT" FOR RANDOM AS #1
FIELD #1,18 AS NAME$,18 AS ADDRESS$
LSET NAME$="FRED SMITH"
LSET ADDRESS$="1 MAIN STREET"
PUT #1,1
CLOSE #1
FIX(numeric expression)
This function returns the integer representation of the
value in numeric expression. -n.x returns n-1 if x>0.
FONT(n)
This function returns information about a Windows font.
See the section WINDOWS AND FONTS for a complete
description of this function
FONT$(n)
This function returns information about a Windows font.
See the section WINDOWS AND FONTS for a complete
description of this function.
FOR..NEXT
FOR counter=start TO end [STEP increment]
Defines a program loop.
FOR I%=1 TO 100
PRINT I%
NEXT I%
FREEMEM
This function returns the amount of global memory
available to other programs.
FUNCTION name,[(Paramenter list)]
This statement starts a user defined function. User
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defined functions can perform a series of instructions
and then return a single value of type String, Float,
Integer, or Long Integer. A user defined function is
used in an expression in the same way that a BasicBasic
function is used. Functions must be defined before they
can be used. Typically all functions are defined at the
start of a program. They are not executed until called
in an expression.
name: The name of the function. The name defines what
type of value is returned from the function. This name
is assigned a value somewhere in the the function.
parameter list: The list of variables that will be
passed to the User Function. Any changes to the
parameters are not returned to the calling expression.
Here is an example of a function which makes all
characters in a string upper case.
FUNCTION UPPER$(A$)
FOR I%=1 TO LEN(A$)
A%=ASC(MID$(A$,I%,1))
IF A%>=96 AND A%<=96+26 THEN
A%=A%-32
MID$(A$,I%,1)=CHR$(A%)
END IF
NEXT I%
UPPER$=A$
END FUNCTION
PRINT UPPER$("This will display in upper case.")
The EXIT FUNCTION statement may be used to exit a function
at any time. You may not transfer control out of the
function except with the END FUNCTION or EXIT FUNCTION
statements.
In this version of BasicBasic functions do not have access
to common variables.
GET (x1,y1)-(x2,y2),arrayname
This statement gets a range of pixels from the graphics
screen and puts them into an array. The may be placed
back on the screen using the PUT statement. In
BasicBasic only one set of pixels may be stored in each
array and storing begins with the first element of the
array.
e.g.
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DIM A%(100)
GET (100,100)-(109,109),A%
It is important that you dimension the array large
enough to hold the pixel data.
You can calculate the space required as follows:
size=int(((totalpixels*bits/pixel)+1)/8)+100
Where size is in bytes. Each element of an integer
array takes up 2 bytes.
GET #filenumber,recordnumber,variable$
This statement allows input of data from RANDOM or
BINARY files.
For random files the record format and input/output
buffer must previously have been assigned with a FIELD
statement. The following example would read in the
first record of an existing random file which is defined
to have a record length of 512 bytes, of which the first
32 bytes are the first name and the second 32 bytes are
the last name. After the GET statement in the example
is executed the data will be in the input buffer
variables FIRST$ and LAST$. After the file is closed
the input buffer is cleared so data must be retrieved
from the input buffer variables before closing the file.
OPEN "test.dat" FOR RANDOM AS #1 LEN = 512
FIELD #1,32 AS FIRST$,32 AS LAST$
TOPREC = 1
GET #1, TOPREC
IF EOF(1) THEN
PRINT "NO DATA IN FILE"
ELSE
SAVEFIRST$=FIRST$
SAVELAST$=LAST$
END IF
CLOSE #1
For binary files recordnumber is an absolute byte
position in the file. Data will be input to variable$.
Variable$ must be set up before an INPUT to be the same
size as the desired number of characters to read. The
first byte of the file is number 1.
OPEN "test.dat" FOR BINARY AS #1
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
FIRSTBYTE=1
FIRST$=SPACE$(32)
LAST$=SPACE$(32)
GET #1, FIRSTBYTE,FIRST$
FIRSTBYTE=FIRSTBYTE+32
GET #1, FIRSTBYTE,LAST$
CLOSE #1
GOSUB label
This statement causes a branch to a subroutine.
GOTO label
This statement causes a jump to another program
location.
IF...THEN...ELSE
Permits conditional execution depending on evaluation of
expression.
INKEY$
This function returns a character from the keyboard.
INPUT[;]["promptstring"{;|,}] variablelist
Executing this statement causes the program to pause and
wait for input. A promptstring may optionally be
printed before pausing for input. If a comma is used
after the promptstring or if no prompt string is
specified a question mark is displayed before waiting
for input. If INPUT is followed by a semicolon, then no
carriage return line feed is performed after the Enter
key is pressed.
INPUT #filenumber,variablelist
This statement reads items from an open file to the
given variables. When inputting data leading spaces
will be ignored.
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INPUT$(n,port)
This function returns a string of n characters from a
communications port. If n characters are not available
the function will WAIT for that many characters to
arrive. To avoid 'hanging up' your program use the LOC
function to find how many characters are waiting. If a
communications error occurs the number of characters
returned may be less than what you requested. In this
case use the function COMSTATI to determine what error
occured. See the section "Communications Programming"
for more details.
INSTR([start],expressiontosearch,searchforexpression)
This function searches for the first occurence of
searchforexpression in expressiontosearch and returns
the position at which the match is found. If no match
is found then 0 is returned.
INT(numericexpression)
This function returns the largest integer less than or
equal to numericexpression.
KILL stringexpression
This command deletes the file whose name is in
stringexpression.
LEFT$(stringexpression,n)
This function returns a string of length n from the left
part of stringexpression
LEN(stringexpression)
This function returns the number of characters in
stringexpression.
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LET
May optionally be used before assignment statements.
e.g. LET I=3
LINE [STEP](x1,y1)-[STEP](x2,y2),[color],[B],[BF]
This command draws a line, box, or filled box on the
graphics screen. The (x1,y1), (x2,y2) arguments are the
end points of the line. If a color is not specified the
current foreground color will be used. The 'B' option
draws a box. BF draws the box and paints the interior.
LINE INPUT #,filenumber,stringvariable
This statement inputs an entire line from a file. Input
continues until the next carriage return.
LOADBITMAP filename,0,dx,dy,sx,sy,xsize,ysize,cv,xm,ym
This statement loads and displays a bitmap. The bitmap
is displayed with the upper left screen coordinates at
dx,dy. sx,sy are the upper left bitmap coordinates.
Xsize, ysize are the length in pixels of each dimension.
If cv is set to 0 then all colors in the bitmap are
converted to the closest defined color for the display.
If set to 1 no conversion takes place. Xm is an
optional scaling factor in the x direction. A positive
number is used as a multiplier for the number of x bits;
a negative number is used as a divider. Xy is an
optional scaling factor in the y direction. A positive
number is used as a multiplier and a negative number is
used as a divider.
See the section BITMAPS for further information.
LOC(filenumber)
This function returns the current absolute byte position
within a file. For a communications port it returns the
number of received characters waiting in the receive
buffer.
LOCATE row,column,[cursor]
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Positions the cursor on the screen. If cursor is set to
0 then the cursor is turned off. In graphics mode 1000
row, column are pixel positions (starting with 0) rather
than character positions (starting with 1).
LOOP [WHILE condition][UNTIL condition]
Statement terminates a DO..LOOP series. See the
description of the DO statement for an explanation.
LPRINT expressionlist [,|;]
Prints the items in expression list. See PRINT for a
more complete description.
LPRINT USING formatstring; expressionlist[,|;]
The formatstring tells how to print the items in
expressionlist. See PRINT USING for a description of
format string items.
LSET stringvariable=string expression
This command puts data into a random access file buffer.
The buffer must be previously defined by a FIELD
statement. The data is left justified in the field.
e.g. OPEN "TEST.DAT" FOR RANDOM AS #1
FIELD #1,18 AS NAME$,18 AS ADDRESS$
LSET NAME$="FRED SMITH"
LSET ADDRESS$="1 MAIN STRING"
PUT #1,4
CLOSE #1
MAINMENU string1,string2...,string6,[bc,fc,gc,mc]
This command defines the main menu bar. Up to six menu
names may be specified. If less than six are defined,
blank strings must be present. See the section
'Programming menus' for more detail.
Under DOS, the optional numeric values bc,fc,gc,mc
represent background color, foreground color, graycolor,
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
and the character code of the key which calls the menu
bar respectively. Under DOS if you use menus there are
only 24 text lines remaining for use(lines 1-24).
e.g. MAINMENU "File","Color","Options","","",""
MAINMENU "File","Color","","","","",7,1,4,1067
Defines a menu bar which under DOS would have a
background color of 7 and foreground color of 1
and which could be summoned by pressing F9.
SAMPLE4.BAS uses the MAINMENU command.
MENUITEMGRAY keycode
DOS. This command 'grays' a submenu item. While gray
the item cannot be selected by the user. See the
section 'Programming menus' for more detail.
MENUITEMON keycode
This command enables a submenu item. When enable a user
may select this menu item.
MID$(stringexpression,n,length)
This function returns a string composed of length
characters starting with character n in
stringexpression.
