Joe Turner wrote:
> The % operator in RobotBASIC now does the following: multiplies two
> numbers then divides the result by 100?

Yep - Percentage

   On page 329 in the Robot
> Programmer's Bonanza, the second line give the example
> Print 400%3 and says the result is 1.2, but when I try it I get 12.  Am
> I missing something or is there a misprint?

I don't think that Joe (the Eagle eye) has missed a thing!
>
cheers
john g

Hi Joe,

The % operator is (Logically) the percentage operator.
         a%b = a*b/100

So 400%3 = 12 and you got the correct answer. The 1.2
in the RB book is a typo. Sorry we have tried to get
rid of as many as we could but we inevitably would have
missed some. Thanks to people like you the next edition will
have even less typos.

RB is different in many ways to other BASIC versions and
in many ways is more logical in its use of symbols. Also
RB has a style similar to C++ in some things that will
make it easy for you to translate code from C++ and vice versa.

Of course this can only be done to a certain extent since C++
is a VERY DIFFERENT language, but I have found it useful in many
situations where I PROTOTYPED an algorithm in RB because it is
very easy to use and develop with. Later when I wanted to
implement the algorithm in C++, I found it very easy to do
just do a few changes in the syntax to get almost the same code
to become C++ code.


> I missing something or is there a misprint?

Not a thing. Absolutely correct.

Also regarding the # operator. You are correct. It is the
Modulus (see also the function Mod()) of integer division.
I.e. the remainder.


To get integer division use / which is also used for float
division. If either of the operands is a float the result is a float
if both are integer then the result is integer.
       a = 10 \ b= 6 \ c = 6.0 \ d = 10.0
       print a/b        //prints  1
       print d/b        //prints 1.6666666
       print a/c        //prints 1.6666666
       print d/3        //prints 3.333333
       print round(d)/3 //prints  3
       print a/3        //prints  3
       print a*1.0/3    //prints  3.3333

Notice the % operator also obeys this rule.
      print 40%3          //prints 1
      print 40%3.0       //prints 1.2  (correct this time….hehehe)


Regards

Samuel

Hi Guys,

The reason I have the help system as it is currently
in RB is due to the desire to keep the entire system
as one file. One exe that can be easily exchanged between
people without the need for installing, setting the registry
creating directories etc.

just a small exe, easily carried on a Thumb drive will give
you the ability to program on any system in seconds.
Actually with older version of RB you could even carry it on a
Diskette (good old days.....)

The standard MSWindows Help File system is very nice and
the Hyper Link capability can be very powerful. But there are
issues:
     -It is a separate file and has to be carried and
      installed with the exe
     -Hyper linking is A LOT OF WORK (I do have a life)
     -Cannot print as one document
     -The system as is, is quite functional so I am
      more inclined to spend the time on other more functional
      enhancements to RB than just cosmetics.
     -Since it is harder to use you are more likely
      to stay at home/office reading it and thus not be out
      on the road spending LOTS of GAS money.....see
      RB can save you money.....  }:=()

The help pages in RB as they are can be cut-pasted into
your favourite editor and you can print it or transfer it
to a PDA for reading while traveling or in my favorite place
for reading. (the sauna, what did you think I meant??? }:=))


> Maybe we should start an errata folder in the files
>section adding to it as typos are found.

GREAT IDEA ........PLEASE.......
I am trying to correct each as they are pointed out to
me and also I have spotted a few myself. They should
be corrected in the soon to come out new version of the
RB exe.

There are also a few new exciting commands and
functions like Financial functions, and the ability to
create Edit boxes in an easy manner just like the Push Buttons
methods in the current version.


THANKS ALL for your help in advance.

> I am thinking about XMLing but haven't thought it through.
> Anybody got any ideas?
> Maybe we can get Samuel to there the book source through
>concordance software?

McGraw Hill has made the book available for the Kindle
(Amazon's electronic book reader). It uses an HTML version
of the book. So I am guessing that McGraw Hill has already
converted it to HTML.

Having said all this. One day when I have more time I will
convert the help system to an MSWindows standard. Just to please
you guys.....but only if you REALLY INSIST..... {:=(


Regards

Samuel

Hi All,

I have a suggestion for your consideration.

