Celestin Apprentice 5/Apprentice-Release5.iso/Information/CSMP Digest/volume 3/csmp-digest-v3-142

Text File | 1996-03-31 | 38.7 KB | 1,139 lines | [TEXT/R*ch]

C.S.M.P. Digest             Thu, 28 Mar 96       Volume 3 : Issue 142

Today's Topics:

        "volatile" variables?
        A Good Random-number Generator (here it is!)
        Apple Event handlers & C++
        CodeWarrior - faster code than MrC?
        Desktop pattern for a window
        Direct-to-screen drawing and Copland
        Shareware Modula-2 compiler for Mac
        Sharing Name
        Writing a scriptable app
        [Q] How to write a FAT inline LDEF
        [Q] Where is the NBP queue located on an Open Transport-based Mac?
        gworlds 7.5.3



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

>From [e-mail] (Jim Cavera)
Subject: "volatile" variables?
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 1996 12:40:51 -0500
Organization: Purdue University

In some example code on the CW reference CD, I see some variables
with a modifier of "volatile".  In example :

volatile short   result     = 0;

Could someone give me a simplistic explanation of (a) what this
means and (b) why someone would want to do it?  Thanks in
advance.

- Jim Cavera (bit-pushing slave)
[e-mail]

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (RickGenter)
Date: 6 Mar 1996 15:05:03 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Jim Cavera) writes:

>In some example code on the CW reference CD, I see some variables
>with a modifier of "volatile".  In example :
>
>volatile short   result     = 0;
>
>Could someone give me a simplistic explanation of (a) what this
>means and (b) why someone would want to do it?  Thanks in
>advance.

A volatile variable is one whose value may change outside the scope of the
program. Two examples are:

- memory mapped I/O registers - reading the same location twice in a row
may result in different values
- global variables shared by several threads/processes, or accessed by an
interrupt handler. For example, the ioResult parameter of any parameter
block should be declared volatile, because it can be changed "out from
underneath the program."

The volatile declaration is used to prevent the compiler from optimizing
access to the variable by loading it into a register and keeping it there.
A volatile variable must be loaded from memory on each access.

Rick Genter
Papyrus Design Group, Inc.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From "Andrew C. Plotkin" <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed,  6 Mar 1996 14:44:00 -0500
Organization: Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA

[e-mail] (Jim Cavera) writes:
> In some example code on the CW reference CD, I see some variables
> with a modifier of "volatile".  In example :
>
> volatile short   result     = 0;
>
> Could someone give me a simplistic explanation of (a) what this
> means and (b) why someone would want to do it?  Thanks in
> advance.

volatile means that the variable can change without the program
changing it. For example, a memory-mapped IO location can be changed
at arbitrary times by the IO hardware. The compiler has to know this,
because otherwise it might optimize away important reads. For example,

while (io_loc) {
  counter++;
};

might be optimized to only read io_loc once, since it looks like
io_loc never changes during the loop.  If you declare io_loc to be
volatile, the compiler knows not to do that.

Why would someone want to do it? It's important in writing
interrupt-driven code, like device drivers. I've never had a use for
it. (Even when writing interrupt-time code like sound manager
callbacks.)

--Z

"And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these were the borogoves..."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From Tom Smith <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 1996 16:20:00 -0800
Organization: Molecular Devices

Andrew C. Plotkin wrote:
>
> [e-mail] (Jim Cavera) writes:
> > In some example code on the CW reference CD, I see some variables
> > with a modifier of "volatile".  In example :
> >
> > volatile short   result     = 0;
> >
> > Could someone give me a simplistic explanation of (a) what this
> > means and (b) why someone would want to do it?  Thanks in
> > advance.
>
> volatile means that the variable can change without the program
> changing it. For example, a memory-mapped IO location can be changed
> at arbitrary times by the IO hardware. The compiler has to know this,
> because otherwise it might optimize away important reads. For example,
>
> while (io_loc) {
>   counter++;
> };
>
> might be optimized to only read io_loc once, since it looks like
> io_loc never changes during the loop.  If you declare io_loc to be
> volatile, the compiler knows not to do that.
>
> Why would someone want to do it? It's important in writing
> interrupt-driven code, like device drivers. I've never had a use for
> it. (Even when writing interrupt-time code like sound manager
> callbacks.)
>