MKDIR stringexpression
This command creates a directory specified by
stringexpression
MOUSEB
This function returns information on whether mouse
buttons are pressed. Bit 0 is 1 if left button is
pressed. Bit 1 is 1 if right button is pressed. Bit 2
is 1 if middle button is pressed.
e.g. b=mouseb
b=b and 2
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
if b<>0 then
print "right button is pressed."
end if
SAMPLE8.BAS uses the MOUSEB command
MOUSEON
This function intializes the mouse. It returns a -1
(true) if a mouse is present. It returns 0 if no mouse
is present. This function must be issued before the
mouse can be used in both DOS and Windows.
e.g. mouseflag=mouseon
MOUSEX
This function returns the x position of the mouse in
character units (1 through 80) for screen mode 0 and in
pixel units (0 through top) in all other screen modes.
e.g. x=mousex
MOUSEY
This function returns the y position of the mouse in
character units (1 through 25) for screen mode 0 and in
pixel units (0 through top) in all other screen modes..
e.g. y=mousey
ON CLOSE GOSUB line number
This command is ignored under DOS. This statement
defines a subroutine which will be called if the user
selects CLOSE from the system menu. Most programs will
not need to use this statement. However, if you keep
important data in in program variables, you may want to
prevent the user from terminating your program without
giving them an option to save the data.
When you receive control because of a close command you
can either save important data and stop or execute
RETURN and your program will continue running. Normally
you should terminate as soon as possible after receiving
control in your close routine.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
Here is a simple example of how this statement could be
used:
ON CLOSE GOSUB 1000
PRINT "Test of ON CLOSE statement...";
input z
stop
1000 INPUT "Do you want to quit ";a$
IF A$="Y" OR A$="y" THEN
STOP
END IF
RETURN
It is important to be aware that Windows can call your ON
CLOSE subroutine AT ANY TIME. Be very careful about using
global variables in an ON CLOSE subroutine. Your main
program may not expect them to be changed.
ON PAINT GOSUB line number
This statement defines a subroutine which handles screen
updates. This statement is ignored in DOS. This
statement is optional in Windows. See the section on
Windows and Graphics for more detail.
OPEN filename FOR mode [ACCESS access] AS # [LEN=reclen]
This command prepares the file filename for access as
number #. The filename can be a file name with or
without a pathname. Modes supported are INPUT, OUTPUT,
APPEND, BINARY, RANDOM. INPUT, OUTPUT, APPEND are for
sequential files. RANDOM is for random-access files
with fixed length records. BINARY can be used to access
any byte of any file.
Access types supported are READ, WRITE, or READ WRITE.
This argument is optional and is only valid for BINARY
and RANDOM files. READ WRITE is the default. If you
specify READ you will get an error if you try to access
a file marked as read-only by DOS.
LEN is used for random access files. It is the record
length. This argument is optional. 128 is the default.
e.g. OPEN "TEST.DAT" FOR INPUT AS #1
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
e.g. OPEN "TEST.DAT" FOR RANDOM ACCESS READ AS #1
e.g. OPEN "TEST.DAT" FOR RANDOM ACCESS READ WRITE AS #1
e.g. OPEN "T.DAT" FOR RANDOM AS #1 LEN=128
SAMPLEW2.BAS use the OPEN command.
OPEN "COMn: speed,parity,data,stop" FOR RANDOM AS #n LEN=n
This statement opens and initializes a communications
port. COM1 and COM2 are supported. Supported speeds
are 9600, 4800,2400,1200,and 300. Parity may be either
E,O,N, or M. Data may be either 5,6,7, or 8. Stop may
be either 1, 1.5, or 2. LEN is used to specify the size
of the input buffer. The default is 128 bytes. For
Windows programs a minimum of 2048 is suggested.
Only PRINT # will output characters to an open
communications port. Only INPUT$ will receive
characters from a port.
Communications parameters may be omitted; however, their
position must be marked by commas. Default parameters
are 300 baud, No parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.
e.g. OPEN "COM1: 2400,E,7,1" for random as #1 len=2048
See the section "Communications Programming" for more
details.
SAMPLE6.BAS use the OPEN COM command.
OPENFILEREAD filterstr,namestr,directorystr,titlestr
This statement executes a special Dialog which allows
the user to input a file name for input. See the
section "Programming Dialog Boxes" for details.
SAMPLE12.BAS and SAMPLEW4.BAS use the OPENFILEREAD
command.
OPENFILESAVE filterstr,namestr,directorystr,titlestr
This statement executes a special Dialog which allows
the user to input a file name for writing. See the
section "Programming Dialog Boxes" for details.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
OSTYPE
This function returns a number indicating what operating
system the program is running under.
1 - DOS
2 - Windows 3.x
3 - ?
PAINT [STEP](x,y),[paint],[border]
This statement fills a graphics area with the color
selected. (x,y) is the first point filled. It will be
filled with the color specified by the attribute
'paint', if supplied. If not supplied the foreground
color is used. Coloring in all directions continues
until the 'border' color is encountered. If border
color is not supplied the paint color is used.
PALETTE attribute,color
This statement allows you to change the default graphic
colors provided by BasicBasic. The usage of the
attribute and color arguments depends on the screen mode
you are in. You can always find out your current screen
mode using the SYSTEM function. For Windows programs
see the section on WINDOWS AND GRAPHICS for additional
information on the PALETTE statement. Here are the
definition of the arguments for various screen modes:
screen color.
MODE 8
Attribute determines which one of the 16 color
attributes you want to redefine. It is the attribute
you select with the COLOR statement. In this mode you
have 16 colors to choose from (0 to 15). See the
COLOR statement for a listing of the colors.
MODE 9
Attribute determines which one of the 16 color
attributes you want to redefine. In this mode you
have 64 colors to choose from (0 to 63).
MODE 12
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
In this mode attribute determines which one of the 16
color attributes you want to redefine. In this mode
the color value reflects an exact RGB definition of
the color you want. If you use a variable for color
it must be of type long integer.
color= 65536 * blue + 256 * green + red
Where blue, green, red can be from 0 to 255.
POINT (x,y)
This function returns the color of the specified
graphics pixel.
POS(0)
This function returns the current column position of the
cursor(starting with 1). In graphics mode 1000 this
function returns the pixel column (starting with 0).
POSITION x1,y2,xlen,ylen
This statement sizes and positions a window. x1,y1 are
the upper left of the window. This statement is ignored
in DOS.
PRESET [STEP](x,y),[color]
This command sets one pixel on the screen to the
specified color. By using the STEP prefix you can
specify that the x,y coordinates are relative to the
current position. If no color is supplied the pixel is
set to the background color.
PRINT expressionlist [,|;]
Prints the items in expression list. PRINT with no
expression results in a blank line being printed. If
the expression is followed by a semi-colon (;) the next
print starts immediately following this one. If the
expression ends in a comma (,) the next print starts at
the next print position. Print positions are at columns
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
1, 15, 29, etc.
PRINT USING formatstring; expressionlist[,|;]
The formatstring tells how to print the items in
expressionlist. Any text may be in formatstring.
BasicBasic only recognizes three format characters.
These are pound sign (#) comma (,) and period (.).
Each time a number character is found (#) one item from
the expression list will be printed.
e.g. PRINT USING "The answer is: ###,###.##";number
PRINT #filenumber,expressonlist
Prints to a file or communications port the items in
expression list.
PSET [STEP](x,y),[color]
This command sets one pixel on the screen to the
specified color. By using the STEP prefix you can
specify that the x,y coordinates are relative to the
current position. If no color is supplied the pixel is
set to the foreground color.
PUT (x,y),arrayname,action
This statement places pixels stored in an array onto the
screen. (x,y) is the upper left position. The x and y
length placed on the screen depends on the GET statement
which stored the data into the array.
The action may be one of the following:
XOR - Combines the pixels in the array and those
on the screen using the XOR operator.
This is the most common action used for
motion since this automatically restores
the background when done twice. XOR is
the default.
PSET - Transfers data erasing what is already on
the screen.
PRESET - Inverts data and transfers to screen
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
erasing what is already on the screen.
AND - Masks screen image with data in array.
OR - Superimposes data on existing screen.
For Windows use see the section WINDOWS AND GRAPHICS for
more information.
PUT #filenumber,recordnumber,stringexpression
PUT #filenumber,recordnumber
This statement is used to output data to a file opened
in either BINARY or RANDOM mode.
In BINARY mode the string expression will be written to
the file at the byte location given by recordnumber.
Recordnumber is the absolute byte number to be written,
where the first byte of the file is 1.
e.g. A$=SPACE$(20)
PUT #1,100,A$ (writes 20 bytes starting at 100)
In RANDOM mode the data in the output buffer will be
written to the record number indicated.
e.g. PUT #1,1 (writes to record 1)
RADIOON keycode
This command 'checks' the indicated Radio button. See
the section "Programming Buttons" for more information.
RADIOOFF keycode
This command 'unchecks' the indicated Radio button. See
the section "Programming Buttons" for more information.
RANDOMIZE
This statement initializes the random number generator.
If you use the RND function you probably want to preceed
it's use with the RANDOMIZE statement. Otherwise
everytime your program runs you will get the same
sequence of 'random' numbers. This statement has no
arguments.
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READ variablelist
Inputs a value from a DATA statement.
REM
Denotes a comment line and is ignored by the compiler.
RESTORE label
Sets position that next READ statement will input data
from.
RETURN
Returns program execution to location immediately after
last GOSUB.
