Post by mrloadstar on Feb 7, 2007 20:32:07 GMT -5
We all know there are several BASIC Extensions -- and each has its charm. But most require an initialization program which performs a warm start, and the language needs a full reset to return to BASIC 2.0.
But now, LOADSTAR offers what can be THE Ultimate BASIC Extension: DotBASIC Plus. DB+ brings 90 DotCommands (and counting) to BASIC -- from Print At to SIDPlayer to Multi-select Scrolling Menus.
But here's the good part: DB+ uses programming objects -- relocateable ML routines that are collected and linked (something like "includes" in C or C++). Therefore, the memory overhead is limited to the commands actually necessary.
This gets even better, because by following DB+'s ML protocol, any ML coder can create command objects -- which can share data and even call each other. If .SPR is not the best Sprite command, someone can write .SPRT with a better design.
The linking technique allows us to offer Enhanced SIDPlayer, Grafstar, SHP Graphics load/unpacker, and High-Res Scripter. These -- when included -- use mucho memory. But their capabilities are certainly worth it.
And lastly, with one DotCommand and a couple of Pokes, DB+ disappears and the machine is completely ready to "Return to LOADSTAR."
RIGHT NOW, we need three beta testers to take DotBASIC Plus and its documentation and spend some time giving it "whatfor!" We need to discover if the docs are accurate or overly opaque; if everything works as advertised; and reviewers' considered opinions about DB+.
Please respond to me directly (revdave6@rmi.net), letting me know how advanced your programming skills are (we need at least one newbee). You will need to spend 10-20 hours playing around with DB+. And you must be willing to share your experience by email before March 15 (The IDEs of March!).
For your efforts, you will receive either Nickel Games or The Compleat LOADSTAR Home Tower on CD-ROM -- plus LOADSTAR issues 248-256 as they are published.
DB+ Beta comes on a D81 -- completely menued and documented.
Dave
But now, LOADSTAR offers what can be THE Ultimate BASIC Extension: DotBASIC Plus. DB+ brings 90 DotCommands (and counting) to BASIC -- from Print At to SIDPlayer to Multi-select Scrolling Menus.
But here's the good part: DB+ uses programming objects -- relocateable ML routines that are collected and linked (something like "includes" in C or C++). Therefore, the memory overhead is limited to the commands actually necessary.
This gets even better, because by following DB+'s ML protocol, any ML coder can create command objects -- which can share data and even call each other. If .SPR is not the best Sprite command, someone can write .SPRT with a better design.
The linking technique allows us to offer Enhanced SIDPlayer, Grafstar, SHP Graphics load/unpacker, and High-Res Scripter. These -- when included -- use mucho memory. But their capabilities are certainly worth it.
And lastly, with one DotCommand and a couple of Pokes, DB+ disappears and the machine is completely ready to "Return to LOADSTAR."
RIGHT NOW, we need three beta testers to take DotBASIC Plus and its documentation and spend some time giving it "whatfor!" We need to discover if the docs are accurate or overly opaque; if everything works as advertised; and reviewers' considered opinions about DB+.
Please respond to me directly (revdave6@rmi.net), letting me know how advanced your programming skills are (we need at least one newbee). You will need to spend 10-20 hours playing around with DB+. And you must be willing to share your experience by email before March 15 (The IDEs of March!).
For your efforts, you will receive either Nickel Games or The Compleat LOADSTAR Home Tower on CD-ROM -- plus LOADSTAR issues 248-256 as they are published.
DB+ Beta comes on a D81 -- completely menued and documented.
[glow=red,2,300]Are you ready to become
a new pioneer of the C-64?[/glow]
a new pioneer of the C-64?[/glow]
Dave