Joe got me thinking about the % oper.

As it stands it obeys the general rule of RB
in that if both operands are integer the result is
and integer.

However with % it might be desirable to always return
float regardless since taking the percentage of a number
is usually inherently going to result in float and it might
be desirable to get as much accuracy as possible by default.
Of course you can always use Round(a%b) to get an integer
result as before.

So the question is:
     Do you think I should change RB so that a%b will result
     in a float regardless of the operands type?

I will change it to do so in the new soon to come
version UNLESS many people write to me with an objection.

The change should not impact on existing programs.

Please reply on this forum.


Regards

Samuel

Consider the following:

I have received a runtime error and the source line is highlighted.  What did I
do wrong?  Maybe I spelled the verb
(function / command) incorrectly is it spelled "file" or "fil?"

I go to the help screen and look under "Commands & Functions Alphabetically",
and find that the spelling is ok.  Maybe
it is my value for "ExprN3".  I need to check out the full syntax and for this
verb.  Now if there were only a section
reference for each item under "Commands & Functions Alphabetically" I could go
to the section directly.

I am not sure which section the verb is under so I use the search function and
start looking, Is it under Functions Part
I or Function Part II, maybe its under Graphics & Screen commands?

I assume that the drop menu items are pointers to entry points in the text of
the help screens.  Text which I assume is
contiguous.  I wish that there were another item is the drop list with a section
called 'All Help'.  I would open All
Help type is my search request and click 'Find Next' as required without having
to back up and enter another section.

In lieu of the last few posts would the above work?  Is it possible, easy or
hard only Samuel can tell.  Tell me it will
work and is easy to do.

cheers,
john g

I like the idea!

Early on I had to scratch my head more than once when I a division didn't give
the value I expected.  I still on
occasion add "1.0*" to insure a floating point value.

john g

Samuel Mishal wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I have a suggestion for your consideration.
>
> Joe got me thinking about the % oper.
>
> As it stands it obeys the general rule of RB
> in that if both operands are integer the result is
> and integer.
>
> However with % it might be desirable to always return
> float regardless since taking the percentage of a number
> is usually inherently going to result in float and it might
> be desirable to get as much accuracy as possible by default.
> Of course you can always use Round(a%b) to get an integer
> result as before.
>
> So the question is:
>     Do you think I should change RB so that a%b will result
>     in a float regardless of the operands type?
>
> I will change it to do so in the new soon to come
> version UNLESS many people write to me with an objection.
>
> The change should not impact on existing programs.
>
> Please reply on this forum.
>
>
> Regards
>
> Samuel
>
>
>

> I assume that the drop menu items are pointers to entry points in the
text of the help screens.  Text which I assume is
> contiguous.  I wish that there were another item is the drop list
with a section called 'All Help'.  I would open All
> Help type is my search request and click 'Find Next' as required
without having to back up and enter another section.

I tend to agree it would be great to have the Search be able to parse
down through all the help.

It would also be helpful for the Command/Function Ref page to have the
definitions for all the Expressions and Vars.
Example:
GetColor Var1,Var2
Sets Var1= Pen color Var2 = Background color

instead of just  GetColor Var1, Var2.

Bryan

Can RobotBasic control more than one robot in the simulator?

Not really.  After creating a robot using rLocate it can be controlled however
as soon as another is created (rLocate)
all control of the first robot is lost.

I've created a my own robots (not using rLocate) and independently controlling
each one for demonstrations.  You have to
write all your code to do everything.  The following snippet runs but its hokey.
//
// two robots
//
    size = 32
    Flip On
    j = 0 \ k = 0
    While True
      ClearScr
      LineWidth 4

      Circle 15+j,100,15+j+size,100+size, Red,White
      GoToXY 15+j+size/2, 100+size/2
      SetColor Red
      LineTo 15+j+size,100+size/2

      Circle 15+k,200,15+k+size,200+size, Blue,White
      GoToXY 15+k+size/2, 200+size/2
      SetColor Blue
      LineTo 15+k+size,200+size/2

      delay 10
      j = j + 3 \ k = k + 4
      Flip
    Wend

    End

john g

Bryan Kornele wrote:
> Can RobotBasic control more than one robot in the simulator?
>
>

Hi Bryan,

> It would also be helpful for the Command/Function Ref page to have
the
> definitions for all the Expressions and Vars.
> Example:
> GetColor Var1,Var2
> Sets Var1= Pen color Var2 = Background color
>
> instead of just  GetColor Var1, Var2.