RIGHT$(stringexpression,n)
This function returns a string of length n from the
right part of stringexpression
RMDIR stringexpression
This command removes the directory given by
stringexpression.
RND
This function returns one in a sequence of random
numbers between 0 and 1.
SCREEN mode[,palette][,peflag]
This statement selects the screen mode. The actual
screen mode available depends on your hardware. The
modes available in this version of BasicBasic are:
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
0 - Text Only. This is the default.
2 - 640-200 Graphics. Black and white only.
80 x 25 text format. (CGA, EGA, VGA)
8 - 640-200 Graphics. 16 colors and 16 attributes
80 x 25 text format (EGA,VGA)
9 - 640-350 Graphics. 16 colors and 16 attributes
80 x 25 text format (EGA,VGA)
12 - 640-480 Graphics. 256,000 colors and 16 attributes
80 x 30 text format (VGA)
1000 - Special mode. Supports whatever graphics
resolution Windows supports or, under DOS, the
highest resolution the monitor supports. Under
Windows supports font generation Issueing a SCREEN
1000 under DOS results in selection of the highest
available graphics mode (2, 8, 9 or 12).
The Palette argument is ignored under DOS. Under Windows
it allows you to select the special BasicBasic palette
if set to 16, or to select the 'system palette' if set
to 0. If the Palette argument is omitted then the
default is 0, use the system palette. If hardware
supports you can also set up to 256 for 256 color
selection. See the section WINDOWS AND GRAPHICS for
more detail.
The peflag argument is ignored under DOS. Under Windows
this flag can be set to 1 to prevent other programs from
using palette entries supplied by your logical palette
or 4 to specify that you do not want to use any palette
entries supplied by other programs. The default value
is 0 and there is seldom a reason to change this.
Here are examples of how the SCREEN command might be
used under Windows.
SCREEN 8 -- system palette
SCREEN 8,0 -- system palette
SCREEN 8,16 -- special BasicBasic palette
SCREEN 1000,256 -- special BasicBasic palette
Under Windows if you select 256 color mode on a machine
with a palette size of 256, then Windows only allows you
to change 236 of the palette entries. Entries 0->9 and
246->255 are fixed and may not be changed. The fixed
windows colors are different from the standard, default
Basic Colors
If you do not know the output capabilites of the machine
41
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
your program is going to run on, use the SETERRLEVEL
command to determine if a screen mode has been
successful. Here is an example:
SETERRLEVEL 5
ERR=0
SCREEN 12
IF ERR>0 THEN
ERR=0
SCREEN 9
IF ERR>0 THEN
ERR=0
SCREEN 8
IF ERR>0 THEN
PRINT "GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE."
STOP
END IF
END IF
END IF
The SCREEN command resets SCROLLAREA to entire screen.
SAMPLE7.BAS uses the SCREEN command
SCROLLAREA leftx,topy,rightx,bottomy
This statement defines an area of the screen which is
used for scrolling. This allows you to create fixed
text or buttons in one area of the screen while
scrolling another area. In screen modes less than 1000
Leftx, topy, rightx, bottomy are in character units and
are inclusive(starting with 1). In screen mode 1000
leftx, topy, rightx, bottomy are pixel units(starting
with 0).
Executing the CLS command will clear the entire screen,
not just the scrollable area. PRINT CHR$(12); will only
clear the scrollable area.
SELECTBITMAP bitmapnumber
This command is ignored under DOS. Under Windows this
command assigns screen output to a memory bitmap or back
to the screen again. A bitmapnumber=0 signifies the
screen; 1 or 2 signify one of the two possible memory
bitmaps previously created with the CREATEBITMAP
command. DO NOT perform input operations, define
buttons, or call Dialogs while a memory bitmap is
selected!
42
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
The following example draws and fills rectangles on a
memory bitmap and then copies it to the screen.
pxsize=100
pysize=100
createbitmap 1,0,pxsize,pysize
selectbitmap 1
c=1
for i=0 to 90 step 10
line (i,0)-(i+10,100),c,bf
c=c+1
next i
selectbitmap 0
copybits 0,0,0,100,100,1,0,0,0
SETCOM comnum,"Speed,Parity,Databits,Stopbits,dtr,rts"
This statement allows you to change communications
parameters for an already opened communications port.
Speed, Parity, Databits, and Stopbits are described in
OPEN COM. DTR may be either ON or OFF. If ON then the
output data terminal ready signal will be set high. ON
is the default. RTS may be either 1 or 0. If 1 then
the output request to send is high. 1 is the default.
Communications parameters not present will not be
changed; however, a comma must mark their positions.
e.g. SETCOM 1,",,7"
Sets number of data bits to 7.
e.g. SETCOM 1,",,,,OFF"
Turns Data terminal read;y off.
See the section "Communications Programming" for more
information.
SETERRLEVEL level
This command defines what BasicBasic should do in case
of runtime errors. Level must be a number (not an
expression or variable). Level 7 causes execution to
halted for all errors. Level 5 causes execution to
continue for recoverable errors. In the latter case the
global variable ERR is set to the error number. ERR may
be reset with the statement: ERR=0. ERR will be reset
each time an error occurs so the program must check ERR
immediately after statements which may produce errors.
43
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
SHELL [string]
This command runs another program. String may contain
an optional command string to pass to the called
program.
e.g. SHELL WRITE MYFILE.WRI
Would call the application WRITE and pass it the
command string MYFILE.WRI.
SIN(x)
This function returns the sine of an angle expressed in
radians.
SOUND frequency,duration
This command issues tones through the computer speaker.
The frequency is the desired frequency in cycles per
second(cps). The duration is the multiple of the clock
frequency (i.e. 18.2).
SPACE$(N)
Returns a string of n spaces.
STOP
Causes the program to cease execution.
STOREBITMAP 0,filename,x,y,xsize,ysize,cv,0
This statement stores the designated portion of the
display to a bitmap file with the designated name. X,y
are the upper left screen coordinates. If cv is set to
1 then the file will be stored in run-length-encoded
compressed format if possible.
See the section BITMAPS for further information.
44
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
STR$(numericexpression)
This function returns a string representation of the
numbericexpression.
STRING$(m,stringexpression)
This function returns a string of length n. This string
is composed of the first character in stringexpression.
SUB
This statement is used at the beginning of a SUB
procedure. See the CALL statement for an example.
SYSTEM (n)
This function returns information on the screen
depending on the value of n passed to it. This
information is of most use to Windows programs.
n function returns
--- ----------------------------------
1 Maximum x allowed in a graphics program
2 Maximum y allowed in a graphics program
3 Actual maximum screen size x
4 Actual maximum screen size y
5 Maximum color attribute
6 Maximum 'background color' in COLOR statement
7 Current screen mode
8 Window left position
9 Window top position
10 Window x size
11 Window y size
12 Returns 1 if window is Active Window, 0
otherwise. See WINDOWS AND GRAPHICS for
more information on uses of this value.
13 DOS major version number (e.g. 5)
14 DOS minor version number (e.g. 0)
15 Windows major version number (e.g. 3)
16 Windows minor version number (e.g. 1)
17 Hardware Palette Size
TAB(numericexpression)
45
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
In PRINT or LPRINT statements positions output at column
position given in numericexpression.
TAN(x)
This function returns the tangent of an angle expressed
in radians.
TIME$
This function returns a string representation of the
current system time.
TIMER
This function returns the number of seconds since
midnight.
UCASE$(stringexpression)
This function converts all lower case characters in
stringexpression to upper case and returns as new
string.
VAL(stringexpression)
This function returns the numeric value of string
stringexpression.
WRITE #filenumber,expression list
Write is performs the same way as Print with these
exceptions: 1) Commas are inserted between all items;
2) Strings are bracketed by quotation marks.
BasicBasic does not support using the Write statement to
display on the screen.
46
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
GRAPHICS PROGRAMMING FOR BEGINNERS
-------------------------------------------------------
This section will show you the basics of graphics
programming in BasicBasic. The examples given will work
equally well running under DOS or Windows.
Now here is your first graphics program:
SCREEN 2
LINE (0,0)-(400,100)
INPUT Z
This program draws one diagonal line on the screen. The
key to graphics programming is the SCREEN command. You
must issue a SCREEN command to tell BasicBasic that you
are going to do graphics. Screen 2 puts your screen into
a graphics mode with 640 dots (pixels) across and 200 dots
down. Each dot is either white or black. Most of our
examples will use SCREEN 8, which has the same number of
dots, but 16 colors. If you are running on a CGA display,
SCREEN 2 is the only graphics mode available, so you will
have to adjust these examples.
The second line in our example contains the LINE
statement. The LINE statement will do much more than make
lines. It will also create boxes and fill them with a
color if you want. Here is another program:
SCREEN 8
LINE (0,0)-(400,100),4,B
INPUT Z
This program puts the hardware into a 16 color mode and
then creates a box with red lines. The 'B' at the end of
the statement is what tells it to make a box. Notice that
the diagonal line is not drawn on the screen. Instead the
end points in the statement are used as the opposing
corners of the box. The 4 specifies the color red. You
could also do the following:
SCREEN 8
LINE (0,0)-(400,100),4,BF
INPUT Z
This program has 'BF' instead of 'B' in the LINE
statement. The 'BF' says to draw a box and then fill it
with the same color.
