Re: A89: Survey for the next version of PlusShell


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Re: A89: Survey for the next version of PlusShell



At 04:00 PM 11/11/98, Rusty Wagner said:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Beginning of Original Message~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>Should the next version of PlusShell default to outputting assembly programs
>which require no kernel or libraries?
>
>Many users are having problems with kernels, libraries, conversions, etc.,
>etc.  On the 82, 83, 85, and 86, there are no libraries, and using assembly
>games is a piece of cake.  With the huge capacity of the 89's memory, should
>we really need to use libraries and/or kernels?  Why not just use only the
>built-in assembly support, saving everyone the effort of dealing with the
>extra files?

been reading the posts on the TI-89/92+ discussion list at TI?  =)  (in case you don't know, ray kremer was complaining about the "92 family" of calcs to be confusing to run simple games because of the libraries and such)

>
>It is also true that kernels have some advantages.  With a kernel, it is
>possible to have the ability to run Fargo and old PlusShell programs and
>libraries directly, without any conversion.  Crash protection (like in Doors
>OS) can also be implemented more easily.  But should the kernel be required
>for running programs?  It saves memory, but is it worth the extra effort and
>confusion?

well, here's what i have to say.  how much harder would it be to convert to no kernels and libraries?  if it's not that hard, then by all means do it.  but if it is, don't bother.  probably the reason for people being so confused about the libraries and such is the lack of knowledge and documentation for the 89.  as soon as the 89 becomes more popular, this should change so there's no need to change the entire format of games just to suit the needs of "newbies."

>
>All this will not cause another change in the binary format of assembly
>programs.  The current format used by the latest versions of PlusShell and
>Doors OS can easily be used to make "stand-alone" programs which require no
>shell or kernel or libraries.  The kernel and libraries will always be
>included to allow users to use them if they choose to.  There would be no
>removal of features, just a change in the default.  This default can be
>overridden by recompilation or conversion if desired.
>
>Please respond with your comments.  Your ideas just might find their way
>into the next version.
>
>
>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End of Original Message~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


--Alex--
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