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The B7Tool Library [B7T] Ver. 1.2a Library Routines for Microsoft BASIC PDS 7.x by R. J. Crouch Copyright - 1992-93 - CareWare All Rights Reserved ____________________________________________________________ ** What is the B7Tool Library? ** ====================================== B7Tool is a collection of innovative and direct programming tools, in the form of a user library, for Microsoft (R), BASIC PDS 7.x. It has emerged from a necessity for a collection of comprehensive routines to supplement the BASIC language. B7T features; a comprehensive selection of mouse functions, a unique windowing routine, fast screen save/ restore routines, fast screen writes, a bar menu routine, routines to set and get equipment information, and more. All of the B7Tool routines are easily incorporated into almost any BASIC PDS 7.xx source without greatly increasing the efficient size of the "stand-alone" program. The B7Tool Library is proposed as a solid foundation from which to build your own personal libraries. These library routines are intended for use by individuals with some BASIC PDS programming experience. ** Things to know about the B7Tool Library ** =================================================== B7Tool is being distributed as a Shareware product. This program is not free and is copyrighted to CareWare with all rights reserved. If you find B7T of value and continue to use its services beyond a 30 day trial period, then you are required to register your copy with CareWare. The registration fee for B7Tool, on disk with OBJ modules, is $25.00 (US). A registration form is provided for your convenience. Please see the last page of this document. B7Tool may be shared with others as long as it remains unaltered and distributed in its entirety. A distribution fee, not to exceed $8.00, may be imposed by disk vendors to cover shipping and handling costs. The following files comprise the whole of this product and was originally distributed as the self-extracting file B7T12.EXE or the ZIPed file B7T12.ZIP. B7T.LIB B7T.QLB B7T.BI B7TOOL.DOC B7T-DEMO.BAS B7T-DEMO.EXE VENDOR.DOC README.TXT REGISTER.TXT FILE_ID.DIZ ** Things to know about the B7Tool Library ** =================================================== The B7Tool Library is presented as-is and with no warranties expressed or implied. CareWare assumes no responsibility for this products use, misuse, or lose of any kind incurred by its use. Upon your completed registration you are granted full unrestricted single user operation and support for this product. There are no additional licensing fees for modules compiled and linked into products you distribute. Any comments or suggestions are gratefully accepted and an honest attend will be made to answer them. Microsoft is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corp. ** What the B7Tool Library provides ** ============================================ Mouse Services: Mouse*() ------------------------- A majority of the routines in B7T pertain to mouse functions. These functions will allow a programmer to incorporate the much needed mouse services into any de- manding application. They are intelligently written to compensate for a few idiosyncrasies that tend to emerge from the mouse interrupt (33H). Windowing: DoWindow() ---------------------- Windowing for today's applications is not new, but this windowing routine adds a few features that will enhance any program. The screen write for this routine is serviced by machine code for a fast and clean appearance. Select- ability for title location, type and location of shadow, and a solid frame, make this windowing routine unique from other we have seen. Screen save/restore: PutScrn()/GetScrn() ----------------------------------------- The ability to save and later restore a screen's contents is essential for contemporary programming. These two routines are designed to work within the BASIC PDS environment. They make use of BASIC PDS's string descriptor block functions for ease of use. This pair of routines is written entirely of machine code for instant results. ** What the B7Tool Library provides ** ============================================ Screen print: PrtScrn() ------------------------ This is a little machine code routine that will print to the screen, at the location and color desired, any string vari- able. It's fast, compact, and simulates in just one CALL BASIC PDS's LOCATE, COLOR, and PRINT statements. This routine is the heart of the windowing procedure and the reason for its speed. Equipment Information: Get*() and Set*() ----------------------------------------- These routines will retrieve and set various system equip- ment information. These types of services give your programs the kind of information it needs for proper application and system interaction. Pull-Down Bar Menu: BarMenu() ------------------------------ This routine provides a comprehensive and easy means for establishing an application menu system. BarMenu is fully configurable with five color attributes and is both key and mouse driven. (A great value to any Library) Screen string centering: Ctr() ------------------------------- This is a handy little function that returns the column position needed to center string data or variables on the screen. It can easily be incorporated into BASIC PDS's LOCATE statement. [i.e. LOCATE 12, Ctr(strg$)] Program delays: Delay() ------------------------ This is a smart replacement for BASIC PDS's SLEEP statement (which, by the way, takes over 2K of executable code). The delay can either be forced or user bypassed with any key or mouse button. ** What the B7Tool Library provides ** ============================================ Access to system interrupts --------------------------- Incorporated (LINKed) within the B7Tool Library are BASIC's QBX.QLB (C), QBX.LIB (C) and QBX.BI (C). These files were necessary in the writing of various routines that make use BASIC's Interrupt() service. Because of their presence, you also have access to DOS service calls. This is a powerful feature for any programmer. ** What the B7Tool Library does not provide ** ==================================================== B7Tool does not contain routines for data input or manip- ulation. It is felt these type of procedures should be handled by the programmer for their particular application needs. Absent also from this library is the abundance of routines that can't possibly be incorporated into every program. B7T is intended to be a quality library from which to build from. ** The nuts and bolts of the B7Tool Library ** ==================================================== The following is a clarified description of the prototypes used in the CALL's to these B7Tool library routines. Please note the variable types used for the arguments in these routines. The mouse service calls are designed to work with a Microsoft (R) mouse driver or close compatible. Examin- ation of the demo source code can aid in understanding the use of these routines. ------------------- MouseStatus(Ready%) ------------------- This routine does a nondestructive interrupt vector check to determine the existence of a mouse driver. This routine should be called prior to using any of the other B7T mouse routines to insure the presence of the mouse interrupt (33H). (if present the mouse is enabled - function 20H) Passed: An integer variable Returns: 0 if a mouse driver is not detected 1 if a mouse driver has been installed Example: CALL MouseStatus(have%) ---------------- MouseReset(Set%) ---------------- This routine will initialize the mouse driver and will allow the saving and restoring of two separate mouse states. Passed: An initialized integer variable or constant 0 = hard reset - initializes mouse driver, turns mouse pointer off and disables any prior user installed events (function 00H) 1 = soft reset - reset mouse driver and turns pointer off (function 21H) 2 = will save the current mouse state to mouse buffer #1 3 = will restore the mouse state as saved in mouse buffer #1 4 = will save the current mouse state to mouse buffer #2 5 = will restore the mouse state as saved in mouse buffer #2 Returns: If passed a variable initialized to 0, will reset mouse and return number of buttons installed, else returns nothing Example: buttons% = 0 CALL MouseReset(buttons%) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Note: Not all mouse drivers support the saving and restoring of the mouse state (MouseReset(2 thru 5)). If it is your intention to distribute programs for maximum compatibility, you should refrain from using these reset features. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ---------------------- MouseVersion(Version$) ---------------------- This routine will return both the major and minor version of the mouse driver installed. Passed: A string variable at lease 5 characters in length Returns: A string containing the version of the mouse driver installed. (i.e. 6.123) Example: CALL MouseVersion(ver$) --------------------- MouseVisible(Status%) --------------------- This routine will allow the mouse pointer to be either turned on or off. This routine has been stabilized by an internal variable to compensate for the mouse interrupt counter. Recursive calls to the same Status% will not increase or decrease the mouse interrupt counter. This will only be done by opposing Status% calls. Passed: An initialized integer variable or constant 0 = mouse pointer off 1 = mouse pointer on Returns: Nothing Examples: CALL MouseVisible(1) or off% = 0 CALL MouseVisible(off%) ---------------------------------------- MouseLocate(ScrnRowY%, ScrnColX%, Mode%) ---------------------------------------- This routine will place the mouse pointer at the screen location indicated by its arguments. The Mode switch will allow the location to be given in either row/column text positions or X/Y pixel positions. Passed: 3 initialized integer variables or constants Mode 0 = pixel positions ScrnColX% = horizontal (X) position with a value from 0 to 632 ScrnRowY% = vertical (Y) position with a value from 0 to 192 note: The pixel given is the upper left dot of the standard 8x8 mouse pointer. Pixel positions start from 0,0. Mode 1 = text positions ScrnColX% = text column position with a value from 1 to 80 ScrnRowY% = text row position with a value from 1 to 25 Returns: Nothing Examples: CALL MouseLocate(12, 30, 1) or CALL MouseLocate(y%, x%, 0) ------------------------------------------ MousePosition(ScrnRowY%, ScrnColX%, Mode%) ------------------------------------------ This routine will return the current position of the mouse pointer. The Mode switch will allow the location returned to be either given in row/column text positions or X/Y pixel positions. Passed: 2 integer variables and 1 initialized integer variable or constant (Mode%) Mode 0 = returned values represent X/Y pixel positions Mode 1 = returned values represent row/column positions Returns: An integer value Mode 0 ScrnColX% = current horizontal (X) position of mouse pointer as represented by pixels (0 to 632) ScrnRowY% = current vertical (Y) position of mouse pointer as represented by pixels (0 to 192) note: The pixel returned is the upper left dot of the standard 8x8 mouse pointer. Pixel positions start from 0,0. Mode 1 ScrnColX% = current column position of mouse pointer (1 to 80) ScrnRowY% = current row position of mouse pointer (1 to 25) Example: CALL MousePosition(TextRow%, TextCol%, 1) ------------------------------------------------------------ MouseLimits(UpRowY%, LeftColX%, LowRowY%, RightColX%, Mode%) ------------------------------------------------------------ This routine will let you limit the motion of the mouse pointer. The mouse pointer will reside within the boundaries specified by the arguments passed to this routine. The Mode switch will allow the limited area to be either given in row/column text positions or X/Y pixel positions. Passed: 5 initialized integer variables or constants Mode 0 = pixel positions LeftColX% = left horizontal (X) position with a value from 0 to 632 UpRowY% = upper vertical (Y) position with a value from 0 to 192 RightColX% = right horizontal (X) position with a value from LeftColX% to 632 LowRowX% = lower vertical (Y) position with a value from UpRowY% to 192 note: The pixel given is the upper left dot of the standard 8x8 mouse pointer. Pixel positions start from 0,0. Mode 1 = text positions LeftColX% = left column position with a value from 1 to 80 UpRowY% = upper row position with a value from 1 to 25 RightColX% = right column position with a value from LeftColX% to 80 LowRowY% = lower row position with a value from UpRowY% to 25 Returns: Nothing Example: CALL MouseLimits(10, 25, 15, 55, 1) ------------------------------------------------------------- MouseExclude(UpRowY%, LeftColX%, LowRowY%, RightColX%, Mode%) ------------------------------------------------------------- This routine will allow the mouse pointer to be excluded from any portion of the screen as specified by the arguments passed to this routine. When the mouse pointer enters the excluded boundaries, the pointer is turned off. The mouse interrupt (33H) does not, however, reinstate the mouse pointer to the on condition upon exiting the excluded area. This process must be performed within the programming code itself. The excluded area cannot be saved by the MouseReset() routines. The mode switch will allow the ex- cluded area to be either given in row/column text positions or X/Y pixel positions. Passed: 5 initialized integer variables or constants Mode 0 = pixel positions LeftColX% = left horizontal (X) position with a value from 0 to 632 UpRowY% = upper vertical (Y) position with a value from 0 to 