TAWK Compiler Version 5.0

This is absolutely the best TAWK Compiler we've ever released.

New Features in TAWK Compiler Version 5:

• Libraries
  Functions and variable declarations can now reside in a library directory, and are automatically linked into TAWK programs that reference them.
• Infinite string length
  Well, almost infinite. Available in in Windows NT/95, OS/2, DOS-32 and UNIX versions. (All versions but the standard DOS version.)
• EXIT and TERM blocks
  These provide a way to capture control when the TAWK program ends. The TERM block is always executed no matter what, and can be used to perform clean up actions, like removing temp files or closing sockets.
• Signals
  TAWK programs can now catch and process interrupts with a user defined TAWK function. Programs can also specify critical error handling to prevent pop-up messages or dialog boxes when a critical error occurs. An example of a critical error is attempting to read a floppy with no floppy in the drive.
• pass-by-reference parameters
  TAWK functions can now use pass-by-reference parameters, so your TAWK functions can modify their parameters as a way to return information to the caller.
• pack/unpack functional extensions
  Better support for C-style character strings, and support for both little-endian and big-endian binary integer data packing types.
• Better external function support
  Allows indirect parameter types, for example: int*, so almost all types of DLL functions can be called without difficulty. In particular, the Windows NT/95 version can call almost any Win32 API function directly, and the UNIX version can call almost any function in the entire C library.
• Socket Support
  TAWK for Windows NT/95 can now open and communicate with sockets. An interface library of the common socket functions is provided for use with Windows NT/95. You should now be able to use TAWK to build cgi-bin programs for the internet.
• DLL for Win32
  The Windows NT/95 version includes TAWK as a DLL. This allows other Windows programs to call functions that you have written in TAWK. The other Windows program must have the ability to call functions using the "C" parameter passing methodology.
• 32-bit version for OS/2
  The OS/2 version now includes support for both 16-bit and 32-bit versions of OS/2. The 32-bit OS/2 version supports 32-bit dynamic linking to external DLLs.
• Support for Win32 call-back functions.
  Added in version 4.1, this allows you to specify a TAWK function as a Win32 call back function, so you can write dialog boxes and things in TAWK.
• New Functions
  call(), calla() - indirect function calls
  chmod(), chsize() - change file mode, size
  char() - fast conversion from int to string
  convertnum() - number base conversion
  paste() - paste strings, opposite of split()
  argval() - returns Nth function argument
  table() - allocates tables or arrays
  stat() - returns copious information on files
  ferror() - returns error status of open files
  fdopen() - opens file descriptors and sockets!
  

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