Of course you can also use a variable in place of the
numeric constants we have used so far:
SCREEN 8
FOR I=0 TO 15
47
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
X=I*10
Y=I*5
MYCOLOR=I
LINE (X,Y)-(X+10,Y+10),MYCOLOR,B
NEXT I
INPUT Z
This creates a series of boxes.
If you are tired of sharp corners try this:
SCREEN 8
CIRCLE (100,100),50,4
INPUT Z
As you might expect this draws a circle. The center of
the circle is at 100,100; it has a radius of 50 and is
drawn in red(the 4). The CIRCLE statement will do much
more than draw circles; it will also draw arcs and pie
sections. Try this:
SCREEN 8
CIRCLE (100,100),50,4,0,3.1416/2
INPUT Z
This draws a quarter circle (an arc) starting to the right
and finishing up at the top. To do this we are added 2
more arguments to the CIRCLE statement; 0 and 3.1416/2.
These are the start and end angles in radians of the arc.
There are 2pi radians in a circle. Don't remember this
from high school? Just remember that 0 is to the right;
3.1416/2 is up, 3.1416 is left, and 4.7124 is down.
Putting a minus sign before the start and end angles cause
BasicBasic to draw a pie section.
SCREEN 8
CIRCLE (100,100),50,4,-.01,-2
INPUT Z
This draws a pie section slightly greater than a quarter
circle. The CIRCLE statement does not have a fill option
like the LINE statement. If you want to fill your pie
section with a color you should use the PAINT statement.
This is a very versatile statement. You use it like this:
SCREEN 8
CIRCLE (100,100),50,4,-.01,-2
PAINT (102,98),4,4
INPUT Z
Now we have a red pie section. Paint starts filling the
screen with color starting with the center point given and
proceeding to the border color. Notice that we made our
48
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
center point different than 100,100 to make sure it was
inside the pie section we previously drew with the CIRCLE
command. We could have a blue pie section with red border
with the following:
SCREEN 8
CIRCLE (100,100),50,4,-.01,-2
PAINT (102,98),1,4
We will mention one last statement in this introductory
discussion. This is the PSET statement. It allows you
set individula pixels on the screen.
SCREEN 8
FOR I=1 TO 100
MYCOLOR=INT(RND*16)
X=INT(RND*640)
Y=INT(RND*200)
PSET (X,Y),MYCOLOR
NEXT I
INPUT Z
The preceeding program 'splatters' 100 randomly placed
pixels on the screen. They also have random color.
We won't discuss them here but other statements useful in
graphics programming are:
PRESET
GET
PUT
COLOR
PALETTE
Refer to the graphics programming examples SAMPLEG1.BAS,
SAMPLEG2.BAS, SAMPLEG3.BAS and SAMPLEG4.BAS for more ideas
on graphics programming.
49
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
PROGRAMMING BUTTONS
-------------------------------------------------------
Buttons can be used in either DOS or Windows. Buttons do
not require the presence of a mouse. Here is an example
of a valid create button command:
CBUTTON "EXIT",1068,0,"Push",0,1,1,8,1,7,4
Here is a description of each parameter:
EXIT - This is the name displayed in the button
1068 - This is keycode for F10 (User can either
use mouse to push button or press F10.
0 - Reserved
Push - Type of button. 'Radio' is the other type.
0 - Reserved
1 - Left position
1 - Y position
8 - x size (in characters)
1 - y size (in characters)
7 - foreground color (In Windows only used for Radio
buttons).
4 - background color (In Windows only used for Radio
buttons).
In DOS a push button will have text centered and if the
defined text size is at least 2 characters smaller than
the button size a line will be drawn around the outside.
In graphics modes button position and size is given in
pixel units rather than character units.
Remember that if a mouse is going to be used it MUST be
turned on with the MOUSEON function before it can be used
to press a button.
Here is an example of a small program which uses buttons:
A=MOUSEON
IF A=-1 THEN
CBUTTON "EXIT",1068,0,"PUSH",0,70,1,8,1,0,0
ELSE
50
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
CBUTTON "F10-Exit",1068,0,"PUSH",0,70,1,10,1,0,0
END IF
INPUT Z
a$=INKEY$
PRINT LEN(A$)
This program displays different text in the button
depending on whether a mouse is present or not.
Assuming there is a mouse this program will end under
the following conditions:
- User presses EXIT button with mouse
- User presses F10 on keyboard
- User presses ENTER key on keyboard.
In the first two cases the print will show a length of 2
for the length of A$ since the button keycode will be
returned on the next INKEY$ after the INPUT is
terminated.
Once you have created a button you are responsible for NOT
writing anything to that area of the screen. If you do
the button will be erased. If you are using buttons and
scrolling text on the screen make sure you use the
SCROLLAREA command to protect the button area of the
screen.
INVISIBLE buttons can be particularly useful. An
invisible button does not appear on the screen, but a
button push inside it's defined area will return it's
keycode just as if it were. This allows you to create
your own special color buttons or input areas. For
instance you could have a series of INPUT statements in a
program and each could be defined as an invisible button.
When the user clicked on that input area you would get a
unique keycode which would direct your program to the
section of code which handles that input.
Since buttons end INPUT commands you can also use
invisible buttons to define any keys you want to end INPUT
commands (e.g. UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW).
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
PROGRAMMING MENUS
-------------------------------------------------------
Under DOS menus may be either accessed by using the mouse
(if present) or pressing the F10 key. (F10 is changeable,
see the definition of MAINMENU command) When using menus
in DOS, always define menus BEFORE creating buttons.
Also, be aware that using the PALETTE command when a menu
bar is displayed may change the color of the menu bar or
may it invisible.
Menus support in BasicBasic is much like button support.
When the user selects a menu item a defined keycode is
returned to the Basic program. Menu keycodes are returned
only using the INKEY$ function call. However, if the user
selects a menu item while the program is waiting for input
in an INPUT command the input command will be terminated
just as if the user had pressed Enter. Then on the next
INKEY$ call the keycode for the menu item will be
returned.
KEYCODES: Just as in buttons keycodes can be regular or
extend keys. Extended keys are indicated by adding 1000
to the regular keycode. F10 would be 1068. See the
Appendix 'Keyboard codes' for a complete list.
The mouse must be enable with the MOUSEON command before
any menu items will be recognized.
Here is an example of a simple Windows program which
utilizes menus.
y=mouseon
mainmenu "Color","","","","",""
addsubmenu 1,"Black",1059
addsubmenu 1,"White",1061
backcolor=0
menuitemgray 1059
50
cls
color 1,backcolor
locate 10,30
print "Sample text..";
100
a$=inkey$
if a$="" then goto 100
if len(a$)=1 then goto 100
if right$(a$,1)=chr$(59)
menuitemon 1060
menuitemgray 1059
backcolor=7
goto 50
elseif right$(a$,1)=chr$(60)
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
menuitemon 1059
menuitemgray 1060
backcolor=0
goto 50
end if
goto 100
This program defines one menu and then adds two items to
it. These menu items allow the user to clear the screen
to either black or white. The program disables the menu
item for whatever color the screen currently is.
The menu could be define in the following way also.
mainmenu "&Color","","","","",""
addsubmenu 1,"&Black",1059
addsubmenu 1,"&White",1061
The apersand (&) allows you to define which character in
the menu will be underlined which allows the user to
select this item by pressing the ALT key and this letter.
This IS NOT the keycode which will be returned to your
program. This keycode will always be the one given as the
last parameter of the addsubmenu command.
We could also define the menu like this:
mainmenu "&Color","","","","",""
addsubmenu 1,"&Black",1059
addsubmenu 1,"",0
addsubmenu 1,"&White",1061
The 3rd line (addsubmenu 1,"",0) creates a line seperator
in the menu bar. It can not be selected by the user.
53
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
PROGRAMMING DIALOG BOXES
-------------------------------------------------------
Dialog Boxes are 'pop-up' boxes used to get information
from the user. Dialog Boxes are made up of one or more
'Controls'. A Control may be a pushbutton, radio button,
check box, edit field or various other items.
BasicBasic contains 3 types of Dialogs boxes: 1) File open
for read; 2) File open for save; 3) User defined.
Dialogs automatically preserve the original screen over
which they are place. The original screen is restored
when the dialog closes.
Under both DOS and Windows a user can selected and enter
items in a Dialog box without a mouse. Use the TAB key to
move from item to item. Arrow keys select items in a
list. Space bar sets/resets radio buttons and checkboxes.
Pressing Enter exists the dialog box if on a pushbutton.
FILE OPEN FOR READ DIALOG BOX:
This dialog box is available under any version of DOS, but
if running under Windows it is only available under
Windows Version 3.1 or later. (See the SYSTEM function
for information on determining Windows version.) This is
a very easy to use dialog box which prompts the operator
to select a file to be read from. The format of the
command is as follows:
OPENFILEREAD filterstr,filenamestr,directorystr,title
An example would be:
filter$="document"+chr$(0)+"*.doc"+chr$(0)+chr$(0)
filename$="readme.doc"
directory$="c:\windows"
title$="My open dialog"
OPENFILEREAD FILTER$,FILENAME$,DIRECTORY$,TITLE$
Filter defines which file names will be display for the
user. Each filter is a pair of text strings seperated by
a chr$(0) character. The first string of the pair is a
description of the filter and the second part is the
filter (e.g. *.BAT). You may have more than one filter;
however, in DOS, only the first filter is used.