192 RightColX% = right horizontal (X) position with a value from LeftColX% to 632 LowRowX% = lower vertical (Y) position with a value from UpRowY% to 192 note: The pixel given is the upper left dot of the standard 8x8 mouse pointer. Pixel positions start from 0,0. Mode 1 = text positions LeftColX% = left column position with a value from 1 to 80 UpRowY% = upper row position with a value from 1 to 25 RightColX% = right column position with a value from LeftColX% to 80 LowRowY% = lower row position with a value from UpRowY% to 25 Returns: Nothing Example: CALL MouseExclude(15, 20, 21, 35, 1) ------------------------------------------------- MouseClick(LeftClick%, MiddleClick%, RightClick%) ------------------------------------------------- This routine will return a value indicating the current mouse button in use. The value is only returned upon the release of the button, thus returning the value only once. This allows the mouse button status to be effectively used within a loop. Passed: 3 integer variables Returns: 0 = button not in use 1 = button has been clicked Example: CALL MouseClick(lft%, mid%, rgt%) ----------------------------------------------------- MouseScroll(LeftButton%, MiddleButton%, RightButton%) ----------------------------------------------------- This routine will return a value indicating the current mouse button being pressed. This value will remain constant until the button is released. Passed: 3 integer variables Returns: 0 = button not in use 1 = button is being pressed Example: CALL MouseScroll(lft%, mid%, rgt%) -------------------------------- MouseCursor(Fore%, Back%, Char%) -------------------------------- This routine allows you to change the character and color of the mouse pointer. Passed: 3 initialized integer variables or constants Fore = foreground color for the new pointer (within a range of 0 to 15) Back = background color for the new pointer (within a range of 0 to 7) Char = ASCII decimal value for the character of the new pointer (within a range of 0 to 255) Returns: Nothing Example: CALL MouseCursor(12, 7, 30) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Note: Not all mouse drivers support the changing of the mouse cursor. If it is your intent to distribute programs for maximum compatibility, then you should consider not using this function. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ -------------------------------------------------------- DoWindow(UpR%, LfC%, VSz%, HSz%, Att%, Frm%, Shw%, Txt$, Lct%) -------------------------------------------------------- This routine will create attractive application windows at any screen position. You have control over color, type of frame and color, type and location of shadow, and location of window title and style. This windowing routine offers a wide variety of possibilities. Passed: 8 initialized integer variables or constants 1 string variable or constant for title UpR = upper row position for start of window (within a range of 1 to 24) LfC = left column position for start of window (within a range of 1 to 79) VSz = vertical size of window (# of rows) (within a range of 26 minus UpR) HSz = horizontal size of window (# of columns) (within a range of 81 minus LfC) Att = attribute of window colors (within a range of 0 to 127) ( (background * 16) + foreground ) Note: Adding 128 to the attribute will produce a blinking foreground Frm = frame type, if any 0 = no frame 1 = single line 2 = double line 3 = single vertical and double horizontal 4 = single horizontal and double vertical 5 = solid frame enclosing the window Shw = shadow location and type, if any 0 = no shadow 1 = shadow left side and bottom of window (black in color) 2 = shadow right side and bottom of window (black in color) 3 = shadow left side and bottom of window (tinted black) 4 = shadow right side and bottom of window (tinted black) note: Tinted black is a combination, with ASCII character #177, of the color attribute outside the window and black. 