I looked at the screen shot (just one?) and it looks really nice. I'm not
sure about the overall usefulness of the graphic pin layout display, etc....
but I really do like code generators. Compilers (that don't compile to
source) try to do the programmers job for them and take away control. Code
generators help the programmer get the job done, but leave them in control.
In the embedded world, I think that is still important.

We are trying to come up with a good format for defining how data gets into
and out of each entry in a function library, what attributes of the
functions we need to track to ensure then best match between the current
project and the available functions and a syntax for calling functions and
passing parameters. Any advice or input appreciated.

I'm sort of leaning for a C like system. Any references to how C function
libraries work would be nice.

Re: the existing code generator: You really ought to go check it out. Its
very nice. Allows you to specify how accurate you need the result to be and
seriously optimizes the code. See:
http://www.piclist.com/codegen/constdivmul

Re: simulators, hee, hee, my reputation proceeds me.... Now, please
understand, I express my opinions pretty strongly sometimes, but I do feel
that each person must do what works for them. If you get good service from
simulators, then by all means... My opinions are a result of the (bad)
experiences I've had. I'm also a blow hard - don't take me too seriously.

---
James Newton mailto:jamesnewton@geocities.com 1-619-652-0593
http://techref.massmind.org NEW! FINALLY A REAL NAME!
Members can add private/public comments/pages ($0 TANSTAAFL web hosting)


-----Original Message-----
From: pic microcontroller discussion list
[mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of andy howard
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2000 08:32
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: Re: First module of PIC Code Generator Released!


> We hope to standardize a method for including function definitions
> contributed by anyone where the chip type, clock speed and other
supporting
> requirements, input, output, description and code are defined on a web
based
> input form and the function is then included in a library of available
> functions that can be called from the code generator.
>
> Ultimately you could enter something like:
>
> RS232Out(a0,a1,printf("Flow rate: %d at %s",
> sin(ADCIn(b0,sigmadelta)^2)*100, Time(h,m,s))), Clock=4Mhz, Part=16F84
> and get the code to read a sigma delta analog to digital converter on
pin
> B0, do the calculation, get the time from an ISR clock, generate the
text
> answer, and bit bang it out the serial port connected to pins A0 and
A1.


Just a thought, have you seen Robin Abbott's WizPIC application
generator/development environment? (http://www.fored.co.uk) It does
something similar through a graphic drag'n'drop interface.
It'd be *really* nice if your functions were compatible with his, or at
least translatable...

<Unsolicited plug>
I use WizPIC a *lot*, mostly for the excellent simulator (Yes. I know,
James...:>)  and the totally wonderful Waveform Analyser -  a software,
graphic logic analyser that runs within the sim.
Oh yes. In case anyone was wondering, my only connection with the
company is as a happy customer.
</Unsolicited plug>







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