Filename defines the default file (if any).
Directory defines the default pathname (if any).
54
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
Title is an optional title for the dialog box.
Upon leaving the dialog box the following functions return
the result:
DIALOG$(100) has the file name
DIALOG$(101) has the pathname
DIALOG$(102) is set to 1 if successful, 0 else
DIALOG$(103) is set to 1 if Cancel button pressed
102 and 103 will both be zero if an
error occurs.
If the dialog was successful then the default disk and
directory will have been changed to the pathname returned
in DIALOG$(101). The path is returned for informational
purposes only.
FILE OPEN FOR WRITE DIALOG BOX:
This dialog box is available under any version of DOS, but
if running under Windows it is available only under
Windows 3.1 or later. This dialog box is similar to
OPENFILEREAD. The primary difference is that OPENFILEREAD
requires that the file exist, while OPENFILEWRITE does
not.
OPENFILESAVE filterstr,filenamestr,directorystr,title
An example would be:
filter$="document"+chr$(0)+"*.doc"+chr$(0)+chr$(0)
filename$="readme.doc"
directory$="c:\windows"
title$="My open dialog"
OPENFILEREAD FILTER$,FILENAME$,DIRECTORY$,TITLE$
USER DEFINED DIALOG BOXES:
To create and use a dialog box you must do the following
steps: 1) Create a string array to hold Control
information; 2) Define one control in each string array
element; 3) Execute the dialog using the DIALOG
statement; 4) Use information acquired in Dialog.
The DIALOG statement looks like this:
DIALOG, a$(),x,y,xlen,ylen,id,string name
where:
a$() = a string array
x = x position of upper left corner
55
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
y = y position of upper left corner
xlen = x length
ylen = y length
id = unique identifier for control (1 -> 255)
string name = Text to put at top of Dialog box
X, y, xlen, ylen are in pixels in graphics mode or in
character locations in text mode (SCREEN 0).
An example would be:
DIALOG A$(0),10,10,200,100,100,"GET INFO"
Each Control is then defined in one element of the string
array. The general format for controls is:
controltype,x,y,xlen,ylen,id,text
Commas between each element are required.
An example would be:
a$(0)="pushbutton,5,40,100,30,100,Exit"
This would define a pushbutton labeled "Exit" which
would be 100 units wide and 30 high. It's origin would
be 5 units from the left and 40 units from the top of
the Dialog Box. It would have identifier number 100.
We could not use this identifier for any other Control.
Controls defined in BasicBasic are:
pushbutton
radiobutton
checkbox
edit
ltext
group
ok
filename
filelist
filepath
All Controls have the general format shown above for
Pushbutton. What follows is a description of each Control
recognized and any special format needed to define it or
any special way it is used.
PUSHBUTTON: Pushbuttons cause the Dialog to end. You can
use the DIALOG$ function to determine which pushbutton
ended the Dialog.
RADIOBUTTON: Radio buttons can be used to allow the user
56
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
to supply additional information. Radiobuttons DO NOT end
the dialog. You can optionally set the state of a
pushbutton when defining it:
a$(1)="RADIOBUTTON,10,10,200,30,101,YES,1"
This defines a radio button at 10,10 with width 200 and
height 30. The control identifier is 101 and the text
YES will be display in it. The '1' at the end
specifies that this button will be enabled at start.
Omitting this number or making it '0' means the button
is NOT enabled at start.
Radio Buttons may be grouped. In a group if one button
is pushed all the rest are cleared. BasicBasic
considers Radiobuttons with consecutive id's to be part
of a group. The following three buttons are part of a
group:
a$(1)="RADIOBUTTON,10,10,200,30,101,BLACK"
a$(2)="RADIOBUTTON,10,50,200,30,102,RED,1"
a$(3)="RADIOBUTTON,10,90,200,30,103,WHITE"
In this group RED will be enabled at start.
CHECKBOX: Check buttons are similar to Radio buttons
except they may not be grouped and hence do not clear any
other Checkbox when one is checked.
EDIT: Edit fields allow the operator to input text. The
text string at the end of the definition is the default
text entry. To provide a label for an EDIT control you
will have to use LTEXT defined later.
LTEXT: Ltext displays static text left justified. You may
display text anywhere in the Dialog box and this is
particulary used for providing a header for an Edit
Control. Here is an example:
A$(1)="LTEXT,10,10,200,30,103,Enter Name"
GROUP: Group draws a box on the screen and provides a
label at the top of the box. It is particularly useful
for providing a visual indicator of Radio button groups.
An example to draw a box at 10,10 100 units wide by 50
high would be:
A$(1)="GROUP,10,10,100,50,101,Colors"
OK: OK is a special pushbutton. It is defined the same
way as any pushbutton. If you have an OK control defined
then the dialog will end if the user presses 'Enter' at
any Edit field. It is required when using the following
file controls. Only one OK control may be in a Dialog.
57
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
FILENAME: This is a special Edit field used for getting a
file name. It is used in conjuction with OK, FILELIST,
and FILEPATH controls. The text element is the default
file name. The presence of a FILENAME control means that
the Dialog box will not terminate until a name of an
existing file is entered or a pushbutton other than the OK
control is pushed.
a$(1)="filename,10,10,200,30,101,CONFIG.SYS"
FILENAMEW: This functions just like FILENAME, except if
this control is used no check to see if the file exists is
made before the Dialog terminates. Only one
FILENAME/FILENAMEW may be used in a Dialog.
FILELIST: This defines a box which will contain a display
of files. It is used in conjuction with OK, FILENAME, and
FILEPATH controls. The text element contains the DOS file
search string. The user may use the mouse to select files
which will automatically be placed in the FILENAME (or
FILENAMEW) control. Only one FILELIST may be in a Dialog.
a$(1)="filelist,10,10,200,200,101,*.bmp"
FILEPATH: This defines a string which will DISPLAY the
current directory path being accessed. It is used in
conjuction with OK, FILENAME, and FILELIST. The text
element is the default path. Only one FILEPATH may be in
a Dialog.
a$(1)="filepath,10,10,200,30,101,c:\windows"
COLOR: This can be used to change the default dialog
colors in DOS only! The order of the colors is: dialog
background color, dialog foreground color, dialog selected
color, button foreground color, radio button background
color, push button background color.
a$(1)="COLOR,0,1,4,5,6,7"
The following example shows a dialog box:
rem go into graphics mode
screen 2
dim control$(100)
rem define controls
control$(0)="ltext,10,10,100,30,100,Name:"
58
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
control$(1)="edit,110,10,200,30,101,"
control$(2)="ltext,10,50,100,30,102,Address:"
control$(3)="edit,110,50,200,30,103,"
control$(4)="pushbutton,10,110,50,30,104,Done"
control$(5)="radiobutton,130,110,110,25,105,Type A,1"
control$(6)="radiobutton,130,134,110,25,106,Type B"
control$(7)="group,118,80,180,90,107,Personality Type"
control$(8)="checkbox,10,174,100,30,108,Widgets"
control$(9)="checkbox,130,174,100,30,109,Gadgets,1"
control$(10)="checkbox,250,174,100,30,110,Doodads"
rem call dialog
dialog control$(0),11,10,10,350,210,"Client Info"
rem display results of dialog
print "name=";dialog$(101)
print "address=";dialog$(103)
print "done=";dialog$(104)
print "radio 1=";dialog$(105)
print "radio 2=";dialog$(106)
print "widgets=";dialog$(108)
print "gadgets=";dialog$(109)
print "doodads=";dialog$(110)
input z
59
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
PROGRAM ICON
-------------------------------------------------------
Windows programs may have an 'icon' associated with them.
An icon is the little picture which is placed in a folder
when a program is installed or which is displayed when a
program is minimized. BasicBasic programs have a default
icon; but you may want to make your own.
Icons are ignored in DOS.
To add an icon to a program you must do two things:
1. Create an icon.
In Windows you can do this by selecting 'Icon Editor'
from the Transfer menu.
In DOS you can execute the icon editor by running the
program BBICON.EXE. The editor requires a mouse.
2. Tell the compiler to use your icon with the $ICON
metacommand:
REM #ICON: 'MYFILE.ICO'
BasicBasic contains a simple icon editor which allows you
to create icons for use in your program. The icons
created will always be 32 by 32 pixels in size and have up
to 16 colors.
When first started the icon editor displays a white icon.
You change the color of a pixel by putting the pointer
over it and pressing the mouse button. You select the
color to use from the palette at the right of the screen.
Pixel by pixel you create your icon until you are ready to
save it using the File menu. It is standard practice
(though not required) to give an icon file the extension
.ICO.
Advanced Users:
A Windows icon actually contains two 32 by 32 pixel
bitmaps. The primary bitmap tells the colors of the
pixels. This bitmap is the default bitmap displayed by
the BasicBasic icon editor.
The second bitmap tells Windows which pixels in the bitmap
are transparent and which ones are opaque. The default
for a BasicBasic icon is all opaque. You can access this
second bitmap from the View menu. The second bitmap is
called the 'Mask' bitmap. When viewing the mask bitmap
each pixel may be either black (opaque) or white
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
(transparent).
Keep in mind that if you make a transparent mask that the
background will show through your icon. If there is a
color other than black in the corresponding color bitmap
pixel, the color actually displayed will be a blend of the
background color and the color you selected.