5 = shadow left side and bottom of window (shadowed character) 6 = shadow right side and bottom of window (shadowed character) note: The characters within the shadowed area are displayed using attribute 8. Txt = string variable or constant used for the title of the window note: Empty double quotes ("") or a string initialized to null will not produce a title. Lct = determines the location of the title, if any 0 = title at top without brackets 1 = title at bottom without brackets 2 = title at top with brackets 3 = title at bottom with brackets note: If a title is not present, the location value has no effect. note: The horizontal and vertical size cannot be less then 2. Returns: Nothing Examples: CALL DoWindow(5, 10, 15, 60, 98, 5, 3, "", 0) or CALL DoWindow(Rw, Cl, Rn, Cn, 4, 0, 0, Text$, 2) ----------------- PutScrn(ScrnBuf$) ----------------- This routine will allow you to save the entire contents of the screen currently being displayed. The screen saved can later be retrieved and displayed with the companion routine GetScrn(). The screen's contents is saved to a string vari- able or array initialized to 4000 characters in length. (i.e. DIM ScrnBuf(3) AS STRING * 4000) Passed: An initialized string variable or array at least 4000 characters in length Returns: current screen's contents Examples: DIM ScrnBuf AS STRING * 4000 CALL PutScrn(ScrnBuf) or DIM SHARED ScrnBufArr(2) AS STRING * 4000 CALL PutScrn(ScrnBufArr(0)) [default option base] ----------------- GetScrn(ScrnBuf$) ----------------- This routine will allow you to retrieve and display the contents of the screen saved by its companion routine PutScrn(). Passed: The string variable or array that contains the screen to be displayed. Returns: Nothing (contents of buffer are displayed) Examples: CALL GetScrn(ScrnBuf) or CALL GetScrn(ScrnBufArr(1)) --------------------------------- PrtScrn(Strg$, Row%, Col%, Attr%) --------------------------------- This is a machine language routine that will print a string variable or constant to the screen at the location and color indicated by its arguments. The attribute is a combination of the foreground and background colors and can be determined by the following formula: (background * 16) + foreground. Passed: 3 initialized integer variables or constants 1 initialized string variable or constant Strg = string variable or constant to be displayed Row = screen row for display (within a range of 1 to 25) Col = screen column for display (within a range of 1 to 80) Attr = attribute of color to be displayed (within a range of 0 to 127) Note: Adding 128 to the attribute will produce a blinking foreground Returns: Nothing Examples: CALL PrtScrn("Hello Universe", 12, 33, 110) or CALL PrtScrn(hello$, rw%, cl%, att%) ------------------------------ GetDrive(TotDrives%, CurDrive% ------------------------------ This routine returns the total number of drives installed on a system, the current drive location, and the current directory location. Passed: 2 integer variables Returns: TotDrives% = total number of disk drives installed on system CurDirve% = numeric value indicating current drive (1=A:, 2=B:, 3=C: and so on) Example: CALL GetDrive(TotDrv%, CurDrv%) ------------------- SetDrive(DriveNum%) ------------------- This routine allows you to change the current drive location within an application. Valid drive numbers range from 1 to 26. No action is taken if the drive number supplied is not valid or the drive does not exist on the system. Passed: An initialized integer variable or constant (1=A:, 2=B:, 3=C: and so on up to 26) Returns: Nothing Examples: CALL SetDrive(3) or NewDrv% = 2 CALL SetDrive(NewDrv%) -------------------- DriveSpc(Available&) -------------------- This routine will return the total bytes available on the disk drive supplied. The routine is useful when wanting to know if enough disk space remains on a drive to write a file. Passed: A long integer containing the drive number to check (1=A:, 2=B:, 3=C: and so on) Returns: The total bytes available on specified drive Example: Drv& = 2 CALL DriveSpc(Drv&) ------------------------- GetSize(FileName$, Size&) ------------------------- This routine returns the file size of the given file specification. This routine is useful for determining if a file is present. Passed: 1 initialized string or constant containing the file name and its location, if any (i.e. C:\B7T\B7T-DEMO.EXE) 1 long integer variable Returns: Size& = size of specified file. If 0 is returned, file was not found. Examples: CALL GetSize("B7T.LIB", FSize&) or FileSpec$ = "D:\WP\TEST.TXT" CALL GetSize(FileSpec$, FSize&) IF FSize& <> 0 THEN... etc. ------------------- GetDOS(VersionNum$) ------------------- This routine return a string containing the version of DOS currently used by a computer system. The routine is handy when wanting to know what system interrupts you can use based on the DOS version installed. Passed: A string variable Returns: VersionNum$ = current DOS version (i.e. 5.0) Example: CALL GetDOS(Ver$) ---------------------------------------------------------- GetVideo(Mode%, Page%, Col%, CurStart%, CurStop%, CurAtt%) ---------------------------------------------------------- This