DID YOU KNOW THREAD

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Greetings GB32 fans!

(X) here,

I am building up a specialized YouTube playlist on the GFA-BASIC 32 FOR WINDOWS: GB32 channel with a formatted title of:

"DID YOU KNOW #<num> : <DESCRIPTION>"

These fun-fueled video clips will highlight some entertaining & interesting facts about GB32.

This link will take your directly to GB32's "DID YOU KNOW" YouTube playlist: DYK

In an attempt to make things more engaging, I’m creating an impression that these posts are being produced from a subspace channel that traces back to an infinite number of possible universes: the MULTIVERSE. The posts are the work of Xavier Y. Zapareli, a Canadian engineer and computer expert, also known as (X), and Yaphette Kobayashi, a Japanese Xenobiologist, also known as (Y). They hail from different dimensions and are both enthusiastic about assisting and gaining as much knowledge as possible about GB32. Along with their diverse team of 20 space explorers, they are journeying through the solar system on DX1, a spacecraft reminiscent of ‘Discovery One’ from ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’

Yaphette and I will be consolidating the DYK Posts under this thread so they will be easier to find.

Our hope is that you'll find these posts useful and at least a bit entertaining. :)

Thank you for all your support!

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DID YOU KNOW #1: GB32 IS A COMPILER!

For the newcomers... It's all over the news... GB32 is also a compiler!

youtu.be/jMdOjjsw5oE


Did you know that GFA-BASIC 32 for Windows does not only run in interpreted mode?
The distinction is that GB32 can also easily compiles your code to an executable file!

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DID YOU KNOW #2: GB32 IS CUSTOMIZABLE!

Here is the second DYK...  Enjoy!



DYK#2 link

From the GB32 Help document... (How to customize?)

The GFA-BASIC 32 editor extension functions can be executed through the use of a set of predefined keystrokes or by selecting a menu item from the Extra submenu. To connect some functionality to a keyboard shortcut the name of the procedure should conform to a special format that describes the shortcut to use (Gfa_Ex_, Gfa_App_, etc).

Another way of invoking an extensibility function is to select a menu item from the Extra menu. To provide a menu entry the GLL must add a menu entry to the Extra menu in Gfa_Init sub using Gfa_AddMenu. This function adds an item to the menu and specifies a menu event sub that handles the menu entry when it is selected. Other commands are available to modify an appended menu entry. An item can be enabled or disabled, gets a checkmark in front of it, or its text can be changed afterwards.

If you have a factoid that perhaps may have eluded the casual observer of GFA-BASIC 32 for Windows let me know and I'll be sure to add it to the list.

Thanks for all your help and support!

(X)

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DID YOU KNOW #3: GB32 USES API FUNCTIONS

This YT vid may have brought you here: 

    

    youtu.be/elTl5Eb5YB8

As suggested you can readup here or post questions on the forum.  We're here to help!

As you explore programming you'll doubtlessly realize that you need more than GB32 can directly provide.  Luckily, the API functionality is there.  By using API's you can extend your code to use standardized and usefull functions provided by DLL files which contain functions of many varied types to help you accomplish your programming goals.

In the context of **GFA-BASIC 32 for Windows**, an **API (Application Programming Interface)** is a powerful bridge that connects your GB32 code to the underlying Windows operating system. Let's break it down:

1. **Windows API Calls:**
- GB32 includes a thorough implementation of **Windows API calls**. These calls allow you to interact with various Windows features, services, and functions.
- Whether it's creating windows, handling messages, accessing files, or manipulating graphics, APIs provide a standardized way to communicate with the Windows environment.

2. **Built-In and Custom APIs:**
- GB32 offers a set of **built-in APIs** that cover common tasks. These are ready-made functions you can use directly in your code.
- Additionally, you can create your own **custom APIs** tailored to your specific project needs. These allow you to extend GB32's capabilities beyond what the built-in APIs offer.

3. **Unlocking Possibilities:**
- By leveraging APIs, you can seamlessly integrate GB32 with other Windows applications.
- Imagine automating tasks, retrieving data, or enhancing user interfaces—all made possible through well-crafted API calls.