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COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMMING
-------------------------------------------------------
Here is a brief example of using a communications port.
rem
rem open communications port
rem
OPEN "COM1: 2400,N,8" FOR RANDOM AS #1 LEN=2048
100
rem
rem get input from communications port
rem
t = LOC(1)
IF t > 0 THEN
a$=input$(t,1)
if len(a$)>0 then
rem come here to display received characters
PRINT a$;
ELSE
rem come here if some kind of comm error that kept
rem us from getting the waiting character.
end if
END IF
rem
rem get input from keyboard
rem
b$ = INKEY$
IF b$ <> "" THEN
PRINT #1, b$;
END IF
GOTO 100
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
WINDOWS AND GRAPHICS
-------------------------------------------------------
In general programming graphics under Windows is the same
as programming graphics under DOS. However, because
Windows mediates hardware access among different programs
there are a few differences.
COLORS
Under DOS or Windows, BasicBasic provides a palette of 16
colors. Under DOS this palette is the hardware palette
and you have full control to change them (depending on
mode using either the COLOR or PALETTE statements). Under
Windows the palette is a 'logical' palette and only
Windows controls where in the physical palette the logical
palette entries are placed. In addition, if you are
running under standard VGA or less, Windows will not let
you change the colors in the palette. You are restricted
to the 16 colors Windows defines.
BasicBasic defaults to using the system palette. This is
a palette of 16 colors which Windows never changes. This
also means that your program cannot change them with the
PALETTE or COLOR(in mode 8) commands. If you want to
change the standard colors you will have to use a
'logical' palette. In BasicBasic you do this using the
SCREEN command.
Using a logical palette has benefits and drawbacks. As
mentioned you can change the colors display. This may be
of use in animation. However, there are serious
drawbacks. The PUT with any option except PSET will not
work correctly. This is explained below. Also, when your
program is not the 'active' window, Windows may remove
your colors from the hardware palette resulting in some
strange looking displays. In addition, if this happens,
the PAINT command may have completely unforseen
consequences. You can use the SYSTEM function to
determine if your program is the active program. When
your program is active your colors will all be available
for your use.
Logical palettes do not support using the PUT graphics
statement with the XOR, OR, or AND options. If you use
XOR the colors will not be as expected (though, as usual
if you do 2 PUT statements with XOR the background will be
restored). The reason for this is that Windows may 'map'
the logical palette entries to the physical palette anyway
it likes. If you must use XOR, use the default BasicBasic
palette which is the system palette.
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SCREEN MODES
Under Windows you have access to the same screen modes as
under DOS. The COLOR and PALETTE statements work the same
under DOS as under Windows. In addition under Windows you
have access to an additional screen mode: mode 1000. In
mode 1000 you are able to create new fonts. Mode 1000
gives you the highest possible graphics resolution. Also
the COLOR command is somewhat more flexible than under DOS
screen modes. The LOCATE and SCROLLAREA statements and
functions POS, CSRLIN work differently in this mode.
Also under Windows you have the option of specifying the
size of the logical palette your program will have access
to. This is limited by the physical palette supported by
your hardware. Standard VGA supports only 16 palette
entries. Super VGA may (depending on memory) support up
to 256 palette entries. You could select 256 palette
entires by using this command:
SCREEN 1000,256
Windows actually only allows you to change 236 of the
palette entries. The other entries are defined by Windows
as follows:
0 - black 246 - cream
1 - dark red 247 - lightish gray
2 - dark green 248 - medium gray
3 - dark yellow 249 - red
4 - dark blue 250 - green
5 - dark magenta 251 - yellow
6 - dark cyan 252 - blue
7 - light gray 253 - magenta
8 - money green 254 - cyan
9 - sky blue 255 - white
NAKED WINDOWS
When running under Windows you do not have exclusive
access to the screen. At any time your window may be
hidden by another window appearing on the screen. At some
future time the operator may make your window reappear
with the click of the mouse button. When your window has
been hidden and is then called to the front, Windows DOES
NOT handle putting the contents of the window back in!
All windows privides is the outline of the window. This
'naked' window must be filled in by either BasicBasic or
your program.
By default BasicBasic handles all window 'repainting'.
BasicBasic remembers everything that your program sends to
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the screen and when necessary repaints the window with
this information. In text mode (screen mode 0) a small
buffer remembers each character on the screen. In
graphics mode BasicBasic maintains a larger buffer
containing a duplicate of each pixel on the screen. This
buffer can take up quite a bit of space.(On a 640 x 200 16
color display this requires 128,000 bytes). Ordinarily
you don't need to worry about this. If your program isn't
going to be in memory very long, or has a small window,
who cares?
If you are short of memory or have a very large window
which is going to stay around all day you may not like
this arrangement. In this case you should use the ON
PAINT statement. This statement tells BasicBasic to NOT
keep a copy of the display; that you are going to handle
repainting when necessary. Here is an example:
ON PAINT GOSUB 1000
SCREEN 8
sc=8
gosub drawmyscreen
50
if inkey$="" then goto 50
STOP
1000
gosub drawmyscreen
RETURN
drawmyscreen:
if sc=0 then return
locate 1,1
print "Now is the time to draw circles..."
circle (50,50),25,4
circle (75,75),50,1
circle (400,50),40,2
circle (500,100),75,3
return
Here are some rules to remember about using the ON PAINT
statement:
- Use it before your SCREEN statement. BasicBasic
creates the screen duplicate during the SCREEN
statement. It will, if necessary, erase it during the
ON PAINT statement, but why go to the bother.
- NEVER use any input commands, file commands, com
commands, etc in you ON PAINT handler.
- Don't change variables in your ON PAINT handler that
are used elsewhere in your program. Remember that
Windows ALWAYS calls your ON PAINT handler at the
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WORST POSSIBLE TIME!
- It is wise not to use the INPUT command in a program
that has it's own ON PAINT handler. BasicBasic will
not rewrite what has been input so far.
- Your ON PAINT handler may be called IMMEDIATELY after
you issue the ON PAINT command. Make sure you are
ready. Note the line IF SC=0 THEN RETURN in our
example. Try running this program without this line.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
BITMAPS
-------------------------------------------------------
BasicBasic supports the loading and storing of device
independent bitmap files as defined in Windows 3.
BasicBasic supports bitmaps under EITHER DOS or Windows.
You must be in graphics mode to load or store bitmaps.
Windows (and SOME Windows applications) support a
compressed bitmap format to save space. BasicBasic also
supports loading and store compressed bitmap files.
A simple program to load a bitmap could be as follows (the
file CARS.BMP is a standard bitmap file supplied with
Windows).
screen 8
x=100
y=100
ffname$="c:\windows\cars.bmp"
loadbitmap ffname$,0,x,y,0,0,16,16,0,0,0
input z
This example loads the upper left most 16 by 16 pixels of
the bitmap and puts in on the screen starting at 100,100.
If we had wanted to double the size of the graphic in the
x direction we could have done the following load:
loadbitmap ffname$,0,x,y,0,0,16,16,0,2,0
If we had wanted to skip every other line of pixels we
could have done the following load:
loadbitmap ffname$,0,x,y,0,0,16,16,0,0,-2
This would have loaded 16 lines of the bitmap, but only
displayed every other one.
BITMAPS AND COLORS
With each device independent bitmap is stored information
about the colors defined for that bitmap. There may be
information about 2 colors, 16 colors, 256 colors or
16,777,216 colors. BasicBasic supports the first 3 types
of bitmaps. The colors in the bitmap may or may not be
the same as those defined in your current palette. When
you load a bitmap you might want to make sure that your
palette has the colors necessary to correctly display the
bitmap. Alternately you can tell BasicBasic to attempt to
match bitmap colors to your currently defined palette
colors. This is the easiest thing to do, though, it may
not result in the best rendering of the graphic.
In the examples we have used so far we have let BasicBasic
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
match colors for us. We do this by setting the ninth
parameter to 0.
cv=0
loadbitmap ffname$,0,x,y,0,0,16,16,cv,0,0
We could also set cv to 1; in which case, BasicBasic would
make no color correction and the existing palette colors
would be used to display the bitmap.
For maximum color compatibility you will want to load the
colors from the bitmap and assign them you your logical
palette. The first step in this process is to determine
how many colors the bitmap has defined. You do this using
the BITMAPH function.
e.g.
dim a&(256)
a=bitmaph("C:\windows\cars.bmp",a&(0))
numcolorbits=a&(4)
if numcolorbits=2
print "2 colors defined"
elseif numcolorbits=4
print "16 colors defined"
elseif numcolorbits=8
print "256 colors defined"
else
print "colors explicitly defined for each bit"
end if
You can determine how many colors can be displayed on your
screen by using the SYSTEM function
maxcolors=system(5)
If the bitmap has more colors than your screen can display
then the best course to follow is to allow BasicBasic to
convert colors for you. If, on the other, hand you have
enough room in your palette to display all the colors
defined in the bitmap then you can load them using the
BITMAPC function and assign them using the PALETTE
command.
screen 8
dim a&(256)
ffname$="c:\windows\cars.bmp"
a=bitmaph(ffname$,a&(0))
x=0
y=0
pxsize=a&(1)
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pysize=a&(2)
colorbits=a&(4)
if colorbits=2
colors=2
elseif colorbits=4
colors=16
elseif colorbits=8
colors=256
else
print "bitmap not supported.."
stop
end if
maxcolors=system(5)
if (colors<=maxcolors)
a=bitmapc(ffname$,a&(0))
if colors>236 then
for i=10 to 246
palette i,a&(i)
next i
else
for i=0 to colors
palette i,a&(i)
next i
end if
cv=0
else
cv=1
end if
x=100
y=100
ymult=2
loadbitmap ffname$,0,x,y,0,0,16,16,cv,0,0
input z
Note to Windows Users: With a 256 color palette, Windows
only allows 236 to be changed by the user. The first 10
and and last 10 are fixed. This is why we only assign 236
colors in the example above.
