A89: Re: Survey for the next version of PlusShell

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A89: Re: Survey for the next version of PlusShell




>
>Should the next version of PlusShell default to outputting assembly
programs
>which require no kernel or libraries?
>
>Many users are having problems with kernels, libraries, conversions, etc.,
>etc.  On the 82, 83, 85, and 86, there are no libraries, and using assembly
>games is a piece of cake.  With the huge capacity of the 89's memory,
should
>we really need to use libraries and/or kernels?  Why not just use only the
>built-in assembly support, saving everyone the effort of dealing with the
>extra files?
>

Someone said that libraries can't be archived ... so if this true then if
you crash the calc, you can't run any archived programs that require the
lost libraries.

I don't see what good libraries would do, there are only a few functions
that aren't either in ROM or are too specialized (graphics routines like
putsprites, most games need their own specialized putsprite or multiple
putsprites) to be included.  The result is that you are stuck w/ programs
that need something other than itself and a rom in order to be run.  There
are no problems with memory on the 89, so what's the point?

Btw, the 89 must have a table of ROM calls to support future ROM versions,
so does anyone know where this is?

>It is also true that kernels have some advantages.  With a kernel, it is
>possible to have the ability to run Fargo and old PlusShell programs and
>libraries directly, without any conversion.  Crash protection (like in
Doors
>OS) can also be implemented more easily.  But should the kernel be required
>for running programs?  It saves memory, but is it worth the extra effort
and
>confusion?

no problem with kernals, as long as every program can run without one
installed

>
>All this will not cause another change in the binary format of assembly
>programs.  The current format used by the latest versions of PlusShell and
>Doors OS can easily be used to make "stand-alone" programs which require no
>shell or kernel or libraries.  The kernel and libraries will always be
>included to allow users to use them if they choose to.  There would be no
>removal of features, just a change in the default.  This default can be
>overridden by recompilation or conversion if desired.
>
>Please respond with your comments.  Your ideas just might find their way
>into the next version.
>
>