bat * Loading HELP and DOCUMENTATION ..... (Non-IBM systems, read NOTE below) * Written 10/5/83 through 01/15/90 * (c) Copyright 1983 to 1990 by Seaware Corp. all rights reserved. * This batch file REQUIRES EBL PLUS for proper execution! **** NOTE! NOTE! NOTE! NOTE! **** RAM |* <-----Change 'RAM' to 'BIOS' if PC isn't 100% IBM Compatible! if %G = .goto. then %G = | goto -%F else %F = else goto -line0 -header * Routine prints general purpose header for help text stack.purge |* remove any pre-typed keystrokes. %n = %i $ 1 ( %i # - 2 ) & . & ( %i $ ( %i # - 1 ) 2 ) |* extract section # from page # color( white on black ) cls color( white on cyan ) window( 1, 1, 79, 3, Combo) begtype \%H Page \%n \07 Press: PGDN for next page, PGUP for prev page, HOME for main menu. end color( white on black) colorchar ~ as color(yellow on black) window( 1, 5, 79, 25, Combo) return -scroll * Routine accepts key for scrolling help text %e = 0 inkey %k if %k = KEY("Ctrl-C") then goto -opt0 if %k = KEY(Esc) %i = 0 | goto -line0 if %k = KEY(Home) %i = 0 | goto -line0 if %k = KEY(Pgup) %i = %i - 1 | cls | %F = line%i | goto -%F if %k = KEY(Pgdn) %i = %i + 1 | cls | %F = line%i | goto -%F goto -scroll |* ignore any other key. -line1405 -line099 -line0 %e = 0 color white on black cls begtype \1FÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ BATDOC ÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ»\07 \17ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿\07 \1Fº Menu driven HELP and DOCUMENTATION. º\07 \17³ User supported software ³\07 \1FÓÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄĽ\07 \17³ by ³\07 \17³ ³\07 \4fGENERAL:\07 \17³ Seaware Corp. ³\07 \0e 1. Introduction and how to use this Help. \07 \17³ P.O. Box 1656 ³\07 \0e 2. The user supported concept & ASP. \07 \17³ Delray Beach, FL 33444 ³\07 \0e 3. BAT-BBS information. On-line users forum.\07 \17³ 407/392-2046 ³\07 \0e 4. What EBL is... an introduction! \07 \17³ ³\07 \0e 5. EBL PLUS: The inside story! \07 \17³ Order your registered ³\07 \17³ copy for $79 + $3 s/h ³\07 \4fThe EBL PLUS Language\07 \17³ from us directly or our ³\07 \0e 6. Showing things on the display. \07 \17³ order line 800/634-8188 ³\07 \0e 7. Reading data from users. \07 \17³ (MC/Visa welcome) ³\07 \0e 8. Controlling program flow \07 \17³ ³\07 \0e 9. Using the keyboard stack. \07 \17³ Please copy and share ³\07 \0e 10. Sensing program's results. \07 \17³ BAT.COM, BATDOC.BAT, ³\07 \0e 11. Assignment statements. \07 \17³ and BATDEMO.BAT for ³\07 \0e 12. Debugging aids. \07 \17³ non-commercial uses ³\07 \0e 13. Extended functions. \07 \17³ only. ³\07 \0e 14. Additional information. \07 \17ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ\07 \0e X. eXit. \07 Select the starting topic and press ÄÙ END -entry0 %o = if left(%F,3) = "opt" then field( ( ( %F $ 4 ) + 1 ) ) %A = Select( color( yellow )) if %R > 15 then goto -entry0 if %A = Enter then %F = "opt" & %R | goto -%F if %A = ESC then goto -opt0 if Length(%A) > 1 then beep goto -entry0 -opt15 ********** Display final EXIT window *********** -opt0 color yellow on black |* Setup the window contents locate 1 23 type " 0. Exit. " color white on blue window( 18, 13, 48, 20) type "Ready to leave on-line help!" color Cyan on blue type "Make selection & press ÄÙ" type colorchar . as color( yellow on blue) type ". Exit . . Demo . .Return." colorchar %A = "" | %F = "" ** Now actually do the bouncing bar menu ** -End1 type " Exit to DOS " | If %A = Enter then exit -Endit %A = select( color( yellow on blue), color( black on white ), Arrow) if %A = Esc then goto -line0 goto -End%R -End2 type " Demonstrate other features" | If %A = Enter then stack "BATDEMO" |exit else goto -endit -End3 type " Return to on-line help " | If %A = Enter then goto -line0 else goto -endit -line100 *************** Begin various chapters to show **************** -opt1 %h = INTRODUCTION | %i = 100 | call -header begtype This program will provide you with help information on the use of the EXTENDED BATCH LANGUAGE PLUS. It is designed to allow for easy access and retrieval of information that would be harder to find by more conventional means. The information is broken up into multiple sections. Each section may have several pages. To access each page in order, just keep pressing the PGDN key. At the top of your screen