The suggestion you are giving above IS EXACTLY what is ALREADY
there verbatim........what do you mean??

EVERY command/function ALREADY has an EXTENSIVE explanation
for EVERY parameter including examples and references to other
related commands/functions.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS READ IT....Unfortunately I cannot do
that for you.......



Regards

Samuel

Hi Bryan

> Am I missing something?   I am looking in the
>"Commands & Functions Alphabetically"
> and all I am seeing is a list of functions with parameters.

The Alphabetical listing is just so that there is a quick
Alphabetical reference.

Each command/function has a full explanation in the area where
it belongs. I cannot repeat detailed information about each verb
all over the place. Can you imagine the amount of work and the
maintenance work needed. If I change the command I have to
maintain it in multiple places. This is of course not practical.

Also the example you chose is not typical. Many of the commands
and functions have many more parameters and are a lot more
involved than just a line of explanation. So if I were to
repeat the information about the parameters, the Alphabetical
listing area would become extremely unusable.

When you see a command like GetColor in the alphabetical
section you may think to yourself this is something to
do with color. It is a command. So could it be that it
is a Graphics & Screen related command. Aha, there is
a section called Graphics & Screen Commands section.
I should click a few more mouse clicks and go to that section.
And presto.....there it is, with all the explanations I need.

Anyway......I am currently changing the help system.
The new method will invoke WordPad with a help file
and this way the entire help file will be one area.

You will not have the sections problem. You will be able to
search the file as one big file.

Unfortunately now you will have to ensure that the help file
is also in the same directory as the exe. And the system is
not a single file like it used to be.

An advantage of the way I am doing it is that a person
that finds the help file not what they need. They can create
their own. Just name it the same name. Also it has to be
an RTF format.

So when you press the help button or F1 you will get
YOUR OWN help file. The one we provide can be changed
by you to be just as YOU like it.

A teacher may create his own catered to his/her students
with information only relating to their level, or even with
information that relates to the semester's work etc.

The new version 3.0.4 will be out very soon. I am hoping by
the end of the week.

If any one object to this new style please let me know.

To sum up, the new help file:
   -Will be a separate file called RobotBASIC_HelpFile.rtf
   -It is an RTF format that can be edited with WordPad
    or MSWord, or any editor that can do the work.
   -Your system will have to have WordPad.exe available
    in Windows.
   -RobotBASIC will not have a help screen any more, nor
    all that help pages stuff.
   -When you press the help button or F1 RB will invoke
    WordPad.exe and pass it the help file. So you will now
    be presented with the WordPad screen with the help file
    already there for you to browse. You can use Ctrl+F to
    search the file.
   -All the previous help pages are now sections within this
    file. You will be able to scroll down to the section you
    need or use Ctrl+F to search.
   -You can keep the program active and go back RB. Next time
    you press F1 (or help button) WordPad will be brought to the
    foreground and you will be still where you were before.
   -YOU DO HAVE to ensure that the help file is in the SAME
    directory as RobotBASIC.exe.
   -YOU DO HAVE to ensure that your system has WordPad.exe

If any one does not like this idea, please let me know ASAP.
If many object to this new method I will keep the old system.

I may one day go to the Windows .hlp file, but then you
won't be able to change it and customize it.

Also the .rtf can be printed. So you can have a manual for
the system. Robot Programmer's Bonanza has Appendices that are
a manual for the system.

Regards

Samuel

>
> If any one object to this new style please let me know.
>
> To sum up, the new help file:
>   -Will be a separate file called RobotBASIC_HelpFile.rtf
>
Just my two cents worth.   I like it the way it is.  All contained in
one spot.  I did create a pdf with all the help and I can search just
fine.

Looking forward to the Internet control and email to be added.
Thanks for all your work on this project.
Bryan

BIG OOOOOPPPPSSSSS

This message should not have gone here.
I do not know how I managed to send it here....

