Random Numbar Generator Ported to ASM
Posted by Michael on 9 August 2004, 02:02 GMT

Requiring no more than the amazingly low figure of 334 bytes, Wacky Fun Random Numbar Generator v1.00000069 not only preserves all of the stunning functionality of the original release, but runs faster and in less space. This contribution to the public works of humanity was written by Michael Vincent as he slaved away in assembly language for his TI-83 Plus.

Patrick Davidson, game programmer extraordinare, had a prepared statement to make: "This is definitely a monumental day for the TI community. Back when the Random Numbar Generator was only in BASIC, assembly programers like myself were doomed to shame. After all, since we could not approach the awesomeness of the Random Numbar Generator, we were treated like second-class citizens of the TI community, if we could be considered citizens at all."

Patrick's sentiment is widespread; sociologists are predicting a revolution in the way TI calculator programmers interact in the community. Dr. Feel said, "This will at last tear down the walls of hatred between the BASIC and ASM programmers! Friendships will be healed and together we will move on to make the world a happier place." Nick Disabato, ticalc.org news editor emeritus and creator of the original 86 BASIC version, agreed. He simply stated that "random numbar generator unites all."

Beyond the community effects of this release, the technical details of the 83+ ASM version are breathtaking by themselves. Random Numbar Generator utilizes pre-compiled code and WidgetTopSpeed optimizations to enhance the user's experience. This could very well set the gold standard of calculator programs for years to come. With the BASIC versions of Random Numbar Generator, the overall program speed was limited by the speed of the user's input. Because the 83+ port is written in 100% pure, wholesome, iron-fortified ASM, the overall program speed is now limited by the speed of the user's input, but everything else runs really really fast.

Whereas the original program caused people to learn Sanskrit, the added complexity of assembly language is now spurring those same individuals to learn street Latin.

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