I once needed it when writing a memory test.  The code would write out
to a memory location and then expect to read back the same thing.  The
first pass worked so well, it found memory where there wasn't any.  The
compiler would write the location, but didn't bother to ever read it
back in because it "knew" what was there.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Jon Pugh)
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 1996 20:54:10 GMT
Organization: Apple Computer

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Jim Cavera) wrote:

>In some example code on the CW reference CD, I see some variables
>with a modifier of "volatile".  In example :
>
>volatile short   result     = 0;
>
>Could someone give me a simplistic explanation of (a) what this
>means and (b) why someone would want to do it?  Thanks in
>advance.

You've heard what it does, but the other reason to do it is because of
setjmp & longjmp which some people are still using in their exception
macros.  If you have a variable or object which is referenced by a pointer
before a call to setjmp and then the register state is restored by a call
to longjmp, then you could have an old value in the register if you don't
use the volatile keyword.

Jon

--
What are YOU doing to oppose the Microsoft juggernaut?
         http://www.infoworkshop.com/~jonpugh/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Dave M Brosius)
Date: 10 Mar 1996 08:45:56 GMT
Organization: Chester County Internet Services, Inc.

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Jim Cavera) wrote:

> In some example code on the CW reference CD, I see some variables
> with a modifier of "volatile".  In example :
>
> volatile short   result     = 0;
>
> Could someone give me a simplistic explanation of (a) what this
> means and (b) why someone would want to do it?  Thanks in
> advance.
>
> - Jim Cavera (bit-pushing slave)
> [e-mail]

If a variable is going to change values outside of the normal code logic,
you must declare it volatile, so that the compiler knows to check it each
time.

consider an asynchronous write

   rPB.ioParam.ioCompletion = NULL;
   rPB.ioParam.ioReqCount = 10240;
   rPB.ioParam.ioBuffer = &myData;
   rPB.ioParam.ioPosMode = fsFromMark;
   rPB.ioParam.ioPosOffset = 0;

   iErr = PBWrite( &rPB, true ); // <- look asynchronous

   while (rPB.ioParam.ioResult == 1)
   {
        SpinCursor( );
        DroolDownChin( );
   }


   Notice that in the while loop, there's nothing that's going to
change rPB.ioParam.ioResult. It happens asynchronously. The compiler may
say to itself, I can optimize this by copying rPB.ioParam.ioResult into a
register before the while loop, and just checking the register each time
through the loop. A really optimizing compiler wouldn't even check it at all
(after the first time).

By saying volatile, your telling the compiler, that, even though it seems
silly, check the actual variable every stinkin' time through the loop.

HTH

--
Please reply via email as well
dave [e-mail]

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

>From "Michael P. McLaughlin" <[e-mail]>
Subject: A Good Random-number Generator (here it is!)
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 1996 13:48:13 -0509
Organization: The MITRE Corporation

I've seen many requests here and elsewhere for random-number code for the Mac.  Usually, the
requests are for something that is very good (i.e., random) or really fast or with a very long
period.

In our group, we are heavy users of such generators (billions of random-number calls per week)
because we do a *lot* of Monte Carlo simulation (100 percent Macintosh).  Since I've been the
recipient of much good (free) advice from newsgroups like this one, I thought I'd offer partial
repayment, in kind, by placing this random-number library in the public domain.  It is very random
AND very fast AND has a very long period.  In fact, modesty aside, I doubt that there is a better
one publically available anywhere.

The easiest way to find it is to go to Web site

http://hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/HyperArchive.html

and search for

RandomNumberLib

The body of the README file is reproduced below:

UltraLibU  --  A pseudo-random-number library for Macintosh platforms

This library is a new C/Assembly implementation of the Ultra PRNG developed by Marsaglia, et al.
(see leading reference in source).  It is designed primarily for Macintosh platforms and replaces
an earlier (non-PPC) library, by this author, that is currently available in a number of public
archives.