In summary, APIs in GFA-BASIC 32 empower you to tap into Windows' functionality, making your GB32 projects more dynamic and efficient! 🚀🔗

For more resources and examples, check out the **[GFA Basic Forum (GB32)](https://gb32.proboards.com)** and explore the world of APIs in GB32¹².

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2024-02-23
(1) DID YOU KNOW #3: GB32 USES API FUNCTIONS - YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=elTl5Eb5YB8.
(2) GFA BASIC 32 BIT Has Been Released. gfawhelp.gfa.net/32bitapi.htm.
(3) GFA BASIC 32. gfawhelp.gfa.net/aboutgb.htm.
(4) Home page of Dale Bryants' GFAWHELP - Welcome. gfawhelp.gfa.net/main.htm.
(5) undefined. gb32.proboards.com
(6) GFA BASIC - Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GFA_BASIC.

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DID YOU KNOW #4 : GB32 CREATES & USES LIBRARIES !

You can see this latest video here:

    youtu.be/nEsQifHbEgQ

This is the transcript of the latest in the DID YOU KNOW series of the YouTube Channel:

    www.youtube.com/@gfabasic32

Xavier (X): Hi, welcome to my channel where I share insights on this powerful programming language. Today, we're discussing how to create compiled code that can be imported as libraries or LG32 files.

Xavier (X): Did you know that GFA-BASIC 32 can compile your code into executable files that can run independently and into Library files that can be used by other GB32 programs? This feature allows you to reuse your code, distribute your applications, and enhance your performance.

Xavier (X): To create a compiled file, you need to use the Compile menu in the IDE. You can choose to compile your project as an EXE file or an LG32 file when $Export "Lib name" is specified.

Xavier (X): To import an LG32 file, you need to use the Library command in your code. For example, if you have an LG32 file called MathLib.lg32 that contains some mathematical functions, you can import it by writing: $Library "MathLib.lg32".

Xavier (X): That's all for today. I hope you learned something new and useful. If you liked this video, please subscribe to my channel and leave a comment. If you want to learn more about GB32, you can visit the official website or check out my YouTube channel. Thanks for watching, and see you next time!

Xavier (X): "(Code_tight) && !(Bit_bugs Byte)"

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DID YOU KNOW #5 : GB32 DOES MATH SYMBOLS

    youtu.be/Nx85v4xL7n8

This snapshot shows the GB32 IDE Menu-> Extra-> Properties-> Font

    As you can see the Consolas Greek font is selected.

For more on how to implement Greek characters:

        gb32.proboards.com/thread/456/tip-greek-letters-gfa

REMEMBER...

When you register on this forum; you can:

- Click pictures for full resolution
- Download any files attached
- Search this forum
- Post comments to the threads
- Create your own threads

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DID YOU KNOW #6 : GB32 SPEAKS ASSEMBLER

GFA-BASIC 32 can disassemble your high level code into assembler language !!!

youtu.be/U8gqSVgQ2xU

From Help Doc...

. Assembler instruction
Purpose
Invokes the GFA-BASIC 32 Inline Assembler

Syntax
. | Asm mnemonic destination, source

Description
The dot is a shortcut for the Asm keyword and invokes the inline assembler and can appear wherever a GFA-BASIC 32 statement is legal. It cannot appear by itself. It must be followed by an assembly instruction.

The assembler commands use the INTEL parameter sequence, for example:

. mov dest, source

The inline assembler lets you embed assembly-language instructions in your GFA-BASIC 32 programs. The inline assembler is built into the compiler. Inline assembly code can use any variable or function name that is in scope, so it is easy to integrate it with your program’s code.

Example
GetRegs

Print _EAX

. mov eax, 1

. inc eax

GetRegs

Print _EAX


The middle two lines can also be written like:

Asm mov eax, 1

Asm inc eax


Remarks
More about the inline assembler you'll find with Asm.

See Also
Asm

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DID YOU KNOW #7 : GB32'S TRON LIVES !

youtu.be/LqQ2xO06nfQ

The TRON (TRace-ON) statement is arguably the most important tool in a coder's resources.

If you run this program, you'll get a trace printout in the Debug window of every line number and code statement after the "TRON db" statement until an error is encountered, then, the Try..Catch..EndCatch code structure produces the error description.

