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Which IDE to migrate to? — Parallax Forums

Which IDE to migrate to?

turbosupraturbosupra Posts: 1,088
edited 2012-06-24 09:16 in Propeller 1
In addition to the way the prop tool works I'd like to have intellisense (if across all objects even better), a built in terminal window and the ability to hard code a port number and label it with a name so that if I am having other props emulate things I can have 2 or 3 different versions of this IDE open at the same time and reference the name and send the different sets of code to each one.

I read about the PZST, BST and SIDE, are there any others I haven't looked at?

Can anyone that has used them comment on how they might suit what I'd like to use it for?

Comments

  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2012-06-23 14:19
    SIDE is an IDE for C/C++ which does not support Spin. Although I guess it will in the future.
    PZST has no serial terminal window.
    As a result BST is my pick currently.
  • turbosupraturbosupra Posts: 1,088
    edited 2012-06-23 14:38
    Thanks Heater, did I miss any other possibilities?

    It looks like BST will not open multiple executables of itself but it states in the docs that it has an assign option for multiple propellers by right clicking on the project file and assigning a port. This looks promising.
  • turbosupraturbosupra Posts: 1,088
    edited 2012-06-23 18:01
    Something is different with the terminal window, with the PST I have code that allows permanent positioning so that the screen is not constantly scrolling downward.

    It does not work on the BST terminal. Has anyone experienced this?
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2012-06-24 00:01
    The BST terminal does not support the escape sequences for cursor positioning etc.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2012-06-24 00:33
    For the new person, stay with Propeller/Spin Tool as it is not going to be subject to frequent on-going revisions AND all the added examples, documentation, and tutorial are quite easy to get to. Serious bugs are likely to be immediately attended to as it is Parallax's bread and butter.

    For others, it is quite nuanced. I like BST because it provides me with a Linux supported IDE and it does have a few added PASM features. Lack of escape sequences for cursor positioning? I never noticed as I usually mouse around.

    Some people want to participate in the leading edge and open-source is where they can do so. But isn't that a distraction from the real focus, the Propeller itself?
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2012-06-24 00:43
    Distraction? No it's been essential. The Prop Tool is Windows only and essentially useless to non Windows users. HomeSpun and BST saved at least this user from skipping the Prop experience.
    BTW neither HomeSpun or BST are open source and neither have been subject to frequent and ongoing revisions for a long time. They just work.
    Didn't get the part about cursor positioning and mousing around. I was refering to the fact that you can write to different lines/columns on the terminal display under control of your Prop program. Or clear the screen etc. BST does not provide that.
  • StefanL38StefanL38 Posts: 2,292
    edited 2012-06-24 06:53
    Hi Brad,

    would using PropTerminal be an option too? PropTerminal emulates the TV-object by sending data through the serial link to the PropTerminal.exe running on your PC.

    best regards Stefan
  • turbosupraturbosupra Posts: 1,088
    edited 2012-06-24 07:44
    Heater. wrote: »
    The BST terminal does not support the escape sequences for cursor positioning etc.

    That's actually a deal breaker, I guess they have a reason for omitting that though. Looks like I can launch multiple instances of the Parallax Serial Terminal.exe so I guess that's my only choice. I was really looking forward to not having to worry about the ports after they were assigned with BST, oh well.

    StefanL38 wrote: »
    Hi Brad,

    would using PropTerminal be an option too? PropTerminal emulates the TV-object by sending data through the serial link to the PropTerminal.exe running on your PC.

    best regards Stefan

    Hi Stefan, I don't know. Based on this http://www.gadgetgangster.com/news/54/497 it appears I would have to rewrite all of the serial code but that it would work. Do you use it?
  • simonlsimonl Posts: 866
    edited 2012-06-24 08:26
    I'm starting to really like the way SimpleIDE (for PropGCC) invokes its serial terminal - doesn't get in the way at all and auto launches if you hit the blue Play button - niiice. I hope SimpleIDE will support Spin, PASM, and PropBASIC really soon (can't be that hard can it Jazzed?!)
  • jazzedjazzed Posts: 11,803
    edited 2012-06-24 08:44
    simonl wrote: »
    I'm starting to really like the way SimpleIDE (for PropGCC) invokes its serial terminal - doesn't get in the way at all and auto launches if you hit the blue Play button - niiice. I hope SimpleIDE will support Spin, PASM, and PropBASIC really soon (can't be that hard can it Jazzed?!)


    I'm adding Spin/PASM now.
  • StefanL38StefanL38 Posts: 2,292
    edited 2012-06-24 08:52
    Hi Brad,

    no you wouldn't have to rewrite all code. most methods have the same name. From time to time I'm using PropTerminal.
    It supports several cursor-positioning code. But I haven't compared if they are all the same as for PST.
    As it is based on the TV-driver and emulates the TV-driver and both the TV-driver and PST are from parallax I guess the cursor-pos or codes for clearing the screen should be the same.
    But I expect some detail tweaking of the code.
    best regards Stefan
  • turbosupraturbosupra Posts: 1,088
    edited 2012-06-24 08:53
    ^ Sweet! How does it do with port assignment for multiple propellers and with intellisense?
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2012-06-24 09:00
    A lot of good points herein. Apparently the Prop/Spin Tool has a bug now that is unresolved.

    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?140866-Propellor-Tool-Question


    Frankly, I am primarily an Ubuntu Linux user at this point and delighted with BST as it is. But I did have to migrate all the supporting code, document, and Html files over from the Propeller/Spin Tool to get the kind of experience that makes the whole experience pleasant for a new user.

    So I just suggested they stay with Parallax's IDE for starters. And I am a bit concerned if Parallax doesn't respond to bug reports in a timely manner. But the reality is that some bugs get knocked down rather quickly, others tend to linger until an 'ah ha' moment is forthcoming -- even in Linux.
  • jazzedjazzed Posts: 11,803
    edited 2012-06-24 09:16
    turbosupra wrote: »
    ^ Sweet! How does it do with port assignment for multiple propellers and with intellisense?


    There is a "feature complete" deadline to meet.

    Ports are detected, but set by the user. Propeller auto detect is not planned.
    Something like intellisence would be very nice, but may not make the cut.
    I've been asked to provide a PST-like terminal handler.

    I'll start another thread on this soon.
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