At this point, it is necessary to review and update the command syntax so it can be used within R:BASE 11. If the syntax is used to RUN another file, then that file must also be checked and updated, if needed. Based upon the R:BASE version you are upgrading from, there are additional steps needed to update your application code. The older the application is, then the more steps will be needed. And, if you are upgrading from a DOS version, there are additional changes required as well.
You may encounter reserved words (PROJECT, TIME), obsolete commands (SET POINTER), and/or commands whose syntax has been enhanced for your benefit (PRINT, SELECT, CHOOSE). The time invested to perform these changes depends on the size of your command files.
There are two important tools included with R:BASE 11 that will make your command syntax changes more pleasant that you think.
The new R:BASE Editor & R:Style!
The R:BASE Editor is an editor specifically designed for creation and editing of R:BASE program and application files, command files, recorded scripts, and text files. It offers these special R:BASE features:
•You can specify settings such as the font, tab stops, and text wrapping. You can also search and replace text, and print files.
•Any number of program files can be open simultaneously.
•Command files are shown with syntax highlighting with the option of displaying each syntax element in a different color text.
•Safe tabs -- the Tab key inserts spaces.
•Block commands include block indent, block outdent, block comment out, and block comment in.
•Seamless integration with the R:Style, R:BASE code styling and checker.
•And more...
What is R:Style?
R:Style provides structural error checking, and spelling assistance to help debug your code prior to running it. R:Style will tell you where in the file to look, and what error to look for! R:Style is not a full syntax checker, but it is an excellent structure checker, with some syntax checking thrown in as a bonus. R:Style will find:
•Checks illegal or ambiguous commands
•Checks missing, unmatched, or incorrect quotes
•Checks unmatched parenthesis
•Finds missing RETURNs & ENDs, adds them
•Finds missing or out of place structures, IF, THEN, ELSE, ENDIF, SWITCH, ENDSW, WHILE, THEN, ENDWHILE, BREAK
•Duplicate block names in APP files
•Checks illegal use of command words in code or block names
•Checks ill advised RETURN from within WHILE or SWITCH
•Checks illegal dotted variables
•Checks dash comments extending beyond column 79 (breaks codelock)
•Support for finding misspelled or illegal words
•Integration of RStyle* .PRE, .EXP, .CAS, .VAR, .NEW keyword formatting files into a built-in control panel
•Misterminated lines (= instead of +)
•And more...
