MAKE - Version 4 for QuickBASIC 4.5 and BASCOM7.1



Description:

This program is being offered to BASIC programmers who need a very easy and
convenient way of compiling and linking multiple-module programs. MAKE
allows an interface that is just as easy as environment compiling, but adds
the flexability of linking in support libraries and stub files, (not
possible from the environment). This product has been developed with a
leaning toward BASCOM 7.1, but can be used with QB with little trouble.

Added to this version:
- Support for linking with stub object and lib files. Will insert most
of the stub files for use with BASCOM7 and PDQ. The stub files that
are no needed can be edited out by the developer.
- /I command line switch will write MAKE directives to the top of your
source code. MAKE does not scan your source to decide which compiling
switches and stub files to link. It is the developer's resposibility
to edit these directives for each particular project.
- Will abort the compile process if ESC is hit.
- Maximum of 10 BC switches.
- MAKE times the process.
- Vertical menu prompts user for type of program build: compile and link,
compile only, link only, or bow out.
- Inserted directives (BASCOM7 / PDQ) are seperated for easier editing.

Linking with stub files will reduce the size of your EXE's. This is the
only way to realize the size reduction and speed increase that MicroSoft
promised in BASCOM7. Support is included for linking objects as overlays.

The MAKE program uses a series of MAKE instructions, or directives, in
REMmed lines near the top of your main module source file. These
instructions work similar to '$INCLUDE metacommands, only MAKE interprets
them for its use. The instructions contain paths and file names of the
compiler, linker, and support libraries. It specifies the names of the
source and stub file(s). It also specifies the compiler and linker switched
options.

The program displays the source files in a vertical selection window, along
with the time and date stamp of the last compile. MAKE gives you the
flexability of choosing which source files to compile, and which not to
compile. After you choose, MAKE will shell out and compile and link your
program. Then all your source files will be stamped with the current time
and date. If you decide to change one source file, when you re-compile, it
will be obvious which one needs to be tagged.



Using MAKE:

MAKE is typically kept in your utility subdirectory, which is listed in
your path. You will then be able to run the program regardless of your
current directory. The directory in which your source code and include
files reside is the directory from where you want to run MAKE. BC, LINK,
and your libraries can be elsewhere on the drive.

Near the top of your main module, add the following lines of MAKE
instructions. MAKE can put the directives at the top of your code for you
if you specify the /I switch. The directives will, however, require
editing. Note that case is not important, everything is converted to upper
case anyway. Do not insert comments or REMmed statements on the same line
as MAKE statements, such as I did here. This is only for demonstration.
Enclose source modules inside parenthases if they are to be overlaid,
(BASCOM 7 compiler only.)

'The following directives are for BASCOM 7.1, see inserted directives for
'PDQ example...
'
'begin make 'Flag - Must be verbose - "begin make"
' \bc7\binb\bc 'Tells MAKE where the find the compiler...
' \bc7\binb\link 'Tells MAKE where the find your linker...
' \bc7\lib\pro 'Tells MAKE where the find your library...
' make /o/s 'Don't specify the extension, because MAKE
' vertmenu /o /ah 'will use these names for objects as well
' picklist /o /ah 'as source names.
' end source 'Flag - Must be verbose - "end source"
' noedit 'You may specify different compiler switches
' nocom 'for each source file...
' notrnemr.lib 'Don't specify the extension if it's an
' nolpt '.OBJ file. Must specify .LIB extentions
' tscnionr 'for LIB's, though...
' end objects 'Flag - Must be verbose - "end source"
' /e /noe 'The link options...
'end make 'Flag - Must be verbose - "end source"


Start MAKE by specifying on the command line the name of the source to
compile. No need to add the extension. MAKE will look for the MAKE
directives in your source code, and read in the contents. The copyright
notice will then appear on the screen. Then a vertical selection window
will appear containing all the source files specified in your directives,
along with the time and date stamp of the last compile. Tag the items to
compile using the enter key or the space bar. Then hit ESCape to exit the
menu. A vertical menu will then prompt you for the type of process desired,
compile and link, compile only, link only, or bow out. Make a selection
to begin the MAKE process. The program will then shell and procede
to compile and link the files. You may hit ESCape to abort the compile
process, or CTRL-C to abort the link process.

Hint: Using a hard disk CACHE program will speed up compiling, and will
also reduce disk thrashing.




About MAKE:

MAKE was written in BASCOM7.1 using routines written ASSEMBLER. It was
written as a tool to benefit BASIC programmers. MAKE is distributed as
shareware, which simply means if you care to support my programming efforts,
you may mail a check for any amount, and I would be very appreciative.
There are no timed messages, counted executions, annoying reminders or
suggested registration fees in this software. If this software is of some
value to you, please send in that amount, and thanks in advance.

The user agrees to hold harmless Electronic Systems Design for any loss or
damage incurred in using this software. There are no warranies expressed
or implied.

MAKE.EXE is copyright (C)1990 by Electronic Systems Design. MAKE may be
distributed in archived format on BBS systems as long as this documentation
is included in the archive.

Your check may be mailed to: Robert Schoolfield, Electronic Systems Design
5038 El Camino Dr. #63, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 531-9367 eMail to
Robert Schoolfield at PPCompAS BBS (719) 591-1453 8N1 300-2400 bps.

End of Documentation.