On my computer I get a cmd-screen. To stop, I do a ctrl-c and then confirm (Because my OS is in Dutch I need to confirm with "J" but I guess its "Y" on other systems) and then press 'enter'.
If you could give this a try and if it works, could you please send me a screenshot so I can make a kind of manual.
Michel L
I've been playing with this whenever you add new blocks, and it's getting good!
The main thing I'd like to see next is some basic math. I'd like to be able to at least increment and decrement variables, but if you just add in an "operator" block that would be similar to the logic block that does the comparisons except it would have +, -, *, /.
Then, the thing that would make it truly a "Prop" version would be to have a block in the methods section that does a cognew/coginit as a form of method call, and a block that is cogstop.
After that, a way to declare local variables (they are always longs). You could use the existing declare block, and when it's inside of a method block it forces the long type and just puts it on the PUB line instead of making a global.
On my computer I get a cmd-screen. To stop, I do a ctrl-c and then confirm (Because my OS is in Dutch I need to confirm with "J" but I guess its "Y" on other systems) and then press 'enter'.
If you could give this a try and if it works, could you please send me a screenshot so I can make a kind of manual.
Thanks
My bad. was using javaw.exe instead of java.exe.
On a standard installation of java, java is not in the path, as it is for you as developer. so I needed to change the bat file to
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\java.exe" -jar propeller-web-loader-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
now everything fine. CTRL-C works as expected. I deleted my post as soon as I found out, but - to late. You already answered...
I also can run your Blocky snapshot local now. Great. It was just me not knowing about how to handle java. wasn't even installed on my computer.
I do like the way to deploy this embedded webserver as host. Unzip, adjust path to java if needed and run in the browser. Quite painless.
The main thing I'd like to see next is some basic math. I'd like to be able to at least increment and decrement variables, but if you just add in an "operator" block that would be similar to the logic block that does the comparisons except it would have +, -, *, /.
This is next on my list, I should be able to do that this evening (West European Time zone)
Then, the thing that would make it truly a "Prop" version would be to have a block in the methods section that does a cognew/coginit as a form of method call, and a block that is cogstop.
I'll move this up in the priority list. I myself thought to first do calls to objects. The terminal object for example
After that, a way to declare local variables (they are always longs). You could use the existing declare block, and when it's inside of a method block it forces the long type and just puts it on the PUB line instead of making a global.
I'll see what I can do, this will be one of the hardest things to do in Blockly I'm afraid. I've had to hack the system already to be able to have different variable types as well as making sure method parameter variables are not declared at the top.
On a standard installation of java, java is not in the path, as it is for you as developer. so I needed to change the bat file to
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\java.exe" -jar propeller-web-loader-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
now everything fine. CTRL-C works as expected. I deleted my post as soon as I found out, but - to late. You already answered...
I also can run your Blocky snapshot local now. Great. It was just me not knowing about how to handle java. wasn't even installed on my computer.
I do like the way to deploy this embedded webserver as host. Unzip, adjust path to java if needed and run in the browser. Quite painless.
Thanks again.
Enjoy!
Mike
Mike,
I'll see if I can add some logic in the bat file that locates java.exe. Then you can just unzip it and run it.
I also noticed that the name of the jar file was wrong and in the latest version that is corrected.
I could also try to not show the cmd window and instead show a little window with some buttons: "Close" and "Open in browser" That might be a little bit more user friendly. After all, its intended for novice users.
Michel L,
I was going to mention declaring objects (OBJ section), and then calling into the objects, but I figured that would be pretty hard since it's very foreign to Blockly.
I didn't think local variable declaration would be so hard. It's ok to leave for later, since you can use globals most of the time (just not in recursion).
Novice programmers also have difficulties understanding scope. As a result, all variables in Blockly follows the lead of App Inventor by making all variables global. The only down-side of global variables is that recursion is trickier (one has to push and pop variables onto a list), but that's a programming technique that's beyond the scope of Blockly's target users.
So, if I really want local variables I will have to set that up myself, any opinions?
If it's not hard to do, then the shift operators are handy.
Also, negate should probably just say negate instead of using the -. It's odd with how the block works, and makes it look like subtraction. Maybe if the assignment blocks has the = on them?
Heater,
Do you think it's required that an object and a program using the object be in the same "workspace"? I say workspace there meaning the area where you place and arrange blocks that ends up being converted into a single output spin file.
I could see having tabs to allow having multiple workspaces each converting to their own spin files. Then objects work out fine, even with the only global variable limitation, because each workspace would have it's globals and they wouldn't cross over.
