9 replies to this topic

[retroclouds]

Hi,

I'd like to add a new section about BASIC compilers in the development resources thread.
The thing is that I'm not much of a BASIC programmer and I haven't used any of the BASIC compilers that popped up lately.

Anyone willing to feed me with some information?

What I'm looking for:

1) Disk image or reference where I can get the disk image
2) Possible (video) tutorial or simple step-by-step on how to use the compiler
3) Pro's and con's about the BASIC compiler


(*) Note: with BASIC compiler I also mean the Extended Basic compilers.

[unhuman]

As I (hopefully) get back into the swing of things... It's very important for me that a compiler is released into the Public Domain for my use. I won't use anything otherwise (abandonware does not work for me).

I had some success with the Wilhelm BASIC compiler - but I won't be doing any BASIC programming anymore - it sucks. Also, the RAS Assembler would have to be Public Domain for me to go back.
XB or higher. Kull's compiler looks most interesting to me, but no data on it's availability.

For my continued engagement in the TI community, I see 3 paths:
1. XB with a decent compiler. If I had this, I would become very efficient. XB as-is is too slow. I've done interesting things, but it always leaves a dissatisfied taste.
2. c99. I'd probably be pretty efficient when / if I got a setup with decent libraries.
3. Assembly. I'm now at the point where I'd love to learn it. Once I can breathe at work. I don't think I'd ever be efficient, however.

I have little interest in learning Forth - although the community here seems to be going that way. I bought a book and just didn't care.

BTW - there is a thread where I walked through using the BASIC compiler to compile my game... Owen documented it with a video too, which I did find: http://www.atariage....er/page__st__50

-H

retroclouds, on Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:00 AM, said:

Hi,

I'd like to add a new section about BASIC compilers in the development resources thread.
The thing is that I'm not much of a BASIC programmer and I haven't used any of the BASIC compilers that popped up lately.

Anyone willing to feed me with some information?

What I'm looking for:

1) Disk image or reference where I can get the disk image
2) Possible (video) tutorial or simple step-by-step on how to use the compiler
3) Pro's and con's about the BASIC compiler


(*) Note: with BASIC compiler I also mean the Extended Basic compilers.

Edited by unhuman, Thu Aug 18, 2011 10:08 AM.

[retroclouds]

Don't forget the GCC cross-compiler that is currently being patched for emitting 9900 object code. I think that's your best chance on programming in a high-level language while still obtainingthe speed of an asssembly language program. Its success will also depend on the included libraries I suppose.

As far as the BASIC compilers are concerned, they were all developed in the 80's with the constraints on the TI-99/4A.
Nowadays one would write a BASIC cross compiler on the PC. Takers anyone?

[OLD CS1]

There is a program called BASIC 99 (IIRC) tibasic that runs in Windows or *nix (I have it compiled on my Solaris box.) It essentially allows scripting in TI BASIC. Might be a good foundation on which to start. I will get the exact and specific details later as I am tied up right now.

Found it.

ti99basic - TI-99/4A BASIC as a scripting language
http://ti99basic.sourceforge.net/

[rocky007]

Little video about Peter Kull compiler...




About compiler :

Peter Kull :

PRO: Xtended basic compiler.. very confortable for sprite etc..
CON: Compile only small program. Need a loader to start compiled program.

Wilhelm :

PRO : Compile big program without program. Program compiled start with simple CALL LOAD ( if i remember well )
CON : Only TI Basic

MyLittleCompiler :

PRO : Very powerfull and easy to integrate to normal XB program
CON : not a real compiler, need to use special language..but until Forth, i like it !

Edited by rocky007, Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:31 PM.

[OLD CS1]

rocky007, on Thu Aug 18, 2011 1:56 PM, said:

Little video about Peter Krull

Guys, I need to get one thing straight... is his name "Krull" like the movie, or "Kull"? I have spent some time trying to locate him, and this would make a big difference.

[rocky007]

Sorry, it's KULL, not KRULL.

Can you notice that in the video i use V 1.1 and not V 1.0 from my private collection. in fact, i found it yesterday on whtech.com !! finally it wasn't so mystic

Edited by rocky007, Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:33 PM.

[retroclouds]

I have added a new "Compilers" section to the Development Resources thread.

Included are the below compiler related changes:

Quote

* Moved MLC to the newly created compiler section, including youtube video on Kaboom!
* Added Harry Wilhelms' BASIC compiler to the compiler section
* Video tutorials: Added some youtube videos (by opry99er) on how to use the Wilhelm compiler

These are the Basic / Extended Basic compilers I am currently aware about:

1) Bruce Harrions' BASIC Compiler
2) Peter Kulls' Extended Basic Compiler
3) SST Extended Basic Compiler
4) Extended Basic Compiler by errorfree

I found a youtube video on the compiler by Peter Kull, but could not find the compiler. If anyone has it, please send it to me and I'll add it to the sticky thread.
Don't know anything about the SST Extended Basic Compiler. If anyone has infos or examples, please let me know.

The Extended Basic Compiler by errorfree is currently not released to the public. I saw it during a demo about two years ago.
As all other Extended Basic compilers it works on a subset of the Extended Basic language, but it looks promising.

[rocky007]

here it is :

http://www.atariage....ttach_id=213629

[jchase1970]

Harrison's is a XB compiler, although I find it very tedious to work with.