UltraLibU contains one low-level assembly routine, in a conditional-compilation block, for MC68020
(and higher) or PowerPC processors.  (Note: Pure C source for this routine is already available in
the usual Internet archives.)  The assembly syntax is that of Metrowerks' CodeWarrior<TM> but
adaptation to other compilers should be trivial.

Requirements:

Either an MC68020 (or higher) processor or a PowerPC processor.
A C compiler with an assembler for the processor used.

Public functions:

7 functions returning various forms of uniform long/short variates
1 function  returning Boolean variates
2 functions returning (float) U(0,1) and (float) U(-1,1) variates
2 functions returning (double) U(0,1) and (double) U(-1,1) variates
1 function  returning (float) Normal(mu,sigma) variates [exact, not approximate]
1 function  returning (float) Exponential(mu) variates  [exact, not approximate]

1 function to initialize the library
2 functions to save and restore the status of the PRNG [to reproduce a sequence exactly]

Special features:

Variates are HIGHLY RANDOM.  This PRNG uses a compound generator and produces numbers that are
random even at the bit level.  Moreover, all the bits in each variate are random, not just the most
sigificant bits.

Execution is VERY FAST, e.g.,
Booleans  -->   0.65 and 0.23 microseconds each on a Quadra 800 and PowerMac 9500/120, resp.
Normals   -->  24.0  and 2.74 microseconds each on a Quadra 800 and PowerMac 9500/120, resp.
[complete timing list in source]

The (float) U(0,1) and (float) U(-1,1) variates are automatically scaled.  Their mantissas always
have at least 25 bits of precision no matter how small the return values.  Neither returns zero.

The period of this compound generator exceeds 10^356.

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

This package contains the following files:

(this file)
UltraLibU.c         (the library)
UltraU.h            (an essential header file)
UltraUTest.c        (a demonstration/test program)
UltraUTest.out.org  (the expected output of the test program, with Quadra 800 timing)

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

--
Dr. Michael P. McLaughlin ([e-mail])
Center for Advanced Aviation System Development
The MITRE Corporation, McLean VA, USA

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

>From [e-mail] (John Brinda)
Subject: Apple Event handlers & C++
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 1996 01:07:38 -0800
Organization: None

Anyone have a simple way to add AE handlers to a small C++ application shell?

I keep getting "illegal use of a non-static member" errors, and I don't
want to make everything in my class static if I can help it...

TIA

-- John Brinda
-- <A HREF="http://brinda.com/">Homepage</A>
-- <A HREF="mailto:[e-mail]">E-Mail</A>
-- <A HREF="http://brinda.com/pgpkey.asc">PGP</A>

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (John Brinda)
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 08:49:46 -0800
Organization: None

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Ed
Anson) wrote:

>> Anyone have a simple way to add AE handlers to a small C++ application shell?
>>
>> I keep getting "illegal use of a non-static member" errors, and I don't
>> want to make everything in my class static if I can help it...
>
>Only the AE handlers need to be static.

First, thanks to the two people who replied. As always there are two ways
to accomplish this -- an easy way and a more elegant way.

The easy way is to create a static data member that points to the current
application (App::App() {fCurrentApplication = this;}) and use that
information to call the object methods from within the static handler. The
more elegant way is to put this information in the AE user data.

I chose the easy way for now. Maybe after reading Dave Mark's Ultimate Mac
Programming I'll know enough about apple events to do it the other way.
Somebody really needs to write a good C++ book for the Mac. The only one
I've found is "Elements of C++ Macintosh Programming," which is good, but
predates System 7.

-- John Brinda
-- <A HREF="http://brinda.com/">Homepage</A>
-- <A HREF="mailto:[e-mail]">E-Mail</A>
-- <A HREF="http://brinda.com/pgpkey.asc">PGP</A>

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

>From [e-mail] (Darren Giles)
Subject: CodeWarrior - faster code than MrC?
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 1996 11:37:40 GMT
Organization: Terran Interactive

SUMMARY:
MrC seems to produce slower code than CodeWarrior!  (At least, in my case)

THE BACKGROUND:
I'm trying to squeeze that last erg of performance out of some algorithms
I'm working on.  There are several routines that need to be optimized.
Each is about 20-50 lines long, mainly nested loops... no function
calls... *simple* pointer, integer, & float arithmatic.  I've done about
everything I can think of to the C code, and I want to avoid assembly.
The only thing left seems to be the compiler.