routine can provide you with necessary information on a system's current video state. If used at the beginning of a program, the information retrieved can be used at its closing to restore a system's video status. Passed: 6 Integer variables Returns: Mode% = current video mode as outlined by Int 10H, Function 00H Page% = current video page number Col% = number of columns for current video mode CurStart% = starting scan line for cursor CurStop% = ending scan line for cursor CurAtt% = color attribute at cursor position Example: CALL GetVideo(VMd%, VPg%, Col%, CSt%, CSp%, CAt%) --------------- SetVideo(Mode%) --------------- This routine allows you to set a desired video mode. When used in conjunction with the value returned by GetVideo(), a system's video mode, if changed within a program, can be restored to it initial state. Passed: An initialized integer variable or constant as outlined by Int 10H, Function 00H Returns: Nothing Examples: CALL SetVideo(3) or VMode% = 1 CALL SetVideo(VMode%) --------------------- GetComPorts(HowMany%) --------------------- This routine will return the number of serial ports install on a computer. Passed: An integer variable Returns: Number of serial ports installed Example: CALL GetComPorts(NumOfPorts%) ----------------- Get87(DoWeHave%) ----------------- This routine will return a True or False value representing the presence of a math coprocessor. Passed: An integer variable Returns: -1 = A math coprocessor has been detected 0 = No math coprocessor has been detected Example: CALL Get87(Have87%) IF Have87 THEN... etc. ------------------------------------------------------------- BarMenu(MenuStr(), A1%, A2%, A3%, A4%, A5%, S%, M%, R1%, R2%) ------------------------------------------------------------- This is a comprehensive top line pull-down bar menu routine. It's configurable with five color attributes, window frame style, and mouse support. This routine allows you to add a full and attractive menu to any application. New to this routine is an argument allowing you to shadow the menu's pull-down windows. Passed: MenuStr() - a two dimensional string array contain- ing the menu items Note: The (0, 0) element of MenuStr() holds the upper limits of each second dimension. (i.e. MenuStr(0, 0) = "03050402"). Each 2d dimension 0 element for each 1st dimension holds the level 1 menu item. A1% - color attribute of level 1 menu bar A2% - color attribute for highlighted first letter of level 1 menu bar Note: If these two attributes (A1 & A2) are NOT the same value and the first letter of all level 1 menu titles are different, then BarMenu() will pick the proper menu title by pressing the highlighted letter. A3% - color attribute of level 2 menu window A4% - color attribute of level 2 menu window text A5% - color attribute of level 2 menu window highlighted test (item selected) S% - shadow type for menu windows (see DoWindow() shadow types for argument values) M% - a True (-1) or False (0) value indicating if a mouse is to be used Note: If a mouse is used, the mouse cursor is turned off upon entering BarMenu() and then turned on upon exiting. R1% - an integer value indicating the number of spaces between each level 1 menu item R2% - frame style used for the level 2 menu window (see DoWindow() for styles - default 5) Returns: R1% - level 1 menu item picked R2% - level 2 menu item picked Note: If the <ESC> key or RIGHT mouse button is pressed the values returned are 0 and the menu exits. Example: DIM MenuStr(4, 5) AS STRING [ Initialize your array elements ] [ MenuStr(0, 0) = "03050402" ] [ MenuStr(1, 0) = " File Information " ] [ MenuStr(1, 1) = " Get File Size " ] [ MenuStr(1, 2) = " View File " ] [ Etc... ] S% = 6: M% = -1: R1% = 3: R2% = 3 CALL BarMenu(MenuStr(), 11, 4, 112, 113, 116, S%, M%, R1%, R2%) Note: Please see the Demo source code (B7T-DEMO.BAS) for additional information and an example on the use of this routine. ------------ Ctr(String$) ------------ This is a handy little function that returns the column position needed to screen center a string variable. It can easily be incorporated into BASIC's LOCATE statement. Passed: An initialized string variable Returns: Column position needed to screen center a string variable. Examples: LOCATE 12, Ctr(Strg$) or cntr = Ctr(Strg$) LOCATE 12, cntr ---------------------------------- Delay(Length!, Forced%, UseMouse%) ---------------------------------- This routine is a smart alternative to BASIC PDS's SLEEP statement or the numerous appearances of LOOPs. This delay can either be forced or user bypass with the keyboard or mouse buttons (if installed). The delay makes use of real time so CPU speed has little effect. Passed: 2 initialized integer variable or constant 1 initialized long variable or constant Length = single precision integer indicating the length of the delay in seconds Forced = integer indicating the type of delay 0 = not forced (can be bypassed with any key or mouse button) -1 = delay is forced (remains in effect until specified time has elapsed) UseMouse = integer indicating if a mouse can be used for a button response 0 = do not use a mouse for response -1 = a mouse is present and used for a response note: If both Length and Forced are 0, then Delay() will wait indefinitely until any key or mouse button (if present) is pressed. Returns: Nothing Examples: CALL Delay(.25, 1, 0) or lgth! = 1.25 Forced% = False Mouse% = True CALL Delay(lgth1!, Forced%, Mouse%) -------------------------------------- QBX.QLB (C) - QBX.LIB (C) - QBX.BI (C) -------------------------------------- These three BASIC PDS files are incorporated into B7T's libraries. They are necessary for the DOS interrupts used by the mouse routines. The following is a list of the services provided by these files. Because of their presence, you also have access to these important services. Please consult your BASIC PDS 7.x reference manuals for information on the use of these BASIC PDS CALL's. The demonstration source code (B7T-DEMO.BAS) illustrates an example of a CALL to the Interrupt() routine. CALL Absolute() CALL Int86Old() CALL Int86XOld() CALL Interrupt() CALL InterruptX() ** The $INCLUDE file B7T.BI ** ==================================== The file B7T.BI contains the declarations for the Ctr() and Delay() routines. If you intend to use these routines, this file must be used in BASIC's metacommand instructions and placed at the beginning of your code. Generally, the TYPE declarations for the Interrupt() and InperruptX() CALLs are also placed in this file. Please see the demonstration source code (B7T-DEMO.BAS) for an example of a metacommand instruction or consult your BASIC PDS reference manuals for information on $INCLUDE: files. ** A demonstration of the B7Tool Library ** ================================================= There is an old cliche that states, "A picture is worth a thousand words". So, provided with B7Tool is the source code [B7T-DEMO.BAS] for a short demonstration of its routines. This source code will give you a better understanding as to the actual usage of the B7T routines. The code is presented in an ASCII format and can be viewed with any common text editor or sent to your printer using the syntax; COPY B7T-DEMO.BAS PRN. This demonstration is quite simple and by no means illustrates the only application for the B7Tool Library. If you wish to compile this demo, the following command line syntax should be used. From the DOS command line for a stand-alone EXE: BC B7T-DEMO/O/Fs; LINK B7T-DEMO,,,B7T; To start BASIC PDS and load B7T-DEMO.BAS: QBX /L B7T B7T-DEMO The B7T-DEMO provided with this release was compiled and linked within the QBX environment for a stand-alone EXE. The following compile and link switches were used by the QBX environment. Compile: /O/Ot/Fs/Lr/FPi/T/C:512 Link: /EX/NOE/NOD:BRT71EFR.LIB Libraries linked: BCL71EFR.LIB and B7T.LIB ** Compiling with the B7Tool Library ** ============================================= When starting BASIC PDS, you will need to supply the name of the library to look to for external references. The following is an example of this command line using the B7T library. QBX /L B7T [YOURFILE.BAS] All of the OBJ modules within the B7Tool Library were compiled using the command-line compiler (BC) and were supplied with the /O (stand-alone EXE) and /Fs (far strings) switches. BASIC will not allow modules compiled for near strings to be mixed with modules compiled for far strings. If you intend to mix the B7T OBJ modules with some of your own modules, be sure your OBJ modules were compiled using the /Fs switch. Within the QBX environment the near string model is never used and are always compiled for far strings (/Fs). B7Tool can be linked to your object modules using the standard DOS command line. This process avoids the BASIC PDS environment entirely. Your source code (BAS) needs to be saved in text (ASCII) format in order for BC to operate properly. The following syntax has been tested and works quite well. For stand-alone EXE - BC YOURFILE.BAS/O/Fs; LINK YOURFILE.OBJ,,,B7T.LIB; For run-time EXE - BC YOURFILE.BAS/Fs; LINK YOURFILE.OBJ,,,B7T.LIB; Note: Be sure you supply all necessary command line switches