STORING BITMAPS
If you have a graphic displayed on the screen you can save
it to a bitmap file using the STOREBITMAP command. It
will be saved in the same color resolution as your screen.
You can optionally tell BasicBasic to store the file in
compressed format to save space. Note, however, that a
complex picture with much fine detail may compress to a
LARGER file than the original! Also it will take longer
to store a bitmap using compression, than without.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
screen 8
line (0,0)-(100,100),1
x=0
y=0
pxsize=100
pysize=100
cp=1 : rem compress it
storebitmap 0,ffname$,x,y,pxsize,pysize,cp,0
input z
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
WINDOWS AND FONTS
-------------------------------------------------------
To create fonts in Windows you must have selected Screen
mode 1000. In this mode some statements and commands work
differently. LOCATE x,y now position by dot position,
rather than character position. POS and CSRLIN return the
corresponding pixel position rather than character
position.
See the sample program SAMPLEF1.BAS for some examples of
font creation.
If you are going to create fonts you should NOT use the
WINDOWS SIZE metacommand. Instead use POSITION as
necessary to adjust the size ofyour window.
You may create up to 10 fonts, number 1 through 10. Font
number 0 is reserved for BasicBasic's default font. You
create a font using the CREATEFONT command. Once you have
created a font you must select it with the SELECTFONT
command. You may get information on the currently
selected font using the FONT and FONT$ functions.
The CREATEFONT statement has a lot of arguments. However,
it is not as complex to use as it looks. Usually you are
only interested in specifying one or two things about the
font; such as height. In this case you can set all other
arguments to 0. Below is a complete description of the
CREATEFONT command.
Argument P10 must be set to 3 (OEM Font) to use most of
the built in Windows fonts!
CREATEFONT
p1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,p8.p9.p10,p11.p12,p13,p14,p15$
p1 = Font number to be created.
A number from 1 to 10.
p2 = Font height (in pixels).
Desired height of characters. This specifies the
line spacing.
p3 = Font width
Desired width of characters. Usually set to 0
p4 = escapement
Which way the text goes.
0 - right
900 - up
1800 - right to left
2700 - down
p5 = orientation
0 = Normal
900 = tipped 90 degrees to the left
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
1800 = upside down
2700 = tipped 90 degrees to the right
p6 = weight
0 = don't care
100 = thin
200 = extralight
300 = light
400 = normal
500 = medium
600 = semibold
700 = boldface
800 = extra bold
900 = heavy
p7 = italic
When nonzero this specifies italics
p8 = underline
When nonzero this specifies underlining
p9 = strikeout
p10 = character set
0 = ANSI character set
1 = SYMBOL character set
2 = Japanese Kanji
3 = OEM character set
-> Most Windows fonts are OEM fonts (e.g. script)
p11 = output precision
Specifies how Windows should attempt to match
desired font sizes and characters with actual
fonts. Not currently defined. Make 0
p12 = clip precision
Not currently defined. Make 0.
p13 = quality
Instruction to Windows on how to match fonts.
0 - Default Quality. Don't make bigger that
desired.
1 - Draft Quality.
2 - Proof Quality. This is the best quality,
but size may be smaller than desired.
p14 = pitch and family
The two low order bits specify the pitch of the
font.
0 = Default
1 = Fixed pitch
2 = Variable
The four high order bits specify the font family.
0 = don't care
&H10 = Roman
&H20 = Swiss
&H30 = Modern
&H40 = Script
&H50 = Decorative
p15$ = "face name"
This is the name of the typeface. You do not need
to specify this. If you do it takes priority over
any other options you specify (such as height).
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
Examples of face names are COURIER, TMS RMN, etc.
Here is an example of a CREATEFONT command which creates a
font 60 pixels high. All other parameters are left at
default.
CREATEFONT 1,60,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,""
To print with this font you would first have to select it.
SELECTFONT 1
When you create a font Windows tries to match the
characteristics you specify in the CREATEFONT command. It
may not be able to in all cases. Perhaps you specify an
incompatible height and width. In these cases Windows
gets as close as it can. If some parameter is important
to your application you should check to make sure the font
you created meets your requirements. Using the FONT
function you can examine the selected font.
FONT(n)
n returns
--- ----------------------------------------------
1 character height
2 Ascent
3 Descent
4 Internal Leading
5 Extern Leading
6 Average Character Width
7 Maximum Character Width
8 Weight
9 Italic
10 Underline
11 Strikeout
12 First character
13 Last character
14 Default character
15 Break character
16 Pitch and Family
17 Character set
18 Overhang
19 Digitized Aspect x
20 Digitized Aspect y
There is another function which will return the face name.
FONT$(n)
n returns
--- ----------------------------------------
1 face name
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
If you need additional information on fonts (or Windows
programming in general), a useful reference is 'Windows
API Bible' by James L. Conger.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
CHAINING AND COMMON
-------------------------------------------------------
Here are examples of two programs, CHAIN1 and CHAIN2,
which pass variables back and forth in common.
CHAIN1
common a,b,c,d$(),c()
if a=0 then
cls
a=1
dim d$(10)
dim c(20)
d$(5)="This is d$(5)"
end if
print "press any key to go to chain 2"
100
a$=inkey$
if a$="" then goto 100
chain "chain2.exe"
CHAIN2
common a,b,c,d$(),c()
b=b+1
print "this is chain 2"
print "b=";b;
print d$(5)
input z
chain "chain1.exe"
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
BasicBasic Technical
-------------------------------------------------------
BasicBasic is intended to be a subset of Microsoft Basic.
More statements and functions will be added with each
release. Depending on your religion you may or may not be
happy to see that GOTO is supported. BasicBasic's syntax
is 'almost' the same as Microsoft's Basic. Here are some
known syntax differences:
BasicBasic scans expressions from left to right the
same as Microsoft Basic, however, BasicBasic checks
all multiplies before divides and all minus signs
before addition.
BasicBasic does not support the underscore (_) line
extension character.
Most functions and statements have the same syntax as
Microsoft Basic. You should check the Statement and
Function Reference section for details on syntax.
Date types supported are integer (% suffix), long integer
(& suffix), single precision (no suffix), and string ($
suffix). Double precision numbers are not supported in
this version.
BasicBasic does not support a standard array of size 10.
Every array must be explicitly dimensioned with a DIM
statement.
CAPACITIES
General limits:
Maximum number of arrays: 100
Total open files: 10
Total string space: approx. 47000 chars.
Maximum character string size: 2048
Maximum Buttons: 40
Windows only limits:
Maximum menus: 6
Maximum Items in a menu: 10
Maximum Fonts Defined: 10
RESERVED WORDS
All names of statements and functions are reserved words
and may not be used as variable names. ERR is a special
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
case. This is a system wide variable used to return error
information to BasicBasic programs. See the command
SETERRLEVEL for more complete information.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
WINDOWS METACOMMANDS
-------------------------------------------------------
BasicBasic contains several Metacommands to set Windows
environment parameters. These commands have no affect on
execution of the program. All Windows Metacommands have
the following format:
REM WINDOWS command
REM WINDOWS NAME name
The window name which the program will display can be
supplied. The default is the same as the file name of the
program.
e.g. REM WINDOWS NAME investments
SAMPLE3.BAS uses the WINDOWS NAME metacommand.
REM WINDOWS size x1,y1,x2,y2
This command allows you to define a portion of the normal
DOS screen size as the area to be displayed in the Windows
window. This is useful if you have a program centered in
the standard 80x25 DOS screen, but do not use much of the
border area. Regular scrolling may not work in windows if
you define the window size as less than 80x25. X1 is the
left column, y1 is the top row, x2 is the right column,
and y2 is the bottom row. e.g. Do NOT use this command
if your are using the CREATEFONT command.
e.g. REM WINDOWS SIZE 10,10,70,15
SAMPLE2.BAS uses the WINDOWS SIZE metacommand.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
METACOMMANDS
-------------------------------------------------------
metacommands are preceded by REM and a dollar sign.
INCLUDE: 'filename'
This metacommand allows you to include source from
another file in the currently compiling file. files may
be nexted up to 10 levels deep. File name MUST be
enclosed in single quotes as shown.
e.g. REM $INCLUDE: 'moretext.asc'
ICON: 'iconfilename'
This metacommand allows you in specify a special ICON
which will be attached to your application. This icon
will be used in Windows when your application is
installed.
e.g. REM $ICON: 'SAMPLEW3.ICO'
SAMPLEW3.BAS use the $ICON metacommand.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
SEPERATE COMPILATION
-------------------------------------------------------
You may decide to compile your program outside the
BasicBasic program development system environment. Here
are instructions for doing this.