Ouch! I imagine that Blockly has no concept of "objects",
In Spin, variables can be "global" to all methods within an object. But they are totally unavailable to other objects.
Indeed, there are no objects in Blockly. It's intended to be always 1 file.
I intend to provide functionality like serial connections through blocks that will define the OBJ part for you.
Unless you make a graphical programming system very complex it will always limit your possibilities. It's not a replacement for code written directly in spin.
Just as they say on the Blockly site: it's an introduction to a language. Therefor the code generated by Blockly needs to be as clean and readable as possible. So you can just switch to the spin tab and view your code.
I have no intention to put in the complete language but hope to come to a point where you can write an application that can interact with the terminal, process entered text, read some sensors and make something move (servo).
If I then can integrate some kind of learning system that slowly introduces new blocks I think this could be a nice addition to the existing IDE's. (Something like: https://blockly-demo.appspot.com/static/apps/maze/index.html
The x block on the left is an assignment block. If it had the '=' character as part of the block (next to the x), then it might be more clear what's going on.
The x block on the left is an assignment block. If it had the '=' character as part of the block (next to the x), then it might be more clear what's going on.
OK, I do see that Blockly has it's limitations. And intentionally.
Starts me wondering though. There are similar systems that generate JavaScript as an output. Do they understand first class functions, closures, and so on? Perhaps not.
Michel L,
Have you seen this: https://blockly-demo.appspot.com/static/apps/blockfactory/index.html
Maybe you are already using it to help you make blocks? Seems neat to be able to make blocks for blockly with blockly. Of course, it only makes a stub for the language generate part, you have to fill that in,
The pin control blocks work only with constants. Should the be blocks that allow a variable pin #?
I'll add that Added
I'm still looking for the best way of setting pins, what I have now is copied from the Arduino version but with the Propeller we can set multiple pins at once (and read out). And I don't know yet how to make blocks that allow this in an easy to do/understand way.
It took a minute, but I figured out how to define parameters for a method. Should there be another group revealed by the [+] that allows one to define local variables for a method?
I'm still looking for the best way of setting pins, what I have now is copied from the Arduino version but with the Propeller we can set multiple pins at once (and read out). And I don't know yet how to make blocks that allow this in an easy to do/understand way.
That the Arduino was first doesn't mean its implementation is the best. DigitalWrite, for example, is the Arduino equivalent of PBASIC HIGH -- which doesn't exist in the Propeller (unless one creates a method).
Perhaps you have a block the says something like DIRA := {] to {] Value []. You could do the same with OUTA. Each would have an option for constant and variable values (as you're doing in other areas).
To read a group of pins maybe it's: := INA {] to {]
Would be nice for single pins if only the first constant/variable slot has to be used.
These are just ideas. Again, kudos for your efforts.
It took a minute, but I figured out how to define parameters for a method. Should there be another group revealed by the [+] that allows one to define local variables for a method?
That would indeed be the best method, sadly just defining them there is not enough. I have to manage them and they should actually only be available within the method scope. (That's currently already a problem)
Blockly doesn't have the concept of local variables. They decided that was outside the scope as they focus on novice users.
I've had to do a hack and hide the variable declaration from the VAR block for parameter variables.
I just added another block, now the fun can start: cognew
Just specify the stackspace (attention, currently you can enter any text here, and it is not validated to be numeric) and the method call (I can't block you from putting in other code, so it's easy to create invalid code)
Ken, between Michel's effort and the other efforts to allow programming the chip with the generated spin results, I think this is a great thing to use for S2 (and eventually S3).
There could even be a set of blocks made that are tailored to the S2's components.
Also, If you look at the Maze tutorial link Michel shared a few posts back, imagine a tutorial like that but reworked with S2 art and added blocks for making sounds and blinking the leds. Each tutorial step could have a button to download the same program into an actual S2 and have it perform the same steps. Maybe even have some large size poster sheets with the tutorial mazes on it for them to place the S2 on when running the tutorial code. It would be so cool!
Ken, that would be great. I've been re-reading the open propeller project page and also watched some videos about S2 and I think we could make a great product.
The software could have different modes depending on the experience level of the user. From high level blocks specific for the S2/3 to the set of blocks I'm currently creating.
