Tads/Text Adventure Development/Shareware
From: J.J. Lehett (JJL101@PSUVM.PSU.EDU)
Date: 10/30/91-06:35:29 PM Z
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From: "J.J. Lehett" <JJL101@PSUVM.PSU.EDU> Subject: Tads/Text Adventure Development/Shareware Date: Wed Oct 30 18:35:29 1991 --- Press Release --- High Energy Software is pleased to announce version 1.2 of TADS, the Text Adventure Development System. This new version incorporates many enhancements and suggestions from users of version 1.0, including support for a full source-level debugger for TADS games. As with version 1.0, TADS 1.2 and the TADS Debugger are available on MS-DOS, Macintosh, and Atari ST systems. TADS is shareware; the registration price for the basic package, which includes the printed TADS manual, is US$40. The optional TADS Debugger is $20, but if if you order the Debugger at the same time you register TADS, the combination is only $50. We've sent information about the new version by mail to registered users of TADS version 1.0. If you've registered your copy and you haven't heard from us, please contact us for information on the new version. The upgrade for registered users is $15, which includes TADS version 1.2 plus the TADS Debugger. We've uploaded the new version of the shareware system on CompuServe and GEnie. The shareware package consists of the TADS compiler, the run-time system, source for the basic adventure object definitions, and the source for "Ditch Day Drifter," a large sample game that demonstrates how to write TADS games. If you're not a CompuServe or GEnie user, we'd be happy to send you a copy of the shareware package if you send us a diskette and a self-addressed stamped envelope (or disk mailer, if you prefer); be sure to specify MS-DOS, Macintosh, or Atari ST. You can reach us through electronic mail on CompuServe (73737,417) or GEnie (M.ROBERTS10). Internet users can send us electronic mail through CompuServe; send mail to 73737.417@compuserve.com (note that the comma in the CompuServe user ID becomes a period for Internet users). We can also be reached via US mail at PO Box 50422, Palo Alto, CA 94303. --- From Upgrade Sheet --- New features: * User exits, which allow you to add functions written in other languages, such as C or Assembler, to your TADS programs. * Many ADV.T improvements, such as a new doorway class that allows you to implement doors without writing any code; new classes that allow you to hide objects with little or no programming; and changes that give you much more control over how objects are listed in rooms. In addition, we've reorganized ADV.T to make it easier to understand and have added much more documentation within the file. * User-defined compound words, which let you define your own sequences of multiple-word prepositions. For example, you could define "out from under" as a compound word, allowing players to use it in player commands. * You can now define transparent objects such as glass bottles, whose contents are visible even when the container is closed. * Players can refer to actors as "Him" and "Her" as appropriate to the actor. TDB - a source-level debugger for TADS games. * Step line by line through your programs. * Inspect the value of any local variable or property. * Evaluate any TADS expression at any time while your program runs. * Show the "call stack." which shows the method or function that called the current method or function, the method or function that called it, and so on. * Stop your program's execution at any method or function. Because you can watch your program as it runs, it becomes much easier to understand how your program and the TADS parser interact. With TADS debugger, not only will you have an easier time making a particular game work, but you will be able to get a much better idea of how the system works. The TADS debugger includes a full manual, which contains a tutorial for users new to source level debugging, as well as detailed information about debugger commands, and a command reference.
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