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- MAKEBAS
- COMMAND
-
- Salvatore P. Ricciardi
- 1988 No. 16 (Utilities)
-
-
- Purpose: Converts binary files into an ASCII text format contained within a
- BASIC program that will recreate the original binary code when run. Used to
- transmit executable programs, spreadsheets, charts etc. over communications
- services that do not permit sending binary files.
-
- Format: MAKEBAS [d:][path]filename[.com]
-
- Remarks: Entered with the filename of a binary file (preceded by its drive
- [d:] and path if other than current), MAKEBAS produces a ready-to-run BASIC
- program that is stored in the same drive and directory as the source file.
- The data statements in the created .BAS file represent a hex image of the
- bytes that constitute the source file's original binary (machine) code.
- Source files of up to approximately 12,000 bytes can be converted while
- staying within the usual 64K .BAS file limit.
-
- By default, MAKEBAS presumes the source file has a .COM extension, but
- other extensions (.WK1 for example) can be preserved by entering them as part
- of the filename.
-
- Files created with MAKEBAS can be reconverted to their original form
- by being run under IBM BASICA, GWBASIC, Quick BASIC, Turbo Basic, or any BASIC
- interpreter or compiler compatible with Microsoft BASIC. Note that up to 15
- ASCII nulls may be added at the end of the restored binary file, but these
- will not affect its operation.
-
- In addition to converting executable code into a form that can be
- sent, for example, over MCI Mail, MAKEBAS.COM is the program used at PC
- Magazine to produce the BASIC listings of its utilities programs.