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Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

From: Robert Watkins <bob@********.NTU.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: TOME: Programming Languages and Libraries
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1993 07:48:53 +0930
>Note: Hayden, I was going to stop with just the Languages, but the
>Library idea was just too good for me to pass on. If you don't want it
>take it out.
>
>SUBMISSION: TOME: Programming Langaugaes and Libraries
>DESIGNER: Todd Montgomery (Quiktek), Ideas from Everyone
>E-Mail: tmont@****.wvu.edu
>
>DESCRIPTION: Options for deckers to help produce programs
> quicker, easier, and with more options.
>
>Programming Languages:
>^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>Languages used to program utilities. These include suites of
>tools to automate some of the programming, and compilers to
>actually produce cyberdeck executables. The languages
>come in two different styles, PC based and Matrix based.
>A programmer can not use a Language which has a level greater than
>his Computer Skill. All these programs are Legal to Licensed
>Matrix Corporations. These programs carry the same Legality of
>all other Matrix Programs (Highly Illegal most everywhere).

Highly Illegal?? I've never had of Browse being illegal... Also, remember,
there are literally hundreds of Matrix programs out there that are not part of
the decker's arsenal, such as databases, etc. These wouldn't be illegal. Surely
at least the lowest levels of languages should be legal.

[ Various languages deleted. ]

>Matrix based languages.
>
>These programming languages require a connection to the Matrix to use.
>The link is necessary because the programs are highly dependent
>on Matrix utilities to help in Object visualization. These languages
>are the kind used by most corporations and as such are very difficult
>to LEGALLY get a hold of without getting permits.
>
Again, why is there a need for a permit?? Software development kits aren't
guns, but legitimate work tools.

[ Various stuff deleted. ]
>Another Usefule Language:
>
> OMPDT (Object Multi-Persona Design Tool): Level 2
> This tool is a small utility which allows the Matrix
> user to develop short one-shots with a minimum of stress.
> Tool Size: 32 Mp
> Cost: 3,750Y
> Availability: 8/14 days
> This tool gives the decker 2 extra dice to design
> programs on the fly. Must be running to give the benefit.
>

Out of all the things you've put here, this is the only one I can see as being
illegal.

>Programming Library Options:
>^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>When, in the early days of the computer revolution, programmers needed
>routines to put output to the screen or read from a keyboard port, they
>were required to write these low level routines themselves, thus adding
>more time to an already laborous task. Early in the 1980's, the issues
>of software reuse were discussed. But as we all know it took several
>generations of computing experience to see that software reuse really
>could be useful. Today, most software developers look to premade libraries
>to provide them with needed code to meet tough program requirements. Speed,
>Memory size, Load Ratings, etc. are all tough requirements to fill. And
>it is libraries which make these requirements reachable.
>
>All the languages above and many other undiscussed languages have GigaPulses
>and GigaPulses of support libraries. Any of these specialized
>libraries can be incorporated into a programming project. The legalities of
>using libraries are covered under the World Trade Act of 2036. Corporations
>may use libraries for development as long as the library is licensed under
>their Matrix Licensing Permit.
>
>Libraries, like most other programs, have ratings. But unlike most other
>programs, libraries are only used when a developer is designing/coding
>a project. These libraries contain a large amount of alternatives to the
>same problem. So that is why the actual size of these libraries varies
>so widely. These libraries also have a drastic effect on various aspects
>of a program performance. The trade off is will known in the software
>community and the excepted.
>
>Using these libraries: The effects of each library are discussed below.
>Each library also has a size. This size has no effect on the programming.
>All it is used for is figuring time to develop libraries and how much
>memory such libraries take up.
>

Quite good stuff here. What is missing is some design rules for them.
All in all, a very good submission. Thanks, Quiktek.

>-- Quiktek
>-- Todd Montgomery
>tmont@****.wvu.edu
>tmont@***.wvu.edu
>un032507@*******.wvnet.edu

--
Robert Watkins
bob@******.cs.ntu.edu.au
************ It wouldn't be luck if you could get out of life alive. ***********

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