SORRY EVERY ONE........it must be the late hours
I guess we HUMAAANS do need sleep.........what an
inferior species..... }:=)


Regards

Samuel

Hi Bryan,

> Just my two cents worth.

It is worth a lot more than that to me.......maybe 25 }:=))


> Thanks for all your work on this project.

Thank YOU...........


>I like it the way it is.  All contained in
> one spot.

That was the idea.

I am now working on a new idea. To still have it all contained
in one spot. Still be able to jump to certain sections, yet
to have it all in one file where you can search without
having to go from one page to another.....just Like John g.
suggested.

It seems to be working but we are having Windows Version
problems......DARN VISTA

If it finally works the way I want it to, it will be
for all intents and purposes the same as before except:
   -you will need have a seperate help file apart from the
    exe in the same folder
   -You will not need any other program. RB will read the
    file and present a help screen JUST LIKE BEFORE.
   -Just like before you will be able to jump to certain sections
    using the list.
   -You will now be able to search the file entirely all in one
    action without having to go from one page to another.

The only disadvantage will be that you will now have an extra file
associated with the system that you have to carry around and
distribute. BUT it will be easily downloadable from the web site.
Also it will be already incorporated in the downloadable zips.

An advantage is that YOU CAN CHANGE the file as you like.
As I said before, a teacher can create his/her own version.
Also the file is an rtf file so you can create a PDF from it
or print it and so forth.


>  I did create a pdf with all the help and I can search just
> fine.

Good, but if we can iron out the Windows version incompatibility
problems the new system will alleviate the need to have to go
outside RB to do your searching.....I hope we can.


> Looking forward to the Internet control and email to be added.

This is THE NEXT upgrade I will be working on...just stick
with me and I WILL make you happy......Programming wise that is.

The salient new addition to the SOON to come version is the
ability to create Edit Boxes in you RB programs. I have used
them in the final version of the Function Plotter program and
they are GRRRREEEAAAAT...and as delicious as Frosties but just
as satisfying and less calories.....  hmmm now I need breakfast.

Once the new version is out I will post here one or two programs
to illustrate some of the new features.



I am off to eat some Frosties……Regards

Samuel

I don't see a way to write user defined functions in RobotBASIC, such
that I can pass parameters to the function, and the function can return
a value.  Is that something that will be added, or does it exist and
I've just overlooked it?  Any suggested workarounds?

Hi Joe,

No, RB does not have user defined functions.
Yes, it is something we will add with the version that
will have the Internet stuff.

There are two workarounds:
    1- Use subroutines. Functions are subroutines that return
       a value. Use a subroutine and set any passed parameters before
       GoSub, then have the subroutine set a variable to be the
       returned value before you return. Also with subroutines you are
       able to return more than one value.

       A disadvantage of this method is that you cannot use the
       subroutine inside an expression. So you cannot do things like
           a = a + MyFunction(5,2,z+1)*2
       but you can do this
           p1 = 5 \ p2 = 2 \ p3 = z+1
           GoSub MyFunction  //set R1 to a value
           a = a+R1*2

    2- Use Eval(). This function lets you evaluate a string as if
       it were an expression. The only limitation is that it is not
       procedural. It has to be one line formula. See the help file
       and also the FunctionPlotter.Bas demo program on this forum
       (in files area).

       So lets say your want a function like Sin(p1^3+0.1*p2+p3/4)
       so then you would do this:
          MyFunction = "Sin(p1^3+0.1*p2+p3/4)"
          //the above is only needed once of course. Notice the ""
          p1 = 5 \ p2 = 2 \ p3 = z+1
          a = a+Eval(MyFunction)*2

Of Course the ideal syntax would be to do
     a = a+MyFunction(5,2,z+1)*2

We are about to put out a new version (3.1.0) which corrects many
spelling errors. Has a better help system and quite a few commands
and functions for handling colors, image processing, and financial
calculations. Another major addition is the ability to create Edit
boxes. It will be out some time this week. We were going to put it
out last week but we added a few image processing commands that
required a lot of work and testing, which delayed the release. But
I think most people will love the new abilities in this version.

We will post some demo files that make use of the new features,
here on this forum.

