PropBASIC status?

Rsadeika

I do not want to clutter up the other thread with some basic questions. Is there a copy of documentation that describes the latest version of PropBASIC? The copy I am using, which is about three years old, may not reflect everything there is to know about PropBASIC, or does it? Is there a collection of drivers to be used with PropBASIC, for instance, SD, XBee, Sensirion, ..., and others, hiding somewhere? But, probably the most important would be a complete, and concise pdf of documentation.

Ray

Mickster

I fully support the other calls for more support for PropBASIC. I have just spent the day working with this compiler in ViewPort and I am extremely impressed.....What's it gonna take, Parallax? This is the highest-level programming language for the Prop and it's generating PASM output!!!!

Mickster

Invent-O-Doc

Propbasic is a good one. Bean wrote it and it is an extension of work he originally did for the SX (SX/B) - I don't know all the prop enhancements but the SX/B compiled right to machine language (without optimizations) and was a nice way to understannd how the microcontroller works. Also, there is an implementation of another basic on the forum called "VGABASIC" or "COLOR BASIC" (among others) with recent posts that also looks pretty complete.

Bean

Here is the latest PropBasic version 00_01_29
I have included the vga library file with it. I need to change the documentation to explain how to create libraries.

Bean

Rsadeika

Since I am working on a data logger program, which is written in Spin, I was hoping to possibly do a version in PropBASIC, just to test out the concept of a fast prototyping language. But, it seems like PropBASIC, at this time, would not qualify for a fast prototyping session. Somewhere down the line, when more drivers become available, and more workable examples are present, then it might be a consideration for doing slightly more complex program. I still am not giving up on PropBASIC, just like I have not given up on PropForth, but to be candid, they are on the back, back burners.

I am hoping that there will be some more general interest in PropBASIC, and therefore some more drivers will become available, making PropBASIC much more useful for doing projects a little more complex then manipulating an LED. I will still keep at it.

Ray

Bean

Ray,
I do have some libraries (drivers) for Keyboard, TV, VGA etc. But I would want to fully test them before posting them.
One thing I don't have that will be needed is a SD card driver. I may work on that when I have more free time to devote to it.

Bean

Humanoido

Thanks for the updated post. PropBASIC works fast and efficiently for my apps. It's one of the most useful languages for the Propeller. Of course more documentation and example programs are always welcome.

rod1963

I think it was a serious mistake not to support PropBasic by the TPTB. It should have been the language bundled with the Prop when it was first released not Spin. It would have made a nice entry point for people who wanted to upgrade from the aging BS2 line. Look, for hobbyists Basic is still popular, easy to learn and quite useful. It's found on AVR's, 8 bit PIC's, Coldfires, PIC32s and ARMs.

simonl

Bean wrote: »

Ray,
I do have some libraries (drivers) for Keyboard, TV, VGA etc. But I would want to fully test them before posting them.
One thing I don't have that will be needed is a SD card driver. I may work on that when I have more free time to devote to it.

Bean

Maxwin did an SD card driver - see http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?122615-PropBasic-SD-Card&p=939045&viewfull=1#post939045

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Note: This is NOT FAT though.
</edit>

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

@Bean,

I'm a newcomer to PropBASIC. Didn't start playing with it until it had been out a while. Yes, by all means.. Please keep the development of this project going forward. VGA and SD support? Yes!

Jeff

WBA Consulting

I also vote for PropBASIC to continue. (Bean, I sent you a PM)