Re: BASIC OS for the PC

> On 2016-12-21, at 07:58, Baltissen, GJPAA (Ruud) <ruud.baltissen@apg.nl> wrote:
> 
>> I believe two formats, one "in memory format" (with tokens), and one "on disk format", 
>> plain-text when storing the program externally, should give you more advantage.
>> You can use any editor externally, but you can also do any optimizations you like internally.
>> You can even change the in-memory-format as often as you like, as it will not affect the on
>> disk format.
> 
> Great idea! It does mean we need a conversion the moment the program is loaded but I think the mentioned advantages out weight the loss of time.

Definitely, IMHO.

>> You could "automagically" recognise CBM BASIC programs (start address...
> 
> Hmm, I completely forgot about the start address and I even don't use it. So I wouldn't be compatible anyway. 

Well, no... ? "if by "start address" you mean the "load address", it is not a feature of the CBM BASIC but rather CBM DOS, isn't it? Meaning it doesn't affect the run-time compatibility.

>> Is there a garbage collection in the variable area?
> 
> Very good question. So far none. But there is a simple reason for that: I still don't understand what garbage collection exactly does.

It's more complex than that but to keep it simple: GC frees the memory allocated by stuff your program no longer needs so that stuff your program is actually still going to need can get the memory when needed.

> In my understanding, if I understood Wikipedia correctly, the most less used variables are disposed. But in my opinion that is crazy.

Not at all ;-) Epsecially when we talk about system with highly limited [memory] resources.

> And AFAIK Pascal and C don't have garbage collection either. Why not if it is such a "good" tool?

C is a compiled, static typed, "close to metal" type of language. Lots of things, including memory requirements are resolved at compile time. The remaining you have to take care of yourself (both allocating and freeing). Even with that you can still use GC with C. It's just that the evolution of the standard of the language never went that way. I am not the right one to ask about Pascal as I possibly can't say a single good word about it ;-)

> If someone is willing to explain in other words what garbage collection exactly does, what its benefits plus the assurance that it won't jeopardize any program, I might install it in time (in 10 years or so :)

In small systems and non-OO languages it is much simpler than what we usually refer to when saying GC. Michau gave a good example.

> FYI: tomorrow we will go to Poland to spend Christmas there. And my parents-in-law don't have internet. So don't expect any replies from me for the time being. Which leaves me one thing to say:
> 
>         Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!


The same to you, and… consider yourself invited as always!

-- 
SD!


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