needed for your source code when compiling (BC). [i.e. BC YOURFILE.BAS/O/E/X/Fs] Please consult your BASIC reference manuals for more detailed information on compiling and linking your programs from the DOS command line. ** A look inside the B7Tool Library ** ============================================ The B7Tool Library is comprised of eight object code modules. With this type of construction, it is possible to build libraries containing only the particular routines desired, or incorporate them into existing libraries. These modules are provided to you (on disk) upon your registration of B7Tool. Below is a list of the object modules and the routines contained in each. Module Name Routines Source Type ----------- -------- ----------- B7TOOL.OBJ Ctr() BAS Delay() BAS B7WIND.OBJ DoWindow() BAS B7MOUSE.OBJ Mouse*() BAS PRTSCRN2.OBJ PrtScrn() ASM PUTSCRN2.OBJ PutScrn() ASM GETSCRN2.OBJ GetScrn() ASM B7MENU.OBJ BarMenu() BAS B7EQUIP.OBJ GetDirve() BAS SetDrive() BAS DriveSpc() BAS GetVideo() BAS SetVideo() BAS GetDOS() BAS GetSize() BAS GetComPorts() BAS Get87() BAS The routine DoWindow() does make CALLs to PRTSCRN2.OBJ and must have access to its services. When using the B7WIND module, the PRTSCRN2 module should always be linked with it. If B7MOUSE.OBJ is used separately, it must have access to QBX.LIB or QBX.QLB if used within the BASIC PDS environment. The BarMenu() routine makes CALLs to the following routines and must have access to their services. DoWindow() PrtScrn() GetScrn() PutScrn() If a mouse in intended for use with BarMenu() then B7MOUSE.OBJ also must be accessible. ** A look inside the B7Tool Library ** ============================================ The screen handling modules (ASM) employ direct memory access and assume the segment address of the regen buffer to be the following: Card Type Segment Address ----------- ----------------- Monochrome B000H Color B800H The following is a list of internal variables used in the mouse routines. These variable names should not be used by your program structure in conjunction with the COMMON or SHARED Statements. visible33% mouse1buf33%() mouse2buf33%() The remaining variables within the B7T routines are initialized upon their CALL and are not defined as SHARED. ** String Descriptor Block ** =================================== The following four BASIC PDS routines are also incorporated within the B7Tool Library. StringAssign StringRelease StringAddress StringLength Because the structure of the far string descriptor block for fixed length strings is proprietary and unknown at the time of this writing, these BASIC PDS routines are used in the ASM modules to decipher the descriptor block for their use. You also have access to these services because of their inclusion in the B7Tool Library. Please refer the your BASIC PDS Reference Manual, "Mixed-Language Programming with Far Strings", for more specific information on their structure and use. ** A few final notes about the B7Tool Library ** ====================================================== This documentation is not written to be a tutorial and makes the assumption you have some knowledge of the calling conventions for BASIC PDS. The demonstration source code (B7T-DEMO.BAS) was written to provide you with a working example of the B7T routines and is a valuable source of information. B7Tool was developed and tested on a 8088 machine, running at 8 mhz, and a 80386sx machine, running at 16 mhz, and should perform as expected on most computers within the "86" family. ** The Shareware principle works for you ** ================================================= R. J. Crouch CareWare 10217 Ridge View Dr. Grass Valley, CA 95945 (916) 477-6024 * CIS 74270,516 This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER The B7Tool Library [B7T] Ver. 1.2a Software Registration Form _______________________________________________ CareWare 10217 Ridge View Dr. Grass Valley, CA 95945 Date ____________ Quantity Type of registration Cost Total -------- -------------------- ---- ----- ______ Registration of your current $20.00 _______ copy ______ Registration & latest ver. of $25.00 _______ B7Tool & OBJ modules on disk ______ All the above plus all OBJ $50.00 _______ module source codes on disk Subtotal _______ Disk size: [ ] 5.25 (360) - [ ] 3.5 (720) _______ (please add $1.00 for ea. 3.5) Please add $4.00 for disk shipping outside of U.S. _______ (first class air) Amount Enclosed _______ All registered user will receive prompt and courteous support for this product. 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