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Forth
- the language of TDS2020F and TDS9092
The high-level language Forth is very suited to real-time systems
and exists for most processors but finds its main home in embedded
systems. It is small enough to fit in a target system and debugging
is interactive. Programmer productivity is increased making software
cost-efficient. Unlike BASIC it is readily supports the multitasking
and interrupts generally needed in control applications. Programming
of the TDS2020F is done
in interactive American National Standard Forth (ANS Forth),
coupled with structured assembler language and multitasking if
and when required. Both are on the board. TDS9092 uses Fig-Forth.
Current Version
The current version of TDS2020F Forth is Flash Forth
4.02. The Flash Forth version 4 kernel is an update of ANS
Forth version 3.07 and 3.07A, incorporating small bug fixes and
one huge new feature. This Flash Forth should now be the prime
version for new and current developments. It is not binary compatible
with earlier versions - applications should be recompiled.
Direct compilation to Flash-EEPROM is convenient and avoids the
cost and development cycle of a PROM programmer. There is a further
advantage - you can zap the program remotely over a modem and recompile.
If the TDS2020F is embedded in a vehicle or a pressurised
vessel, you could update the program without even removing the
computer!
Triangle Digital Support ensures that obsolete versions of Forth
continue to be supported.
Learning Forth
We recommend the books shown below. They are available from the
TDS webshop
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| Why
Forth
suits everyone
If you have
assembler experience
then it will be important to know
exactly where your program resides and have the ability
to peer into memory.
Forth will come naturally and relieve you of the
drudgery of debugging, while encouraging production
of properly structured code. |
If you are a "PC" person
you’ll appreciate the great job ‘C’ compiler
writers have done in producing an interactive debugging
environment with lots of library modules you can string
together.
Do not assume that a ‘C’ compiler
for a Single Board Computer is the same as that of
a PC. Many functions are missing because they are not ‘C’ but
PC-specific libraries. The Edit–Compile–Emulate–Debug
cycle is frustrating, lacking immediate feedback because
the language is in the PC but you must debug in the
target board. Also, cross-compilers are expensive.
TDS2020F and TDS9092 boards solve these problems
by giving you an interactive Forth environment for
instant testing of code using inexpensive Starter Packs.
Included is an extensive library of applications functions
relevant to embedded computing and data collection.
For instance, there are ready-made graphics and keyboard
interfaces, interrupt-driven serial communications,
PC cards and stepper motor routines.
A pre-emptive multitasking operating system option
makes TDS2020F ideal for advanced real time
systems. |
If you are
new to computers
you could use one of the TDS ‘Experts’,
we keep a list of engineers offering their services,
but you'll find that programming in Forth on a TDS2020F or
TDS9092 card computer is not difficult.
In the process of learning, you’ll produce the
equipment you need and meet your time deadlines. |
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