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Miscellaneous Forums => 16 bit DOS Programming => Topic started by: axtens on June 26, 2007, 06:13:21 AM

Title: Clipper to Windows via MASM
Post by: axtens on June 26, 2007, 06:13:21 AM
I'm maintenance programming for a Clipper developer. I have heard that it is theoretically possible for 16bit to do stuff in 32bit through a thing called "thunking". Where do I go to get the info required for this, rather esoteric, pursuit.

Kind regards,
Bruce.
Title: Re: Clipper to Windows via MASM
Post by: MichaelW on June 26, 2007, 07:34:23 AM
Aren't there versions of Clipper that will run as Win32 apps, and wouldn't it be easier to use one of those?
Title: Re: Clipper to Windows via MASM
Post by: fearless on June 26, 2007, 11:04:04 AM
Ive used Clipper before (Nantucket Summer '87 and CA v5.xx), and the only products i was aware of that were compatible that allowed windows features (to run as a Win32 app) where GE UltimADE and Computer Associates Visual Objects. I assume your talking about v5.2e or suchlike. What do you need to do - maybe if you can let us know what it is, someone might be able to come up with a suggestion?
Title: Re: Clipper to Windows via MASM
Post by: P1 on June 26, 2007, 02:03:54 PM
Quote from: axtens on June 26, 2007, 06:13:21 AMI'm maintenance programming for a Clipper developer. I have heard that it is theoretically possible for 16bit to do stuff in 32bit through a thing called "thunking". Where do I go to get the info required for this, rather esoteric, pursuit.
Mixed mode tasks approach with the data would be ideal.  It keeps the two system separate and non-dependant to each other except for the data.  Too many times, 16bit systems goes out of memory on you.

16bit output a task trigger file/data.
32bit processes task trigger file/data, produces a 16bit merge file/data.
16bit task to refresh data from 32bit task file/data.

We use this technique to synchronize data between non-compatible systems of processing as well.

Seeing your still using 16bit systems, I don't see an issue so much with real time presentation of data.  Though you can still get close to a low latency of current information.

Regards,  P1   :8)
Title: Re: Clipper to Windows via MASM
Post by: axtens on June 27, 2007, 06:36:25 AM
That's the best suggestion I've had yet. Thanks, P1.  :U
Title: Re: Clipper to Windows via MASM
Post by: Evenbit on June 29, 2007, 01:32:16 AM
Quote from: KSR on June 26, 2007, 11:04:04 AM
Ive used Clipper before (Nantucket Summer '87 and CA v5.xx), and the only products i was aware of that were compatible that allowed windows features (to run as a Win32 app) where GE UltimADE and Computer Associates Visual Objects. I assume your talking about v5.2e or suchlike. What do you need to do - maybe if you can let us know what it is, someone might be able to come up with a suggestion?

Actually there are more options nowdays.  Check out these:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clip_%28compiler%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbour_compiler
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipper_programming_language

also, look what this dude is doing:
http://jalaj.net/2006/12/22/low-level-handling-of-dbf-files/

Nathan.