array bounds must be constant

How do I create an array with an integer instead of a literal number?

I want to do this:

  Code:

DIM personX (numPersons) as ubyte
DIM personY (numPersons) as ubyte
DIM personHealth (numPersons) as ubyte
DIM personWeapon (numPersons) as ubyte


instead of:

  Code:

DIM personX (6) as ubyte
DIM personY (6) as ubyte
DIM personHealth (6) as ubyte
DIM personWeapon (6) as ubyte


just in case I decide to change my mind about the number of persons

[boriel]

Unfortunately this is not (yet) supported. What you're asking is a DYNAMIC ARRAY. This is a feature planned for 1.2.8 (or higher). Dynamic array are a bit trickier, slower and might take a little more memory, but on the other hand are more powerful and allow redimension during runtime. Meanwhile, you can create an array with a MAXPERSONS size (e.g. 20), and use a variable to store the real number of persons:

  Code:

CONST MaxPersons As Ubyte  = 20
DIM a(MaxPersons) As Ubyte
LET numPersons = 10 : REM number of persons by now...
FOR i = 1 TO numPersons
    LET a(i) = RND * 10
NEXT i


And yes, you will allocate 10 unused positions.
DYNAMIC Arrays are planned for the next release, please, be patient.

ah const, I didnt know we had that type thanks

[boriel]

ah const, I didnt know we had that type thanks

You can also use #define (like a C preprocessor):

  Code:

#define MaxPersons 20


In fact, what's new in 1.2.7 is the complete new preprocessor, which allow powerful macros to be used as inline functions

  Code:

#define MyFunc(x, y)  \
    PRINT x * y + 1; \
    PRINT " is the result"

MyFunc(3, 2)


The above program is literally converted to

  Code:

PRINT 3 * 2 + 1;
PRINT " is the result"


And even much more complex examples!

inline functions are cool too

Hi, Can I use #define functions in fastcalls or subs?

[boriel]

Hi, Can I use #define functions in fastcalls or subs?

Yes; #define are just MACROS. Wherever you invoke them, they will be *replaced* with its definition.

macros functions created with #define can contain embebed asm or only basic?

[boriel]

macros functions created with #define can contain embebed asm or only basic?

Whatever! Of course, if you must use ASM...END ASM to use macros. Remember also to end each line with \ or _ character (line break continue), to tell the compiler those lines are macro ones:

  Code:

DIM a As Ubyte = 1

#define MyMacro  \
    PRINT a; " MACRO START" \
    ASM \
    ld hl, _a \
    inc (hl) \
    END ASM \
    PRINT a; " MACRO END"

PRINT "HELLO WORLD"
MyMacro


Notice line continuations "\". You can use "_" instead.
You can think of macros like inline SUBs.

Update: errr... Just discovered the ASM inside the macro wasn't being correctly supported!. This bug has been fixed and now it works. Please download r2109

  Code:

#define MyFunc(x, y)  \
    PRINT x * y + 1; \
    PRINT " is the result"

MyFunc(3, 2)



I was testing and I can not compile macros with parameters.

[boriel]

It works ok to me.
Which compiler version are you using? Download 1.2.7 or the latest devel, and try again...

Perhaps the version. I´ll take a look.