A tutorial like Roy suggested would also be nice to learn the blocks gradually. (I also suggested putting a learning system in earlier, but that was for the current set of blocks)
One question though:
I've currently put in the apache2 licence because this is the Blockly licence and as such I can't make it (at least not completely) MIT licensed. Is this a problem? I don't have experience with licences, so if this has to change i'll need some advice.
Another thing I thought of is a way to compile and load programs into the propeller. What if we create a version that is hosted at Parallax, and users download a small native (cross platform) application that opens a socket to the server and identifies itself.
When loading the application, the server would compile the application and send it to the selected client.
This would eliminate the requirement for a server on the users computer while supporting all browsers (I'm thinking about the IE plugin). And, at least I think, would be easier to use.
To conclude:
Just let me know if I need to do anything to make it into an Open Propeller project. And how you guys at Parallax would like this application to evolve.
Comments
On my computer I get a cmd-screen. To stop, I do a ctrl-c and then confirm (Because my OS is in Dutch I need to confirm with "J" but I guess its "Y" on other systems) and then press 'enter'.
If you could give this a try and if it works, could you please send me a screenshot so I can make a kind of manual.
Thanks
I've been playing with this whenever you add new blocks, and it's getting good!
The main thing I'd like to see next is some basic math. I'd like to be able to at least increment and decrement variables, but if you just add in an "operator" block that would be similar to the logic block that does the comparisons except it would have +, -, *, /.
Then, the thing that would make it truly a "Prop" version would be to have a block in the methods section that does a cognew/coginit as a form of method call, and a block that is cogstop.
After that, a way to declare local variables (they are always longs). You could use the existing declare block, and when it's inside of a method block it forces the long type and just puts it on the PUB line instead of making a global.
My bad. was using javaw.exe instead of java.exe.
On a standard installation of java, java is not in the path, as it is for you as developer. so I needed to change the bat file to
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\java.exe" -jar propeller-web-loader-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
now everything fine. CTRL-C works as expected. I deleted my post as soon as I found out, but - to late. You already answered...
I also can run your Blocky snapshot local now. Great. It was just me not knowing about how to handle java. wasn't even installed on my computer.
I do like the way to deploy this embedded webserver as host. Unzip, adjust path to java if needed and run in the browser. Quite painless.
Thanks again.
Enjoy!
Mike
Nice, thanks
This is next on my list, I should be able to do that this evening (West European Time zone)
I'll move this up in the priority list. I myself thought to first do calls to objects. The terminal object for example
I'll see what I can do, this will be one of the hardest things to do in Blockly I'm afraid. I've had to hack the system already to be able to have different variable types as well as making sure method parameter variables are not declared at the top.
Thanks for the input
Michel
Mike,
I'll see if I can add some logic in the bat file that locates java.exe. Then you can just unzip it and run it.
I also noticed that the name of the jar file was wrong and in the latest version that is corrected.
I could also try to not show the cmd window and instead show a little window with some buttons: "Close" and "Open in browser" That might be a little bit more user friendly. After all, its intended for novice users.
I was going to mention declaring objects (OBJ section), and then calling into the objects, but I figured that would be pretty hard since it's very foreign to Blockly.
I didn't think local variable declaration would be so hard. It's ok to leave for later, since you can use globals most of the time (just not in recursion).
This works on my Debian 64 bit machine:
java -jar propeller-web-loader-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
Had to add execute permissions to the openspin executable.
It at least tries to run it. I have no Propellers connected to test with though...
I found a page about their Language Design Philosophy: https://code.google.com/p/blockly/wiki/Language
The most important one for BlocklyProp is:
So, if I really want local variables I will have to set that up myself, any opinions?
Anything else?
http://blocklyprop.creatingfuture.eu/
Also, negate should probably just say negate instead of using the -. It's odd with how the block works, and makes it look like subtraction. Maybe if the assignment blocks has the = on them?
In Spin, variables can be "global" to all methods within an object. But they are totally unavailable to other objects.
Do you think it's required that an object and a program using the object be in the same "workspace"? I say workspace there meaning the area where you place and arrange blocks that ends up being converted into a single output spin file.
I could see having tabs to allow having multiple workspaces each converting to their own spin files. Then objects work out fine, even with the only global variable limitation, because each workspace would have it's globals and they wouldn't cross over.
Indeed, there are no objects in Blockly. It's intended to be always 1 file.
I intend to provide functionality like serial connections through blocks that will define the OBJ part for you.
Unless you make a graphical programming system very complex it will always limit your possibilities. It's not a replacement for code written directly in spin.