THE ENVIRONMENT:
I'm using CodeWarrior as my main development environment, and I keep
hearing how MrC and the Motorola compilers produce tighter code.  So I
tried compiling one of my routines with MPW/MrC, exporting it as a
library, and linking with the rest of the project in CodeWarrior.

THE RESULTS:
MrC seemed to produce much *slower* code in this case:
          CodeWarrior v.8       : 175 mSec
          MPW/MrC 1.0           : 287 mSec
          MPW/MrC 2.0d1         : 208 mSec
And yes, I am using the -opt speed flag.

THE QUESTIONS:
Should I be thrilled that CodeWarrior seems better than it gets credit for?
Should I be disappointed that MrC didn't provide the edge I hoped for?
Is there anything special I need to do to take advantage of MrC?
Is there any way I can get ahold of a evaluation version of the Motorola
compiler so I don't spend hundreds of $$$ to run into this again?
Any other ideas?

- Darren

==========================================================================
Darren Giles, Technical Director                        Terran Interactive
For info on Cleaner QuickTime compression, visit http://www.Terran-Int.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Chris Hecker)
Date: Sat, 9 Mar 1996 21:05:04 GMT
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)

[e-mail] (Darren Giles) writes:
>Should I be thrilled that CodeWarrior seems better than it gets credit for?
>Should I be disappointed that MrC didn't provide the edge I hoped for?

You should be disappointed because all of the Mac PowerPC compilers are
disappointing in my opinion.  My next article in Game Developer
Magazine (Jun/Jul, I think) is a Mac compiler review of sorts (CW8,
SC8, MrC, and Motorola), and the conclusion I came to (at least for
floating point code) is that you need to hold your compiler's hand if
you care at all about the generated code.

> Any other ideas?

The differences between compilers was far less than the difference
between hand optimized C and naive C, so your best bet is to look at
the generated code on whatever compiler you're using and figure out
what stupid stuff the compiler is doing.  Then, try to figure out how
you can write your source to give the compiler a clue.

Chris


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Chris Hecker)
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 06:41:17 GMT
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)

[e-mail] (Chris Hecker) writes:
>disappointing in my opinion.  My next article in Game Developer
>Magazine (Jun/Jul, I think) is a Mac compiler review of sorts (CW8,
>SC8, MrC, and Motorola),

I forgot, I also covered the Microsoft VC++ cross compiler.

Chris

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

>From [e-mail] (Adriaan Tijsseling)
Subject: Desktop pattern for a window
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 1996 09:34:41 +0000
Organization: Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton

Hi,

I am using pixelpatterns as a background for a window and I want to use
the pixelpattern that is used for the desktop. How can I access the
desktop pattern. Which trap do I need to use?

Many thanks in advance,

Adriaan Tijsseling

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Patrick Bores)
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 1996 17:51:32 -0600
Organization: Flatline Software

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Adriaan Tijsseling) wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am using pixelpatterns as a background for a window and I want to use
> the pixelpattern that is used for the desktop. How can I access the
> desktop pattern. Which trap do I need to use?
>
> Many thanks in advance,
>
> Adriaan Tijsseling

That's an easy one. The desktop pattern is ID 16 in the System file.

FillWindowWithDeskPattern(WindowPtr TheWindow){
   PixPatHandle DeskPat;

   DeskPat = GetPixPat(16);
   FillCRect(&TheWindow->portRect,DeskPat);
}

That should do it.
Patrick

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Jake Grover)
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 22:33:48 +1200
Organization: OzEmail Pty Ltd - Australia

> I am using pixelpatterns as a background for a window and I want to use
> the pixelpattern that is used for the desktop. How can I access the
> desktop pattern. Which trap do I need to use?

OK.. I know this is different, but perhaps two birds could be killed here
with the same stone.  How do you get the utility pattern in System 7.5?