After version 3.1.0, we will be working on Internet stuff and
also we will be adding user defined functions, and other stuff.

Regards

Samuel

Sam and I have created our first RobotBASIC YouTube video (2 parts).
It is our first attempt at such things, so be kind when you watch.

Just go to www.YouTube.com and search on RobotBASIC or use this link
to go directly to Part 1.

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5JT4WdMofQ&feature=user

Enjoy (and add a rating or review to give us some feedback)
   John

--- In RobotBasic@yahoogroups.com, "John Blankenship" <robotbasic@...>
wrote:
>
> Sam and I have created our first RobotBASIC YouTube video (2 parts).
> It is our first attempt at such things, so be kind when you watch.
>
> Just go to www.YouTube.com and search on RobotBASIC or use this link
> to go directly to Part 1.
>
>     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5JT4WdMofQ&feature=user
>
> Enjoy (and add a rating or review to give us some feedback)
>   John
>

Looks great. I saw a post to link on the Parallax Forums.

Hi All,

FINALLY……..I have just posted the new RB version (3.1.0).

I hope you will be as excited about it as we are. If I may say
so, it has some gooooood new features.

Please go to www.RobotBASIC.com download area to obtain your
new zip file. The Zip file contains the new exe and help files as
well
as new demos and enhanced and modified old demos.

NOTE:
======
Some of the old demos will not run properly under the new
version. Please make sure you down load the new zip file for the
latest demos.

NOTE:
======
There are four demos that are given as source code to demonstrate
many advanced programming techniques that illustrate the power
of RobotBASIC as well as how to use the new functions and commands.

The four demos are are:
     From the "Engineering & Math" subfolder
             Functions_Plot.bas and   Financial.bas
     From the "Animation&Graphics" subfolder
             RGB_Colors.bas  and  Image_Processing_Demo.bas

NOTE:
=====
I will update the version of Function_Plot.Bas, in the files area of
this
forum. BUT……you need to down load the ZIP file for the other demos.



PLEASE…….give us feed back on what you think of the new version. We
tried
to address many of the comments generated on the forum. THANKS ALL for
your suggestions.

ALSO……..A BIG THANKS to John G. for all his help with testing and
suggestions…..

In version 3.1.0 there are 31 new commands and 27 new functions. Here
is a
summary of the new features (Refer to the Modifications History in
the help screen).
===========================================================
-  Many typos and other errors have been corrected.
- The problem with the standard 16 colors reporting different values
on different machines has been corrected and now ReadPixel will
report the colors correctly 0-15 on all machines.
- The LightBlue color is now a lighter shade of blue than the Blue
color.
- Additional color related functions.
- New function to set/clear/get bits and bytes in a number.
- An entire suite of financial functions.
- Commands for image processing on bitmap images.
- Commands for reading/writing from/to images from the Windows
Clipboard.
- Commands and functions that facilitate the use of Edit boxes.
- A new menu option Merge (Ctrl+G) under the File menu.
- A new menu option Set Directory  under the File menu.
- The % operator has been modified to always result in a floating
point number.
- A new help system.
- Corrected an error in the Rectangle and Circle commands.
===========================================================


Regards

Samuel
P.S. Please give us feed back.

That looks great Samuel.  I am very impressed with your programming
skills.  What language did you use to write RobotBasic? The Help file
is a great improvement.
JT

Thank you Joe,

I use Borland Builder C++ an A LOT OF Windows API low level stuff.
Also I have developed many Classes for doing most of the work
of the interpreter, recursive expressions parser and dynamic arrays.
As you may have noticed arrays is one of the most powerful features
in RB.

The help system is better but not yet perfect. I will one day put it
into the standard .hlp Windows system. BUT..this going to be LOTS
of work and not the kind I enjoy.

I think the idea of a customizable help file is GREAT especially
for teachers. So even when we do convert to the Windows .hlp stuff
I will maintain a functionality to link to a customizable help file
that can be a Swiss-Army-Knife help file for any envisageable use.

Thanks for the kind words.....

Regards

Samuel

Hi Chris,

All the programs in the Book will work with the latest version.
When you down load the Zip file from the web site it will contain
a folder called "Robot Programmers Bonanza" and many others, in
that folder there are sub-folders for each of the chapters in the
book. All the programs in the chapters are given and all will run
under the latest version of RB given in the zip file.

