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Post by justnorm on Aug 23, 2018 19:01:29 GMT -5
Once again, I am struggling with using the Create Application process and I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. Currently, I am getting the message that says "Cannot locate VVM31.w.Dll. This happens after I have tried to create the .exe file and have even checked to see if the file was there, before I tried to run the app. Is it possible that I have done something to lose that DLL, or what should I check??
Another thing I would like to understand is the pupose of the TKN file? I know the .bas file is readable by us humans and the .exe file is probably the actual machine language used by the computer, but I would like to know about the TKN.
I noticed on one of the closed sites that Alyce had an explanation of the Create Application process - but of course that stuff is no longer available. Too bad,
it would probably have helped this oldtimer, newbie.
Thanks again for all the help.
JustNorm
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Post by Rod on Aug 24, 2018 2:43:43 GMT -5
Please tell us what path name you are using to store the application you create. If the .tkn the .exe and the .dlls are in that location then the .exe should run when clicked. Are you trying to run the .bas?
The .tkn is your .bas program compiled to Smalltalk, the programming language Liberty BASIC is built with. The .exe is not anything to do with your program it is the main Liberty basic runtime compiler, Just renamed.
So in main stream Liberty the ide takes your basic code compiles it to a .tkn (behind the scenes) then the runtime interprets ithr .tkn and shows your basic code running on screen.
In an application the .tkn is already compiled and the renamed runtime simply interprets your .tkn and shows your basic code running onscreen. The runtime needs its support .dlls which is why they are copied to your applications directory as well as the .bas, .tkn, and the renamed runtime
The runtime is called run451.exe but will be copied and named my application.exe in your application directory.
If things are not working you have the paths wrong or are using a directory you should not be in. Like Program Files(x86) for example.
how are you starting your application? Did you create a desktop shortcut?
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Post by Rod on Aug 24, 2018 2:45:02 GMT -5
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Post by justnorm on Aug 24, 2018 15:47:48 GMT -5
Rod, I'm not familiar with ZIP files and how to use them. Can you send just a plain link to Alyce's #140 article.
At one time, a couple of days ago - I had my program properly loaded and even created a desktop shortcut to the program. It
was working fine, but then I decided I wanted to make a change to the program and whatever I did at that point must have been wrong.
After I finished making the change - I think I did a save-as using C:\app-test-folder\norms-app1.exe, but I may have used the .bas extension.
I think I'll start all over and try it again. I'll get back with you.
JustNorm
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Post by justnorm on Aug 24, 2018 17:23:28 GMT -5
OK, Rod - here is what happened: I went back to LB and saved the app with .exe. Then I ran the Create Application. Went back to veirfy that I had .bas, .exe and .tkn files. I did have so I clicked on the exe file and it ran fine.
Now let me ask you - if I want to make another change to this app, I make the change and save the file again as C:\myapp\appname.exe. Do I then run the Create Application again? Or is that when you use one of the two "Make TKN" or "Run"TKN"?
Also, is there a preferred way to make a desktop shortcut?
Appreciate you help! JustNorm
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Post by Rod on Aug 25, 2018 7:04:10 GMT -5
The .exe is just a copy of run451.exe and should never be changed or overwritten. The file that needs changed is the . Tkn file. So you must improve your .bas file and be sure it runs correctly then make a new .tkn file and copy that into your application directory.
Windows help is the place to read all about shortcuts. They are relatively straight forwards but too wide a subject for a few line here.
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Post by Rod on Aug 26, 2018 4:04:29 GMT -5
Also, rather than use the Create Application menu option you should firstly build one yourself so that you better understand what is going on. Here is the text from Alyce's article that tells you how to create an application manually. You only need to create an application if you plan to distribute your code to other computers and users. Otherwise you can simply play with .bas files.
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Post by mknarr on Aug 26, 2018 9:06:27 GMT -5
Here is something else. I know Carl said you can use the Create Application as often as you want but to me there is an easier way. If you have saved your bas file in the same folder as your program (exe and DLL and SLL) when you make a change to your bas file you can just click Run, Make *.TKN file. The new TKN will be saved to the same folder that your basic file is in. Of course you can have the basic file in one folder and still Make the TKN in another folder but it saves confusion if your main program and basic file are in the same folder. Once you have Created the Application, the exe file never changes. It is only the bas and Tkn that change.
Another piece of free advice (so it may not be worth much), I keep bitmap, sound and other needed items in another folder sort of like C:\Program\BMP and help files in a separate folder sort of C:\Program\Help. It may not seem like a big deal now but down the road it starts to make sense. Of course you need to have the correct path to them such as DefaultDir$\BMP\item. If I only have one or two help or bitmaps then I still keep them in the program folder.
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Post by justnorm on Aug 26, 2018 18:04:09 GMT -5
Thanks, Rod and mknarr - you help is certainly appreciaed.
I am trying to bring in to LB4.5.1 an older app that was written in a previous version of LB. I figured that I could just copy the .bas code from the program that is on a DVD and post it in LB4.5.1 and then see what all I might need to do to make it usable again.
The problem is the info I copied does not post into LB. I have tried using "New", "Insert File" and just post it to an empty screen that would normally show the code - but somehow, I still have not hit on the solution. I know I could enter the code via the keyboard, but I have other larger apps I will work on at a later time, so I need someone to advice me on what I am doing wrong.
JustNorm JustNorm
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Post by metro on Aug 26, 2018 18:26:18 GMT -5
Oops responded to wrong post
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Post by btgraham on Aug 26, 2018 18:27:18 GMT -5
How about OPEN?
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Post by justnorm on Aug 26, 2018 22:26:32 GMT -5
Why didn't I think about that! Guess after I found out I couldn't copy & paste the old app it messed with my confidence and I figured there was something else I was missing. Anyway bt - the old app, or program as I'm used to calling these things, worked just great with no fine tunning needed. I'm pleased as punch and want to say thanks much for helping me. JustNorm
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Post by Rod on Aug 27, 2018 1:34:59 GMT -5
If you ever do wish to copy text or program code then highlight the text by right clicking and dragging the mouse. It will stay highlighted. Then press Ctrl plus c to grab a copy. Now click on where you want the text to be inserted and press Ctrl plus v. The code will appear in the new position.
But of course opening an old .bas is the easy solution.
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