Jake

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Adriaan Tijsseling)
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 1996 20:38:50 +0000
Organization: Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Jake Grover) wrote:

> > I am using pixelpatterns as a background for a window and I want to use
> > the pixelpattern that is used for the desktop. How can I access the
> > desktop pattern. Which trap do I need to use?
>
> OK.. I know this is different, but perhaps two birds could be killed here
> with the same stone.  How do you get the utility pattern in System 7.5?
>


I got several replies on this. There is a routine called
LMGetDeskCPat() which returns the pixpathandle of the desktop pattern. You
can also retrieve this by calling GetPixPat(16). To get the Utilities
pattern
call this with the number 42 as argument.

It works perfect!

Adriaan Tijsseling
______________________________________________________________

Work:
   Cognitive Sciences Centre
   Department of Psychology
   University of Southampton
   United Kingdom

Homepages:
   work: http://www.soton.ac.uk/~coglab/coglab
   life: http://www.soton.ac.uk/~agt/

E-mail:
   [e-mail]
   [e-mail]
   [e-mail]
______________________________________________________________

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

>From [e-mail] (Mark Elliott)
Subject: Direct-to-screen drawing and Copland
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 1996 15:37:43 +0100
Organization: Max-Planck-Institut f. Kohlenforsch. Muelheim

Hi All,

There has been a bit of debate about this, and I just got my latest
developer mailing today, and here's the verdict.

(not an exact quote, but the content of the quote is specific)

'Apple realises that some applications (specifically games are mentioned)
NEED (my emphasis) direct-to-screen drawing. As long as you follow the
guidelines set forth in the Develop article by Brigham Stevens (issue 11
?) then applications using this technique will still work under Copland
(assuming you don't break any other rules, of course!)'.

What this means is locking PixMaps. Getting base address using
GetPixBaseAddr(), etc.

I have not interpreted the text. It is all there in black and white. So
one possible cause for game-programmers to worry about Copland is sorted.

hope this reassures you.

Mark

- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark C Elliott                           [e-mail]
Max-Planck-Institut                      voice: ([phone]
Fuer Kohlenforschung
Muelheim, Germany
- ------------------------------------------------------------------

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

>From Romeo Chua <[e-mail]>
Subject: Shareware Modula-2 compiler for Mac
Date: 11 Mar 1996 03:37:57 GMT
Organization: UWS Nepean, Department Of Computing

Can anybody tell me if there is a shareware Modula-2 compiler for the
Mac?

Regards
Romeo Chua


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Luc Dubois)
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 10:21:30 +0100
Organization: Syndetics Research

In article <4i076l$[e-mail]>,
Romeo Chua <[e-mail]> wrote:

> Can anybody tell me if there is a shareware Modula-2 compiler for the
> Mac?
>
Romeo,

There is MacMETH from the ETH in Switzerland, home of N. Wirth. The
package can be found on the excellent Apprentice CD or online at
<ftp://baikal.ethz.ch/pub/mac/RAMSES> (according to the readme file).
Note that if you're looking for native PPC support you'll have to
look elsewhere: the authors make it clear that they do not intend
to add that. A lot of people at ETH consider Modula-2 a dead end now
and are switching to Oberon-2 (Wirth's successor to Modula-2). There
are 4 different Oberon compilers/environments for Macintosh on the
cited cd. Oberon can be a bit confusing at first, since it is both the
name of the language and an OS/development environment. And the latter
isn't like anything else you (or your intended customer audience)
might have seen before, or are willing to put up with, so be warned :-).

You might also want to check out a very great www-page dedicated to
Oberon which contains hundreds of references to (mainly) Oberon
material but also has some references to Modula-2 compilers. The URL
is <http://www.math.tau.ac.il/~laden/Ob-pkgs.html>.

Good luck,

Luc
- ---------------------
THEY may well be C-Borg.
THEY may well think resistance is futile.
*I* will damn well not be ass-C-milated.





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

>From [e-mail] (Jeffrey Matthew Bergan)
Subject: Sharing Name
Date: 27 Feb 1996 02:31:19 -0800
Organization: Stanford University, CA 94305, USA

Howdy,

    I'm trying to write a program that will change the name of the mac
(The one that appears in the Sharing Setup control panel), but I can't
seem to find how.  I would be very greatfull if anyone could give me any
advice on how to set this name.  Thanks.