Just as they say on the Blockly site: it's an introduction to a language. Therefor the code generated by Blockly needs to be as clean and readable as possible. So you can just switch to the spin tab and view your code.
I have no intention to put in the complete language but hope to come to a point where you can write an application that can interact with the terminal, process entered text, read some sensors and make something move (servo).
If I then can integrate some kind of learning system that slowly introduces new blocks I think this could be a nice addition to the existing IDE's. (Something like: https://blockly-demo.appspot.com/static/apps/maze/index.html
There on the list, maybe tomorrow.
I have changed it in the code. Will be changed in the next build.
I don't really understand what you mean (English is not my first language, just so you now). Could you please elaborate?
That converts to this spin code: x := -y
However, it looks like it is: x - y
The x block on the left is an assignment block. If it had the '=' character as part of the block (next to the x), then it might be more clear what's going on.
Ok, no problem, I'll change that tomorrow.
Starts me wondering though. There are similar systems that generate JavaScript as an output. Do they understand first class functions, closures, and so on? Perhaps not.
Have you seen this: https://blockly-demo.appspot.com/static/apps/blockfactory/index.html
Maybe you are already using it to help you make blocks? Seems neat to be able to make blocks for blockly with blockly. Of course, it only makes a stub for the language generate part, you have to fill that in,
Or not...if Blockly is sufficiently expressive then the entire system can be made in Bockly.
In the same way C++ compilers are written in C.
Sounds like hard work though.
I've included Roy Eltham's suggestions and added bitwise operations. (Shift, rotate, and, or, not)
Next?
I'll add that Added
I'm still looking for the best way of setting pins, what I have now is copied from the Arduino version but with the Propeller we can set multiple pins at once (and read out). And I don't know yet how to make blocks that allow this in an easy to do/understand way.
That the Arduino was first doesn't mean its implementation is the best. DigitalWrite, for example, is the Arduino equivalent of PBASIC HIGH -- which doesn't exist in the Propeller (unless one creates a method).
Perhaps you have a block the says something like DIRA := {] to {] Value []. You could do the same with OUTA. Each would have an option for constant and variable values (as you're doing in other areas).
To read a group of pins maybe it's: := INA {] to {]
Would be nice for single pins if only the first constant/variable slot has to be used.
These are just ideas. Again, kudos for your efforts.
That would indeed be the best method, sadly just defining them there is not enough. I have to manage them and they should actually only be available within the method scope. (That's currently already a problem)
Blockly doesn't have the concept of local variables. They decided that was outside the scope as they focus on novice users.
I've had to do a hack and hide the variable declaration from the VAR block for parameter variables.
Just specify the stackspace (attention, currently you can enter any text here, and it is not validated to be numeric) and the method call (I can't block you from putting in other code, so it's easy to create invalid code)
Parallax has much interest in this effort - we are currently revising our S2 robot and it'll need Scratch or Blockly.
Can we get behind this effort and make it Open Propeller Project #5: Blockly and draw more attention to the work?
Ken Gracey
There could even be a set of blocks made that are tailored to the S2's components.
Also, If you look at the Maze tutorial link Michel shared a few posts back, imagine a tutorial like that but reworked with S2 art and added blocks for making sounds and blinking the leds. Each tutorial step could have a button to download the same program into an actual S2 and have it perform the same steps. Maybe even have some large size poster sheets with the tutorial mazes on it for them to place the S2 on when running the tutorial code. It would be so cool!
The software could have different modes depending on the experience level of the user. From high level blocks specific for the S2/3 to the set of blocks I'm currently creating.
A tutorial like Roy suggested would also be nice to learn the blocks gradually. (I also suggested putting a learning system in earlier, but that was for the current set of blocks)
One question though:
I've currently put in the apache2 licence because this is the Blockly licence and as such I can't make it (at least not completely) MIT licensed. Is this a problem? I don't have experience with licences, so if this has to change i'll need some advice.
Another thing I thought of is a way to compile and load programs into the propeller. What if we create a version that is hosted at Parallax, and users download a small native (cross platform) application that opens a socket to the server and identifies itself.
When loading the application, the server would compile the application and send it to the selected client.
This would eliminate the requirement for a server on the users computer while supporting all browsers (I'm thinking about the IE plugin). And, at least I think, would be easier to use.
To conclude:
Just let me know if I need to do anything to make it into an Open Propeller project. And how you guys at Parallax would like this application to evolve.
Michel
I had to add a lib directory to the compiler call as well as setup the system for the OBJ code-block. Now higher level blocks are possible.
Requests?