Thanks for your support and interest. I hope you will like the
book and that you will find it useful.

Please go to Amazon and give a review of the book when you are ready
to do so. We appreciate feed back and comments. We use the information
to improve RB.

Regards

Samuel

Hi Chris,
I first heard about the upcoming "Robot Programmer's Bonanza" book when RB v 1.6
was current.  We who had early ordered
the book had to wait until 17 May 2008 for it's release.  On the cover of the
book it shows RobotBASIC IDE V2.1.0
[Editor Screen}.  Not to worry, there is a section in the Help Screens which
give a complete history of features added
with each release.  This followed with a section about what's in the works for
upcoming release.  The most recent
software release is always after the printed releases.  Release v3.1.0 is only a
few days old.  As hard as Samuel has
been working on update I won't be surprised to see more later this year. 
Releases have been primarily new features and
functions and an occasional typo correction.  There have been a number of posts
clarifying the use of color (see
previous posts).  Overall RobotBASIC has been rock solid since its introduction.

cheers,
john g

Chris Wozney wrote:
> I have just ordered the "Robot Programmer's Bonanza" book over the
> internet. Does it use the newest verson of RobotBASIC or the earlier
> version?
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *All new Yahoo! Mail - *
> <http://ca.promos.yahoo.com/newmail/overview2/>Get a sneak peak at
> messages with a handy reading pane.

Hi All,

I have uploaded Image_Processing.Bas to the files area (zipped).

In the new zip file downloadable from www.RobotBASIC.com there is a
demo called Image_Processing_Demo.bas. It demos the use of the image
processing commands in the new version or RB (v3.1.0).

The demo I have just uploaded is a much more advanced version. It
demos the same image processing commands but adds much more advanced
techniques that demonstrate the power of RB.

The new AddEdit command and its associated commands and functions
make for a really convenient user interface. The demo utilizes
advanced programming techniques to demo what can be achieved with RB.

Notice the use of the Clipboard and Flip buffer as well as SaveScr to
do image buffering in various ways. Also notice the way the DATA
command and arrays are used. There are some nice techniques used to
make handling many spinners and edit boxes without a tremendous
amount of code. Also the techniques allow for very easy change of
coordinates without having to change numerous amounts of code.

The program is commented a little and is self commenting in many
ways, BUT...it may get a little confusing in some areas. The goal of
the demo is to give you a taste for WHAT can be achieved with RB. For
HOW to achieve them you can study the source code if you wish. See
the help file for explanations of the commands and functions.

Regards

Samuel

Hi All,

I have uploaded a new version of Image_Processing.Bas (zipped).

Prof and I were using it to do some testing and found that it would
be nice to have three enhancements:
    Allow selecting a color from the image for the brush color
    Allow selecting a CREATED color for the brush color
    Allow loading the right image from a file.

A forth wish list is not implemented yet. It would be nice to allow
the user to type the numbers in addition to increasing/decreasing them
with the spinners. This is easily done by enabling the Edit boxes
BUT.....you need a lot of work to check for VALIDITY of the numbers
typed in good way. So for now I have not implemented this (maybe
soon).

So the new version is now even more useful than before.

Regards

Samuel

Hi All,

I forgot to tell you. I have also uploaded a new
version of Function_Plot.Bas (zipped). It is
also available from the inside the zip file
downloadabel from www.RobotBASIC.com.

It makes use of EditBoxes for better user interface.

Regards

Samuel

Hi All,

OK...the last wish list is now implemented...was not
easy but did not take too long....it is a nice bit of
code if I may say so myself.....hehehe

Seriously it is...you cannot enter except numbers
in the editbox and if the number you enter is outside
the limits then next time the number is needed it will be
set to the closest limit.

So for example if you set the brush size to 400 next time
you try to do anything (but say to draw) the brush size
will be set to the maximum allowed (50).

This demonstrates how you can use edit boxes to allow the user
to enter CONTROLLED data.

The demo is now a great one to show the power of RB....
with a bit of work and engenuity you can achieve what
even EXPERT C++ programmers may find hard to achieve.


Regards

Samuel