                    Jeff Bergan
                    [e-mail]

PS. I would also appreciate it if anyone who responds would send a copy to
me through e-mail.  Thanks a bunch.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Jump Long)
Date: 12 Mar 1996 01:57:06 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)

Jeffrey Matthew Bergan wrote:
>I'm trying to write a program that will change the name of the
>mac (The one that appears in the Sharing Setup control panel),
>but I can't seem to find how.  I would be very greatfull if
>anyone could give me any advice on how to set this name.
>Thanks.

There's no API to do that and Apple specifically warns you not to do that.
If you really have a need to let the user change the name of their system,
then you should probably just send the Finder an AppleEvent to tell it to
open the Sharing Setup control panel.

- Jim Luther

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (The Grinch)
Date: 13 Mar 1996 20:39:45 GMT
Organization: Vortex Software

In article <4i3782$[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Jump
Long) wrote:

> Jeffrey Matthew Bergan wrote:
> >I'm trying to write a program that will change the name of the
> >mac

Call this with (-16413, 'My Mac'). It's not pretty, but it does work.

-The Grinch B-)

   function setSysSTR (ID: integer; s: str255): str255;
      const
         strTipe = 'STR ';
      var
         funkyResFile: integer;
         resident: handle;
         myErr: OSErr;
   begin
      funkyResFile := curResFile;
      useResFile(0);

      resident:=get1Resource(strTipe, ID);
      if resident=nil then begin {create resource}
            resident:=newHandle(0);
            AddResource(resident, strTipe, ID, '');
            myErr:=resError;
            if myErr=noErr then {OK}
               writeResource(resident)
            else
               disposeHandle(resident);
         end
      else
         myErr:=noErr; {OK}

      if myErr=noErr then begin {resident is a valid res handle}
            setHandleSize(resident, length(s)+1);
            HLock(resident);
            BlockMove(@s, resident^, length(s)+1); {+length byte}
            HUnlock(resident);
            ChangedResource(resident);
            myErr:=resError;
            if myErr=noErr then begin
                  writeResource(resident);
                  myErr:=resError;
               end;
            releaseResource(resident);
         end; {resident exists}
      useResFile(funkyResFile);
      setSysSTR := strErr(myErr);
   end;

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (The Grinch)
Date: 15 Mar 1996 21:31:50 GMT
Organization: Vortex Software

> > > >I'm trying to write a program that will change the name of the
> > > >mac
> >
> > Call this with (-16413, 'My Mac'). It's not pretty, but it does work.
> >
> > -The Grinch B-)
> >
> > code to alter system file removed
>
> And right after this, you might as well force a reboot.

Actually, I did. That was cut from a program that sets up computer labs.

-The Grinch

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

>From [e-mail] (Fred Condo)
Subject: Writing a scriptable app
Date: Sun, 03 Mar 1996 00:10:25 -0800
Organization: Lightside, Inc. - Internet Access

So... I've been off doing things besides writing Mac applications for a
couple years, but now I have a need to write a small app or FBA that needs
to be scriptable via AppleScript. I've read and understood the AppleEvent
Manager chapter of IM-VI.

What documentation should I read to get me jumpstarted on this task?
Pointers to sample code would be great too. Thank you!
--
http://www.lightside.net/~fred/ + net access + http://www.lightside.net/
"Attempts to control the use of encryption technology are wrong in
principle, unworkable in practice, and damaging to the long term economic
value of the information networks." - UK Labour Party

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Jon Pugh)
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 1996 20:25:34 GMT
Organization: Apple Computer

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Fred Condo) wrote:

>So... I've been off doing things besides writing Mac applications for a
>couple years, but now I have a need to write a small app or FBA that needs
>to be scriptable via AppleScript. I've read and understood the AppleEvent
>Manager chapter of IM-VI.
>
>What documentation should I read to get me jumpstarted on this task?
>Pointers to sample code would be great too. Thank you!

The simplest solution is to use a framework, like TCL2, PowerPlant or
MacApp 3.3.  All of these have the majority of the work done for you.  Any
other course of action will require you to write your own AE framework.

