Pointer 0.1

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with the new Save as basic option you can save your pointer programs into BBC Basic for Windows and then compile them to make exe's. What could be simpler!

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Download the FREE demo version of Pointer from here, as either a BBC Basic for Windows file, or as a Windows Executable.

The full version has all the demo features as well as following additional and useful extras...

  • Save / Load as a .pnt pointer file, remembers the procedures written for another occasion

  • Extra space, The full version gives you 500 lines to write your code in, (that is more than the pointer program itself!)

  • Extra variables for using the Mouse, (a simple drawing program)

  • Save as .bas file. This NEW feature lets you save your pointer programs as a BBC Basic for Windows compatible. Which can compile your Pointer Programs so that it runs as a self reliant .exe program. Also it is easy to append the .bas file to the end of your program, so you can have a fancy opening sequence for your program, without worrying about loads of coding.

Click here to download the following example programs... examples.zip

  1. Shapes.pnt - draws any shape on the screen, Circle.bbc, Square.bbc, Triangle.bbc, (demonstrates usage of A,B,C,D)

  2. Spiral.pnt - draws a spiral on the screen, Spiral.bbc, (demonstrates usage of N)

  3. Sinwave.pnt - draws a Sine wave on the screen, Sinewave.bbc, (demonstrates usage of N and Trig)

  4. Lollipop.pnt - draws a lollipop on the screen, Lollipop.bbc, (demonstrates usage of PT command)

About Pointer: This is a very simple drawing program, using text interface to give graphical response.

Commands

Blue signifies demo and full version commands, maroon commands are only available in the full version.

Commands are typed in the form <command> <var1> <var2> <var3> <var4> <var5> <var6>  -  where <vars> can be string or numerical.

FD

Pushes the pointer forward the given distance <var 1> and draws a line in it's trail in the current colour
BK Pulls the pointer backwards the given distance <var 1> and draws a line in it's trail in the current colour
TN Turns the pointer to the right the given <var 1> degrees. (As RT)
LT Turns the pointer to the left the given <var 1> degrees.
RT Turns the pointer to the right the given <var 1> degrees. (As TN)
LOAD (full version) Loads, (and wipes over) a set of procedures from a pointer, (*.pnt) file. Uses windows open dialogue
SAVE (full version) Saves all procedures in memory to a pointer, (*.pnt) file. Uses windows save dialogue
TO Initiates procedure writing mode. And sets procedure name to <var1>
END Quits procedure writing mode, and saves it.
RUN Executes a procedure named <var 1>, and sends <var 2> <var 3> <var 4> <var 5> to the executed procedure as variables A, B, C and D respectively.. All variables are local to procedures.
REP As RUN but executes procedure named <var 1>, for <var 2> number of times, <var 3> - <var 6> are A - D respectively. (see RUN). Also sets the variable N to the 'repeat' counter, so N increases from 1, by increment 1 each execution.
PC Sets the current colour, <var 1> <var 2> <var 3> as R G B (respectively) colours, (<vars> must be 0 - 1 or decimals) eg PC 1 0.5 0 would be orange.
PT Prints the statement <var 1> at the current position in the current colour, axis aligned.
CL Clears the graphics area and resets the pointer to home, and to North.
HOME Moves the pointer to <var 1> <var 2> as X, Y respectively (if given) (if no <var1> <var2> 0,0 is assumed)
FLY Moves the pointer forward the given distance without drawing a line.
WD Alters line width, (default 20) - although 1 is narrow, 2 is recommended as minimum width.
QUIT Prompts you to save work. And exits.
SBBC (full version) Executes a procedure named <var1>, but rather than drawing on the screen, saves the specified procedure, along with any other procedure called as BBC Basic for Windows code. It creates BBC Basic procedures, and includes explanations to what the code does.
IF If <var 1> is true (eg '3+4=7'), the following <var 2> - <var 6> are executed as <command> <var1> - <var4>.
MA (full version) variable, tells you the TN needed to aim for the mouse.
MD (full version) variable, tell you the distance from your position to the mouse.

Email MarloweOS@hotmail.com for more!

Return to the Marlowe Online site

Go to RTRussells BBC Basic for Windows site.