BASM -- BASIC to 80286 Assembler Translator

[Kevin Diggins]

I recently asked the good people at PowerBasic, Inc to remove an
archive from the PBDOS Misc folder that included an early shareware
version of BASM286. Occasionally, I would still receive shareware
registration checks in the mail, even though I had released the
source code to the public in 1999. I been returning them to the
sender uncashed along with a floppy disk containing the BASM files.

I just don't want to mess with that anymore so I decided to make
a new archive that combines the PB3.x source code to the BASM
translator, a compiled executable, a help text file, and a
large number of samples.

The target audience should have some familiarity using an assembler
and linker for MSDOS. I recommend MASM/LINK or TASM/TLINK. And
for Pete's sake, be careful and don't break anything!

The new archive can be downloaded from http://Bcx.BasicGuru.Com

You'll see the link at the top of the page. Have fun!


------------------

[Karl Lessmann]

Kevin:
Thanks for the link.

I take it your mainly a C/Asm programmer?

I went that way for a spell but then I
read Ethan Winer's stuff. Like assembly,
I actually liked the brevity of the C
language.

With the advent of Windows and it's API,
I sometimes wonder if I made a mistake..
-Karl

------------------

[Brad D Byrne]

Originally posted by Karl Lessmann:
....Like assembly,
I actually liked the brevity of the C
language.

With the advent of Windows and it's API,
I sometimes wonder if I made a mistake..
-Karl

Karl, that's a little interesting to me...
I find that the BASIC (PB) syntax and structuring is FAR closer to
Assembly and the "machine level processes" and than C...

anyway, just a lot easier for me...






------------------
Wash DC Area
Borje's "Poff's" is likely the BEST tool for learning PB.. http://www.tolkenxp.com/pb

[Karl Lessmann]

"I find that the BASIC (PB) syntax and structuring
is FAR closer to Assembly and the "machine level
processes" and than C..."

Brad:
I was thinking more in terms of the API
-Karl

[This message has been edited by Karl Lessmann (edited November 12, 2003).]

[Kevin Diggins]

> Karl Lessmann posted November 09, 2003 10:49 AM
> Kevin: Thanks for the link.
> I take it your mainly a C/Asm programmer?

Actually, I like to code in BASIC but want the results of C and ASM

> I went that way for a spell but then I read Ethan Winer's stuff.
> Like assembly,I actually liked the brevity of the C language.

Careful ... That can be considered heresy on a BASIC message board ;-)

> With the advent of Windows and it's API, I sometimes wonder if
> I made a mistake..
> -Karl

One should have a well-stocked toolbox and an open mind. But not
too open, or your brains will fall out.

Best Regards.

------------------

[Karl Lessmann]

"Careful ... That can be considered heresy
on a BASIC message board ;-)"

Kevin:
Good advice... It was not my intention
to open that can of worms.
-Karl

------------------

[Travis Siegel]

I've been modifying basm286 to produce assembly output
for a notetaker produced by a company in Michigan.
It's for the blind/visually impaired, the note taker talks,
and has no screen, only a speaker.
There was no development kit for it, so we're stuck with
what the company decides to put out. I'm working on changing that
by making basm produce programs com patible with their os.
Since it's custom though, I'm having some difficulty matching existing code with
what needs to be produced.
Their os uses different interrupts and functions, but it isa
8086 (like) processor.
Any objections if I post portions here for help? I've been at it
for over a year and made very little progress, because
I'm not a very good asm person.
Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Kevin, I'd be willing to pay for assistance, though
it won't be much since I don't expect
any compensation for the modified version when it's done.
I'm just trying to help other folks who own these notetakers who are
getting annoyed that the company won't update the units.

[Kevin Diggins]

Originally posted by Travis Siegel:
I've been modifying basm286 ...
Any objections if I post portions here for help?

I have no objections whatsoever. It sounds like an admirable
undertaking on your part.

Kevin, I'd be willing to pay for assistance, though
it won't be much since I don't expect any compensation
for the modified version when it's done. I'm just trying
to help other folks who own these notetakers who are
getting annoyed that the company won't update the units.

I'm flattered but I have to decline. I'm not a professional
programmer (though after days like today, I'd trade my position
to become a dark corner coder). My job leaves me with precious
little time to play programmer -- what time I have, I dedicate
to BCX.

Fortunately for you, there are several very strong ASM programmers
on this board that I'm sure will be happy to help you.



[This message has been edited by Kevin Diggins (edited November 12, 2003).]