The net question is, how complex is your app?  If it is ultra-simple, as
most FBAs are, then you might be able to get away with just writing a set
of handlers.  The real question is about your content model.  What data
are you trying to expose?  The complexity of this will determine how much
framework you will need.  The simpler your content model, the more likely
you can just use a set of simple handlers.  The more complex your model,
the more likely you are to benefit from the framework route.

Jon

--
What are YOU doing to oppose the Microsoft juggernaut?
         http://www.infoworkshop.com/~jonpugh/

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

>From [e-mail] (Julian Harris)
Subject: [Q] How to write a FAT inline LDEF
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 1996 10:54:36 +1300
Organization: Computer Science, The University of Auckland

Hi all,

A common Mac programmer trick to get over the ugliness of LDEFs is to make
them inline. You do this by calling LNew with a 0 LDEF ID so it reverts to
the system LDEF then you allocate a handle that contains a JMP instruction
to your actual LDEF in your code. It's way cool - it's easy to debug and
develop with such a mechanism.

However, in the world of PowerPC does anyone know how to do such a thing
and make it PowerMac native? A friend suggested that the only change that
will work is having my LDEF stub jump to a UPP, but this means a mixed
mode switch for every call which is insanely ugly. But then I guess so is
the original hack.

Any comments?

TIA!
.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
                                                >  Julian Harris, Programmer   >
By doing just a little every day,              >  Comp. Sci. Dept.     x8915  >
you can gradually let the task                >  The University of Auckland  >
completely overwhelm you.                    >  [e-mail]    >

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Devon Hubbard)
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 1996 20:04:04 -0800
Organization: Apple Computer

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Julian Harris) wrote:

> A common Mac programmer trick to get over the ugliness of LDEFs is to make
> them inline. You do this by calling LNew with a 0 LDEF ID so it reverts to
> the system LDEF then you allocate a handle that contains a JMP instruction
> to your actual LDEF in your code. It's way cool - it's easy to debug and
> develop with such a mechanism.

Actually, the steps involve using the same LDEF procID you would in your
regular LNew call and setting up of the dummy LDEF handle BEFORE calling
LNew.

> However, in the world of PowerPC does anyone know how to do such a thing
> and make it PowerMac native? A friend suggested that the only change that
> will work is having my LDEF stub jump to a UPP, but this means a mixed
> mode switch for every call which is insanely ugly. But then I guess so is
> the original hack.
> Any comments?

I hate to nitpick further but there typically won't be such a thing as a
'FAT' inline LDEF.  You application is going to either be 68k or PPC so
the dummy LDEF stub is going to jump back to either but not both.  Of
course one could setup a LDEF stub to be FAT with ptrs to 68k and PPC code
somewhere else beside the running app.

I'm not sure if you needed the code, but here's one way to setup an LDEF
so it jumps back into your PPC application making it (the LDEF) easier to
debug.

Hope this helps.

dEVoN

- --------
The items to be defined here are:

   procID - the LDEF proc id you'll be using in LNew().
   LDEFMain - the name of the LDEF code's main entry point.
              (it won't be called main() when linked into your app)

// For testing LDEF code inline with a project
// This code modifies the 'LDEF' rsrc in RAM to jump back into a
// statically linked LDEF routine built into the app so it can be
// easily debugged.
   ProcInfoType kLDEFprocInfo = kPascalStackBased
       | STACK_ROUTINE_PARAMETER(1, kTwoByteCode)
       | STACK_ROUTINE_PARAMETER(2, SIZE_CODE(sizeof(Boolean)) )
       | STACK_ROUTINE_PARAMETER(3, kFourByteCode)
       | STACK_ROUTINE_PARAMETER(4, kFourByteCode)
       | STACK_ROUTINE_PARAMETER(5, kTwoByteCode)
       | STACK_ROUTINE_PARAMETER(6, kTwoByteCode)
       | STACK_ROUTINE_PARAMETER(7, kFourByteCode);

      Handle      theLDEFH = GetResource('LDEF', procID);
      if (theLDEFH)
         {
         #ifdef   powerc
         UniversalProcPtr  procUPP = NewRoutineDescriptor((ProcPtr)LDEFMain,
                                 kLDEFprocInfo ,GetCurrentISA());
         if (procUPP)
            {
            long  procSize = GetPtrSize((Ptr)procUPP);
            SetHandleSize( theLDEFH, procSize);
            if (!MemError())
               BlockMove( procUPP, (*theLDEFH), procSize);