Try
 Tron db
 Print "Hello World!"; 1 / 0
Catch
 Troff
 Debug "Err:"; Err$
EndCatch

Proc db
 Debug TraceLnr, Trace$
EndProc
Debug Window...

6 Print "Hello World!"; 1 / 0
8 Troff
Err:Float-Divide-By-Zero

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DID YOU KNOW #8 : WHAT GFA STANDS FOR?

youtu.be/Hw9JbDf2X6Y

GFA in GFA-BASIC stands for “Gesellschaft für Automatisierung”, which translates to “Company for Automation”.

Brief overview of GFA-BASIC 32
GFA-BASIC has a long history. The first version was released in 1985 for the Atari ST, followed by a version for the Amiga. Then GFA-BASIC was developed for for the Intel processors: GFA-BASIC for MSDOS, GFA-BASIC for Windows 3.1, and the most recent GFA-BASIC 32 for Windows 95 and later.

GFA BASIC, developed by Frank Ostrowski, originated from GFA Systemtechnik GmbH (later known as GFA Software), a German company based in Kiel and Düsseldorf.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GFA_BASIC

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DID YOU KNOW # 9 : GB32 CHANNELS OPENGL

I have already made a big deal of underlining this fact with other videos but it was sorely missing in the DYK series.  

So, here it is:

    youtu.be/dGZpjjUJdJM

Here is a quick demo: youtu.be/dkj9mwp4Ezw

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DID YOU KNOW #10: GB32 DOES dBASE

youtu.be/Y6FB52U_ufM

Yet another "Did You Know" video... #10... Already 10!!!

GB32 does dBASE?!  Well I didn't know until I noticed some Key Words ending with 4:

{Code4, Data4, Expr4, Field4, Index4, Relate4, Tag4}

What do they mean?  Well, as you may have guessed, GB32 has a 'built-in' ability to handle Database resources!

Here is a Demo that proves it.

Demo GB32 DataBase Viewer.g32 (32.34 KB)

You should be able to find some DataBase files {*.cdx, *.dbf, *.fpt, *.log} in the GFABASIC32/samples/database directory...

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DID YOU KNOW #11 : GB32 CAN BE COLORIZED !

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaikP1QPxXw

Here is a typical colorized IDE...

Just go to the Extra->Properties in the Menu or simply type: Alt-Enter.

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DID YOU KNOW #12 : GB32 VAR NAME PERMUTATIONS !

www.youtube.com/shorts/PpX1rDiuo-Q?feature=share (shorts display)
youtu.be/PpX1rDiuo-Q?list=LL (regular display)

---

Hi all, (X) and our newest host: (Y) here to let you know there is a new DID YOU KNOW #12 YouTube video short at:

     www.youtube.com/@gfabasic32

Thanks to Roger Cabo for his thread about GB32's potential for creating unexpected variable names.

     gb32.proboards.com/post/4741/thread

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/!\ SIDE NOTE: We've reached a new milestone in the number of subscribers to the GB32 YouTube channel. The count has reached twice the number of fingers and toes, so, 40 subscribers have decided to follow us! That will show those "nay-Sayers" not to say "nay" too quickly!

youtu.be/DIkYcvZANb4

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DID YOU KNOW #13 : GB32 AMPERSAND CONFLICT !

Hello all,  (Y) here... 

My name is Yaphette Kobayashi.

(Yes; I was named after Yaphet Koto who played 'Parker' in ALIEN, my parents love that movie!)

I produced the Did You Know #13 video for the GFA-BASIC 32 FOR WINDOWS YouTube Channel to highlight larrybtoys' solution to a 'side-by-side' error related to the use of an '&' in the filename while compiling. 

Work around:

If you wish, you can rename the .exe filename to contain an '&' after compilation, just not before compilation.

Please enjoy the video on YouTube by clicking on the link below.

youtu.be/uleA10-TrGk

ありがとうございます 

(Arigatou gozaimasu)

Thank you.

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Here is the link to larrybtoys's post: gb32.proboards.com/post/4772/thread

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DID YOU KNOW #14 : TROUBLE WITH TRACE

youtu.be/eUWlaU_CdNg

Here is a link to a thread about the TRACE command...

gb32.proboards.com/post/4834/thread