Re: LF: On-calc assembler

To: list-fargo@lists.ticalc.org
Subject: Re: LF: On-calc assembler
From: "Rob Taylor" <rtaylor@ticalc.org>
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 10:51:35 +0000
Reply-To: list-fargo@lists.ticalc.org


> I remember messages being posted earlier that an on-calc assembler is
> impractical because the calc has to be reset if an error occurs.  Therefore,
> you'd have to resend the assembler and everything after resetting the calc.
> Well, the error vectors (illegal instruction, etc) are stored at the
> beginning of RAM, correct?  Why not add custom error routines to fargo by
> changing those vectors to point to new routines rather than the ones in ROM?
> Then, when an error occurs, rather than freeze the calc, just give an error
> message and then reenter the OS.  If one did that, an on-calc assembler
> would be possible, not to mention it save a lot of headaches finding bugs in
> beta software.
>

Yes, but what if your error corrupts memory? (as is the usual case) 
then your buggered still, no matter how clever your error recovery 
routines..

Of course that's not really an arggument against making an 
assembler... just an argument to be VERY VERY carful if you do use 
one!


On this point It's a ashame we don't know more about the rom 
cartrige port... what'd be really cool would be a complete 
development system on a rom and a ram for storing work on.... ARRGE! 
don't you wish Ti'd work a little more closely with us!


Rob Taylor MAIL - mailto:rtaylor@ticalc.org 
           WEB  - http://www.u-net.com/~rtaylor/