word processor

[qbasicking]

i've seen word processors go as low as 2K but they are all .exe files and i can't modify them to fit my needs. Can anybody send me a word processor in BASIC form (no exe or zip files). I can't seem to make a wp with any of the tricks that i know. ???

qbasicking

 

[Alt255]

Writing a decent word processor in QB (and getting it to print properly) can be a real challenge.

Your bag of tricks will double in size by the time you are finished. Trust me... it will be to your advantage to write this on your own and ask specific questions here as you encounter problems.

My Grandfather used to say, "If you want a job done right, get somebody to do it for you." Grandpa was being ironic, obviously.

 

[qbasicking]

i don't even know how to begin. Should i use FOR and NEXT? And i don't have a clue of how to make it appear properly on the screen, if i just let it go i can't get back to the top.
My grandfather (an engineer) said: "to build a house you first need a strong foundation" and right now mine is cracked, leaky and worn.

 

[MiggyD]

Alt255, is absolutely right. To write a GENERAL
wordprocessor on your own will definately be tremendous
and pains taking to say the least.

However, if you were writing just for a specific format
or for a specific program, it's not that bad just time
consuming.


First decide on the screens and what will be on them.
(Example: will the user see a menu first--remember who
the user(s) will be and how "idoit" proof you want to
make it--or will they be dropped straight into the writing
proceedure with a toolbar across the top--like in when
you start QB, you're dropped into the IDE environment
but you can still use ALT+(key) to open/load, go to DOS
environment, ya know?)

Secondly, psudeuo code the screens without any hard code.
[for arguement sake, let's say you choose the menu style]
(Example:

Main Menu:
User chooses an option--such as:
Save a file, Open a file, Convert a file, Etc.

Save a File:
Show current directory listing
Ask for name of file to save-verify not duplicate
--DUPLICATES? Ask to overwrite file
----NOT OVERWRITE? Restart from top
Save file-if process not canceled

CONTINUE WITH NEXT SCREEN...ETC, ETC, ETC


Thirdly, AFTER you've reviewed the psudeuo code you want
in the program...start codeing.

Forthly, AND THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE, you should
post your specific coding problems here for use to help
you in your endeavour, please remember to start new
posts for different problems--so we don't get confused
about what task you are trying to accomplish.

Good Luck,
--MiggyD It's better to have two heads to solve a problem from different angles than to have tunnel vision to a dead end.

 

[qbasicking]

Miggyd - the menus that you were talking about are the easy part - the typing part is the hard part to make for me - i don't know how to begin. Right now i'm not worried about trying to get it to print properly - i'm not that far. I just need how to make a code for typing. I know i need some sort of a loop - but i'm not sure which on to use. None of them seem like they work for this - FOR-NEXT, DO-LOOP, et cetera. Give me a foundation to build onto s.v.p.

 

[MiggyD]

I would not recommend using a FOR/NEXT since this is not a password program (ex: "Enter up to 10 letters:&quot. You cannot say just how many letters/characters a person will be typing in.

A wordprocessor must able to continiously have input. It is recommended that you use the DO/LOOP.

in the DO/loop, you will be able to "capture" the keycodes as they come in to be typed...You'll have to write routines for special commands like bold, change color, etc. If you wish you may choose to use the function keys at the top to access menus like in the old MultiMate (v 1.7 to 4.0) word processor. It's all up to you on how you want to do this.

But, diffenately, use the Do/Loop.

--MiggyD It's better to have two heads to solve a problem from different angles than to have tunnel vision to a dead end.