is the name of the section which you are in and the page number. ~Note:~ If you wish to directly enter another section now, press the ~HOME~ key to return to the main menu, enter the proper ~section number~ and press the ~ÄÙ~ key. end goto -scroll -line101 call -header | begtype While in any of these sections, there are just three keys needed: PGDN - This key will advance to the next page of any section. If there are no more pages in the section, then it will advance to the next section. PGUP - This key will back up to a previous page within a section. If there are no more previous pages within a section, it will backup to the previous section. HOME or ESC - Either of these keys will return directly to the main menu. From the menu, any section can be looked at directly by entering the section number and pressing ÄÙ. end goto -scroll -line199 %i = 102 -line102 call -header | begtype There are several sections where you will be given questions and answers. If you would like to peek and see answer without specifically answering it, you can press the space bar to reveal the answer letter by letter. One interesting facet you should know while using this on-line help and documentation is that you are using the EXTENDED BATCH LANGUAGE program to display and control these menus. Never before has a batch language been so powerful on the IBM personal computer as to be able to provide a facility like this. In the following pages of description, we hope that you will see, as we did, that this program has extraordinary capability which does much more than just expand the capability of DOS. In fact, it gives new power to your system by providing capabilities never before possible. end goto -scroll -opt2 -line103 %i = 200 -line200 %H = "The User Supported Concept & ASP" | call -header | begtype ÖÄ Ä· º The license fee for Extended Batch Language is $79 + $3 s/h º º º º You are encouraged to copy and share BAT.COM, BATDOC.BAT, and º º BATDEMO.BAT for non-commercial purposes only. You must not modify º º any of these files or make a profit from their distribution. º º º º In appreciation of your support, you will be provided with many more º º powerful extensions to the language (including source code), examples, º º and detailed documentation. All registered users can also access the º º BAT-BBS, a hot-line for assistance, tips, and updates. º º º ÓÄ (c) Copyright 1982 through 1990 by Seaware Corp. Ľ All rights reserved. Seaware Corp. 407/392-2046 Post Office Box 1656 800/634-8188 Delray Beach, FL 33444 end goto -scroll -line201 call -header | begtype When you order EBL-PLUS, you will receive: þ A detailed users guide. This hardcopy manual has about 250 pages of descriptions, examples, useful utilities, and tips on this program's use. þ The EBL-PLUS Diskette Containing the latest program version, useful utilities, help files, and examples. You also receive our "Executive Menu Facility" to get started using EBL with zero effort. þ 6 months of free support: o BAT-BBS An on-line forum for user's ideas, tips, programs, and assistance. o Technical Hotline Phone us if you experience problems. o "The EBL User" Our Newsletter provides information, tips, and and ideas on how to apply EBL-Plus to your needs. end goto -scroll -line202 call -header | begtype An Extended support subscription is available for a nominal fee. All users are invited to use the BAT-BBS, (See next section for more information). Our users have signed on thousands of times and testified that this service has helped make Extended Batch Language-PLUS one of their best supported programs on their system. The concept of excellent user support is buried deep in our roots. Much of our philosophy was founded by Andrew Fugleman at Headlands Press, Inc. I would like to thank Andrew for his inspiration and help. Because I feel that good software should have someone standing behind it, we at Seaware want to put your patronage directly into support for you as our thanks of your support of us. You will find it well worth it. Seaware Corp. ðððð Post Office Box 1656 ðððð Delray Beach, FL 33444 ðððð 800/634-8188 ðððð end goto -scroll -line299 %i = 203 -line203 %H = "The User Supported Concept & ASP" |call -header | begtype Seaware is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals, a non-profit group dedicated to promoting the shareware concept (try-before-you-buy software) as a unique marketing alternative to traditional retail distribution. We agreed to do our best to handle customer complaints when we joined ASP. We're committed to solve your problems quickly, and to your liking. But if you feel like you got the short end of the stick, you can take your complaint to the ASP Ombudsman. We'll abide by the Ombudsman's final decision on your matter, no matter what the outcome. You have our word on it. ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536". end goto -scroll -opt3 -line204 %i = 300 -line300 %H = "BAT - BBS" | call -header | begtype One of the special services we provide to EBL PLUS users is through a communication medium called "BAT-BBS". This is a direct link from you to other users, as well as Seaware. The following list shows the many things that BAT-BBS can provide . . . end goto -scroll -line301 call -header | begtype FOR USERS WITH A MODEM: * Receive program updates as soon as they are available! * BAT-BBS is a hotline for your questions! * Directly access our computer at Seaware via phone. * It will be ready to give helpful ideas. * Programs and Utilities are available to download. * Users are welcome to upload their programs/ideas. * Tips and techniques are on-line. * Converse with other users and program author via electronic mail. end goto -scroll -line302 call -header | begtype IF YOU DON'T HAVE A MODEM: * You can still phone the BAT-BBS if you wish to have your questions answered via voice. A recorder will take your message. end goto -scroll -line399 %i = 303 -line303 call -header | begtype You can access the bulletin board service by using any 300 baud to 2400 baud modem with your computer. You can use 8,N,1 or 7,E,1 protocols. You will also need a communication program such as PROCOMM, CROSSTALK, QMODEM, or SmartCom. Contact your local computer store if you need more information or help with communication equipment or software. Service is available 24 Hours a day. Your personal password will be supplied when you register. end goto -scroll -opt4 -line304 %i = 400 -line400 %H = "Introduction" | call -header | begtype EBL is short for Extended Batch Language. EBL PLUS is a powerful productivity tool for the IBM Personal Computer. It represents a significant advance in providing a comprehensive yet easy to learn and use facility for controlling tasks you give your computer. It can even give you on-line documentation SUCH AS THIS! EBL is a command programming language. It is a high level language that can be used as a direct replacement or in conjunction with DOS batch files. It can operate with IBM PC-DOS versions 2.0 through 4.x and OS/2 1.x real mode. Compared with standard PC-DOS batch files, EBL has superior control structures, string handling, and user interfaces. It also has tracing facilities, and is easy to learn and use. Many aspects of the language are like BASIC. Users of VM/370 will also find it similar to EXEC2. It seems that both "end users" and programmers find BAT a simple and effective language. end goto -scroll -line401 call -header | begtype With Extended Batch Language, you can have: - Better control of messages to the screen - Accept responses from the user and create responses to programs - String handling operations (substring, length, etc.) - Arithmetic expressions and assignments - Comparisons and program return codes - Search for files or tell if they exist - Complete freedom to mix DOS and BAT commands within the same control file Let's look at how it measures up to today's DOS...... end goto -scroll -line402 call -header | begtype Function DOS 2.0 to 4.x Extended Batch Lang. ---------- -------------- -------------------- BEEP X CALL/RTN Limited X CLS X X BEGSTACK X BEGTYPE X EXIT X X GOTO X X IF Limited X INKEY/READ X READSCRN X STACK X TYPE X X TRACE X Assignments X Global Variables X Return Codes X X Windows X end goto -scroll -line403 call -header | begtype As you can see from the previous chart, EBL PLUS has more power and enhanced capabilities than any version of DOS!. This program uses these capabilities to solve common problems for...... The system programmer - who needs to do long sequences of tasks between linker, compilers, debuggers, and editors. He can now create an intelligent link between these