71 tidbits


Easiest way to avoid the two-second delay in 71 with HP-IL module
but no devices is DISPLAY IS *. CONTROL OFF or OFF IO can also be
used, but then CONTROL ON or RESTORE IO, respectively, is  needed
before the loop can be used.

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Here is a key definition for making key definitions:

 DEF KEY 'f.','POKE"2F441","1"@FORI=0TO0@K$=KEY$@
 I=I-(K$="")@NEXTI@POKE"2F441","0"@FETCHKEYK$':

Press  this  key,  then  the  key you want to define, and presto!
FETCH KEY is executed.   The POKEs are needed in case of  ON  key
only.

The  same  effect  can be achieved easier with certain LEX files;
e.g. with KEYWAIT$:

 DEF KEY 'f.','POKE"2F441","1"@K$=KEYWAIT$@
 POKE"2F441","0"@FETCHKEYK$':

or better yet with SCROLL (no variables needed):

 DEF KEY 'f.','POKE"2F441","1"@SCROLL1@
 POKE"2F441","0"@FETCHKEYKEY$':

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One problem with functions IP, INT (FLOOR) and CEIL is  that  the
argument may already be rounded as an integer in the wrong direc-
tion.    For  example,  try  CEIL(4E11/3):  you'll  probably  get
133333333333, while the correct result is 133333333334.   Correct
result  in  all  cases can be ensured by appropriate OPTION ROUND
setting: ZERO for IP, NEG for INT and POS for CEIL.  OPTION ROUND
NEAR  should be restored immediately afterwards, lest future cal-
culations go astray.

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Easiest way to print a full row of dashes is

      PRINT USING '80"-"'

This technique can be used with any repetitive  pattern;  instead
of
      100 FOR I=1 TO 20 @ PRINT X$; @ NEXT I @ PRINT
use
      100 PRINT USING '20"'&X$&'"'

(assuming there are no double quotes in X$).


                          Tapani Tarvainen [337]
                          Kiljanderinkatu 2 A 7
                          SF-40600 JyvÌskylÌ
                          Finland