Rules for Tools/Usage
Using Rules for Tools
Rules for Tools is composed of this disk with source code and documentation. The next
six chapters discuss how to write Bars&Pipes tools and accessories, then the summary of
library calls lists each Bars&Pipes routine and how to use it.
We've included the source code to several Bars&Pipes tools and one accessory. The
best way to learn (and certainly the most rewarding) is by doing. Modify these, even
use them as a basis for your own designs. All you need is a c compiler and, if you plan
to use any of the Inovatools user interface routines embedded in the Bars&Pipes
library, Inovatools 1 from Inovatronics. We also recommend Power Windows, also from
Inovatronics, for user interface design as well as Deluxe Paint III for designing tool
and accessory icons. Power Windows files for the tool examples are on the source
disk.
Before we start, let's make two important assumptions:
- 1. You are familiar with Bars&Pipes. In order to program tools, you
need to understand how they work from the user's standpoint as
well as internally. You need to know what tools are and how they
function in the pipeline and toolpad.
- 2. You are familiar with programming the Amiga in C. Bars&Pipes is
written in Lattice C, as are all of the tool examples. You can,
however, compile your tools and accessories with either Lattice or
Aztec C. We've provided instructions for both compilers.