programs. For instance, he may wish to do a link depending on if the previous compile was successful. He can also respond automatically from a keyboard "stack" into various utilities. The secretary - who has several types of tasks to perform (word processing, accounting packages, etc) and requires a simple way of changing from one type of task to another, perhaps with optional help text. The student - who wishes to go from one game to another without having to learn the system commands required to make each available. Testers - who wish to automate long, boring tests and procedures on the personal computer. An excellent tool for a manufacturing line. end goto -scroll -line499 %i = 404 -line404 call -header | begtype The effect of using EBL is to put "covers" on the programs and system that it controls. In UNIX they call it shells, in VM they call it EXECs, but to you it simply makes things friendly. Described in these pages is a solution to batch files through the use of Extended Batch Language. A friendly interface to you can now be easily created. Once you have looked over the descriptions of each command, browse through the BATDEMO.BAT file and look at the commands in operation. By trying out some sample programs, you should be able to gain a full understand of how to write some powerful batch files by using Extended Batch Language. Copyright (c) 1982 to 1990 by Seaware Corp. Program by All Rights reserved by Seaware Corp. Frank Canova end goto -scroll -opt5 -line405 %i = 500 -line500 %H = "EBL PLUS: The inside story!" | call -header| begtype We threw the book at it! Almost everything you could possible have is now in Extended Batch Language PLUS. We took time in getting everyone's suggestions into it, and used very little memory in doing it. * Menus are easy to create. Just use the "Executive Menu Facility" to create customized menus the way YOU want to see them. This automatic procedure, written in EBL, will create a custom menu without ever having to know any details about the EBL Language or batch files. Using your PC couldn't be easier. * Complete freedom with all variables. Strings can be up to 255 characters mixed case, numbers to 19 digits. If the built in variables aren't enough for you, you can now have as many as you want! Reserve from 0 to 64K of memory for "extended variables" that can have long descriptive names, do indexing, create arrays, and more. For floating point arithmetic? Just load the optional float point math extensions! end goto -scroll -line501 call -header | begtype * Extended functions give you additional power where you need it. Intended for programmers needing special capabilities, several types of functions are available: DOS support (CHDIR, MKDIR, REBOOT), low level system support (PEEK, POKE, INT86), string support (STRIP, LOWER, UPPER), math support (FLOAT, INT, FRAC), and MUCH more! * Add your own functions to EBL. If you have additional requirements for the EBL language, you can create them using MASM, C, Pascal, etc. The source code for Seaware's extended functions (written in Turbo Pascal) is provided as an example to registered users (limited time offer). * Full support for many more environments like PC Network, TopView, Windows, DESQview and of course DOS 2 to DOS 4. Now EBL Plus even supports OS/2! end goto -scroll -line599 %i = 502 -line502 call -header | begtype * File I/O is easy within EBL PLUS. Use it to setup printers, keep configuration information, initialize programs, or even create other batch files! * Error recovery is now available within batch files! In cases where an error is detected while the EBL batch file is running, you can now include a routine to recover gracefully from the problem. end goto -scroll -on.error- %e = %e + 1 | if %e > 2 then %L = ? | skip 4 if %R <> 6 then skip 7 %G = .goto. color 8F | type "Loading part 2 ..." %G %F leave batdoc2 bat * bat beep type "ERROR! BATDOC2.BAT overlay is missing!" | exit bat exit begtype Unexpected error \%S%R in line \%S%L ! This batch file was error free when it was distributed by Seaware. An error indicates that it was most likely modified by someone improperly. To get an updated demo diskette send $10 to Seaware directly or call 800/634-8188 or 407/392-2046. Seaware Corp. Post Office Box 1656 Delray Beach, FL 33444 end %G = %E = 0 -end%R exit