[Coco] CoCo BASIC tokenizer

[Roger Taylor]

Does anyone know if there's a 32-bit 80x86 command-line tool for 
converting ASCII BASIC listings into tokenized format... for the CoCo 
1,2,3 ?  I know that decb.exe can  do this, but not without putting 
the source file onto a virtual disk at the same time as far as I 
know.  I need the target file to be written as a PC file.

If there's such a tool available, we'll be able to add it to the 
Rainbow IDE 2.0 as another builder (like a compiler, assembler or 
linker), allowing us to type in or load existing ASCII BASIC programs 
(some not even for the CoCo) and convert them to CoCo binary BASIC 
format before the disk imagers even see the file (like decb.exe, 
imgtool.exe, os9.exe).

Rainbow 1.x adapts to Boisy's decb.exe tool for tokenizing BASIC 
listings while they are copied onto the virtual disk, which is nice, 
but I'm trying to organize these functions better and leave file 
processing out of the disk imaging code.

Rainbow IDE 2.0 is not released yet but today I compiled my Jeweled 
game to a virtual disk and it ran, and next will be the massive 
Projector-3 system built onto two virtual disks after which I'll know 
(if it runs), the IDE is functioning as intended for "assembly" purposes.

Next I'll be working with compilers, as soon as tonight.  It'll be an 
all-nighter so I've got the coffee pot and CoCo mug ready.

To sum things up a little, I'm simplifying the build process even 
more making it terribly simple to build CoCo stuff if you've already 
been using Rainbow 1.x.  There will be less options in the sidebar 
but more functions, by condensing the controls to deal with more 
automated functions.

I want to support the VCC CoCo 3 emulator eventually but right now it 
can only launch as a command to mount a binary file but not a virtual 
disk.  When VCC can be called as a command along with a virtual disk 
OR binary file, those frustrated with M.E.S.S. (or not) who want to 
experience an even quicker and better launch into their CoCo 
creations should be amazed to see this work seamlessly in the IDE 
just as it always has for the M.E.S.S. emulator.

The trade I'd give for someone writing or coming up with a Windows 
32-bit command-line utility for converting an ASCII BASIC CoCo file 
into a tokenized version is a free copy of the Rainbow IDE 2.0 when 
it's released.
-- 
Roger Taylor

http://www.wordofthedayonline.com/random_thoughts_august_3_2007.asp