            HNoPurge(theLDEFH);
            }
         #else
         • Sorry, NO 68K LDEF stub code yet! (intentional compile err)
         #endif
         }

   ... go on to call LNew with the same 'procID'
- ---------

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

>From [e-mail] (Maurice Volaski)
Subject: [Q] Where is the NBP queue located on an Open Transport-based Mac?
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 1996 02:27:25 -0500
Organization: Flux Software

I have some code that is trying to obtain a pointer to the table of
registered NBP entities on a Mac. Here is the snippet:

MPPParamBlock anMPP;
NamesTableEntry *theNamesTable;

if(PGetAppleTalkInfo(&anMPP,false)==0)
// find the registered names table.
{
 theNamesTable=(NamesTableEntry *)anMPP.GAIINFO.nTQueue;
}

The above code works fine on standard Appletalk-based Macs, but on an Open
Transport (1.0.8)-based 8500, theNamesTable is zero. Does anyone know why
this is happening?

--
Maurice Volaski, Flux Software         [e-mail]
http://www.fluxsoft.com/     ftp://ftp.fluxsoft.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Jump Long)
Date: 9 Mar 1996 04:47:55 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)

>I have some code that is trying to obtain a pointer to the table
>of registered NBP entities on a Mac. Here is the snippet:
>
>MPPParamBlock anMPP; NamesTableEntry *theNamesTable;
>
>if(PGetAppleTalkInfo(&anMPP,false)==0)
>                                     // find the registered
>names table. {
> theNamesTable=(NamesTableEntry *)anMPP.GAIINFO.nTQueue; }
>
>The above code works fine on standard Appletalk-based Macs, but
>on an Open Transport (1.0.8)-based 8500, theNamesTable is zero.
>Does anyone know why this is happening?

My guess is that they don't want you mucking with the names table
directly.

Using the names table directly was never very safe unless you disabled
interrupts completely while walking the linked list. That's because
PRemoveName can be called at interrupt time and that makes it possible for
your code crash if the names table entry you're looking at or about to
look (if you already have its address) at gets unlinked from the list adn
the memory gets reused.

If you want the list of names on your system, you can turn on self-send
mode with PSetSelfSend, do a PLookupName using the entity name "=", the
entity type "=", and the zone "*" (the local zone), and then filter out
all matches that don't have your system's node and net address (get that
with GetNodeAddress).

- Jim Luther

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

>From [e-mail] (Christoph Bergmann)
Subject: gworlds 7.5.3
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 19:05:53 +1000
Organization: University of Queensland


heres an interesting one.. dunno whos fault it is, dont care, just wanted
to point it out..

NewGWorld with a bitdepth of 24 on my powermac 7100/80 w 16bit 14"
monitor, returns a param error...
(err-157 invalid pixel depth)
pre 7.5.3 it worked fine..

just in case anyone wanted to know :)

chris

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Francois Pottier)
Date: 13 Mar 1996 16:44:35 GMT
Organization: Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris

In article <[e-mail]>,
Christoph Bergmann <[e-mail]> wrote:

>pre 7.5.3 it worked fine..

Well, they have fixed a bug :-) 24 was not a valid bit depth.
Of course it might be annoying to some people...

--
Francois Pottier
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
http://www.eleves.ens.fr:8080/home/pottier/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>From [e-mail] (Bretton Wade)
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 10:38:37 -0500
Organization: qualia, inc.

pixel depth should be set to 32...

In article <[e-mail]>,
[e-mail] (Christoph Bergmann) wrote:

# heres an interesting one.. dunno whos fault it is, dont care, just wanted
# to point it out..
#
# NewGWorld with a bitdepth of 24 on my powermac 7100/80 w 16bit 14"
# monitor, returns a param error...
# (err-157 invalid pixel depth)
# pre 7.5.3 it worked fine..
#
# just in case anyone wanted to know :)
#
# chris

--
[e-mail]
http://www.qualia.com/


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

End of C.S.M.P. Digest
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