DOS
To compile a program under DOS type BB. When requested
enter the file name you want to compile. If no extension
is given the compiler will assume .BAS. You can also
enter the file name you want to compile as part of the
start command.
e.g. BB SAMPLE1.BAS.
The executable file created will have the same name as the
source file.
You may also tell BasicBasic to create a file with a list
of runtime addresses. This can be useful for debugging
since an error during runtime will return a runtime
address followed by an error number. You do this by
putting a /D on the command line.
e.g. BB SAMPLE1.BAS /D
This will create a file SAMPLE1.TMP which will have a
runtime address in front of each source line.
WINDOWS
Under Windows you must compile using the program WBB.EXE.
You may install this in a group with the Program Manager
or run WBB seperately. When compile is completed you may
either execute the program or restart to compile another
program.
IMPORTANT! Whether you are compiling under DOS or Windows
only one EXE file will be created. This file will have
the same name as the source file with an extension of
.EXE. This EXE file can be executed under either DOS or
Windows as long as the appropriate runtime module is
present (BBLIB14.EXE for DOS or WBBLIB14.EXE for Windows).
If you are using graphics screens running under Windows
you will also need the file WBB.FON.
If you are running Windows 3.1 in 386 Enhanced Mode and
using text only screens see the section on Default Windows
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
Font for important information on using different font
sizes.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
DEFAULT WINDOWS FONT
-------------------------------------------------------
The following discussion is current for Windows Version
3.1. The concepts discussed are applicable for Version
3.0, however, font file names are different for that
version. This section is only relevant when running in
screen MODE 0 (the default).
BasicBasic selects the OEM Fixed font closest in size to
the system font size used in menus, buttons, etc. If you
desire a different font size when running a BasicBasic
program you can select from available fonts in the System
Menu. You may also mark a given font size to be the new
default for that program.
Depending on how you configured your system there may be
only one OEM font installed. Windows 3.1 comes with an
assortment of OEM fonts. The file DOSAPP.FON contains the
fonts used by Windows to run DOS in a window and are good
for use with BasicBasic. If this file is not in you
windows system directory (e.g. WINDOWS\SYSTEM) then your
can copy it from your distributions disks and then use the
Control Panel Fonts accessory to install them (These fonts
have the name 'MS-DOS CP 437').
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 386 ENHANCED MODE: If you use
the MS-DOS prompt in 386 Enhanced mode you will need to
make a change in your SYSTEM.INI file to use multiple size
fonts in BasicBasic. As mentioned previously Windows does
not normally permanently install the fonts from
DOSAPP.FON. As was indicated you can do this from the
Control Panel Fonts accessory. HOWEVER, you will find
that each time you EXIT the MS-DOS prompt these fonts will
be REMOVED from the system. This is because Windows does
not expect these fonts to be present and there is a
control line in SYSTEM.INI which explicitly tells it to
load and unload them when running the MS-DOS prompt. Once
you have installed these fonts you can keep Windows from
un-installing them by removing the following line from the
[386Enh] section of SYSTEM.INI:
WOAFONT=DOSAPP.FON
FONTS AND BUTTONS: This discussion applies only to buttons
which are defined by the user to be one line high. If you
select a font smaller than the system font for use in a
BasicBasic program the text in any buttons you have would
be too crowded in the button space available. BasicBasic
corrects this problem in one of two ways. 1) If you
system font is only slightly larger than the font selected
in BasicBasic then any text in the buttons will be made
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
all upper case so no 'descenders' will be outside the
button area. 2) If the system font is quite a bit larger
than the selected font then BasicBasic will not use the
standard Windows button design. Instead it will draw a
'simplified' button which can hold the small text of the
font.
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
ERROR MESSAGES
-------------------------------------------------------
Compile errors will give a description of the problem and
display the line where the error occurred.
Runtime errors are divided into two classes. Fatal errors
always cause execution of the program to cease.
Recoverable errors cause program execution to cease if
SETERRLEVEL is 7, overwise execution continues and the
error number is placed in the system variable ERR.
SETERRLEVEL 7 is the default.
When runtime errors are displayed they are accompanied by
a runtime address. BasicBasic will output a list of
runtime addresses for each statement. These addresses
will be contained in a file with the same name as the
source file and an extension of .TMP.
Fatal Errors:
error number description
------------ -----------
236 Out of memory
503 READ is attempting to read wrong kind
of data.
501
...
522 Internal runtime errors.
523 Wrong number of array elements or
array not dimensioned.
524 Out of free space.
525 Out of string space.
526 Return without gosub
527 Not enough memory for menu
528 SUB without CALL
529 END SUB without CALL
530 Out of space for functions
531 SUB/CALL have different # of parms
Recoverable Errors:
1000 Error attempting to open file
1001 Attempt to read past end of file
1002 File not open
1003 File read error (probably hardware)
1004 ASC function on empty string
1005 Divide by zero
1006 Out of data during READ
1007 File already open
1008 No available file control block
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Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
1009 Error attempting to open file
1010 File mode error on read
1011 File mode error on write
1012 Bad file number
1013 Path not found
1014 RMDIR error
1015 MKDIR error
1016 KILL error
1017 FILE BUFFER ERROR
1018 INVALID FIELD DATA
1019 FIELD OVERFLOW
1020 FILE ERROR
1021 COMMUNICATIONS OPEN ERROR
1022 CREATE BUTTON ERROR
1023 BAD SCREEN MODE IN SCREEN COMMAND
1025 GRAPHICS GET ARRAY ERROR
1026 GRAPHICS PUT ARRAY ERROR
1027 CREATE FONT ERROR
1028 NOT IN CORRECT SCREEN MODE
1029 INVALID COLOR/COLOR ATTRIBUTE
1030 ILLEGAL FONT NUMBER
1031 FONT NOT DEFINE
1032 PALETTE NOT DEFINED
1033 BITMAP COMPRESS ERROR
1034 NOT ENOUGH MEMORY TO LOAD BITMAP
1035 UNKNOWN ERROR READING BITMAP
1036 UNKNOWN BITMAP TYPE
1037 ERROR STORING BITMAP FILE
1038 BITMAPH FAILURE
1039 NOT A BITMAP FILE
1040 CREATEBITMAP-NOT ENOUGH MEMORY
1041 SELECTBITMAP ERROR
1042 COPYBITS ERROR
1043 INVALID CONTROL IN DIALOG
1044 NOT ENOUGH MEMORY FOR DIALOG
1045 CHDIR ERROR
1046 CHDRIVE ERROR
1047 CREATEBITMAP DATA INVALID
1048 STRING TOO SHORT
85
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
KEYBOARD CODES
-------------------------------------------------------
The following table shows the key codes returned by the
INKEY$ function. These key codes are returned as 1 byte.
KEY DECIMAL KEY DECIMAL KEY DECIMAL
KEY CODE KEY CODE KEY CODE
ESC 27 BKSP 8
1 49 ! 33 TAB 9
2 50 @ 64 ENTER 13
3 51 # 35 SPACE 32
4 52 $ 36
5 53 % 37
6 54 ^ 94
7 55 & 38
8 56 * 42
9 57 ( 40
0 48 ) 41
- 45 _ 95
= 61 + 43
KEY DECIMAL KEY DECIMAL KEY DECIMAL
KEY CODE KEY CODE KEY CODE
A 65 a 97
B 66 b 98
C 67 c 99
D 68 d 100
E 69 e 101
F 70 f 102
G 71 g 103
H 72 h 104
I 73 i 105
J 74 j 106
K 75 k 107
L 76 l 108
M 77 m 109
N 78 n 110
O 79 o 111
P 80 p 112
Q 81 q 113
R 82 r 114
S 83 s 115
T 84 t 116
U 85 u 117
V 86 v 118
W 87 w 119
X 88 x 120
Y 89 y 121
Z 90 z 122
86
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
The following table shows the extended key codes returned
by the INKEY$ function. These key codes are returned as 2
characters. In this case the first character will be 0.
KEY DECIMAL
KEY CODE
---- ------
F1 0 59
F2 0 60
F3 0 61
F4 0 62
F5 0 63
F6 0 64
F7 0 65
F8 0 66
F9 0 67
F10 0 68
CTRL-F1 0 94
CTRL-F2 0 95
CTRL-F3 0 96
CTRL-F4 0 97
CTRL-F5 0 98
CTRL-F6 0 99
CTRL-F7 0 100
CTRL-F8 0 101
CTRL-F9 0 102
CTRL-F10 0 103
SHIFT-F1 0 84
SHIFT-F2 0 85
SHIFT-F3 0 86
SHIFT-F4 0 87
SHIFT-F5 0 88
SHIFT-F6 0 89
SHIFT-F7 0 90
SHIFT-F8 0 91
SHIFT-F9 0 92
SHIFT-F10 0 93
HOME 0 71
UP ARROW 0 72
PGUP 0 73
LEFT ARROW 0 75
RIGHT ARR 0 77
END 0 79
DOWN ARROW 0 80
PGDN 0 81
INS 0 82
DEL 0 83
CTRL-HOME 0 119
CTRL-PGUP 0 132
CTRL-LEFT 0 115
CTRL-RIGHT 0 116
CTRL-END 0 117
CTRL-PGDN 0 118
87
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 by Mark Davidsaver
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.
88
