hyperbug@apple.UUCP (Keith Rollin) (12/16/87)
Here, at last, is issue #4 of Windoid, the Apple Hypercard User's Group
newsletter. I also have #5 and will most that next.
While looking them over, I noticed that there may be a point of
confusion in them. I was not able to find a word processor that would
convert the option-return characters in the scripts to something that
was more palatable to a UNIX system. Therefore, when I uploaded them,
they were all stripped out. You should be able to determine where to
replaced them, but write to me if you have any questions.
WINDOID Issue #4
A Publication for the Informed HyperCard User
and the Newsletter for the Apple HyperCard User Group
Editor -- David Leffler
In the fourth issue of WINDOID, we address more of the many questions and
problems people have sent in. Quite a number of people have expressed interest
in moving a group of buttons or fields on a card. Sioux Lacy, one of our
outstanding HyperCard testers, has given us a way to group buttons and/or
fields and move them, in a group, within a card and even onto other cards or
stacks. Sioux has also written for us an article on Finding multi-word strings
in blocks of text. This is one that everyone has asked for.
Phil Wyman, with assistance from Steve All, two more great HyperCard testers,
have given us further HyperCard user tips. We really appreciate all of the
cards people have sent us with the tips they have found. In this way we can
pass on useful tips to many hundreds of HyperCard users.
Paul Foraker, our newest tester, has submitted an AutoLink script. Using this
great little shortcut for scripting buttons gives you another productivity tip
I am sure you will find interesting.
Steve Maller has done it again! ResCopier is his latest XCMD effort to give us
a safe, elegant, and easy way to move resources around in HyperCard. This
version is his "shipping" version and does not have a time bomb in it. You are
free to give it away to your HyperCarding friends. This is one stack that
people who do not have it will lust for. The version to look for is the
Rescopier "Beanie" version 2.78
Sioux Lacy has given us Groupies 1.3, featured in this issue of WINDOID. By
the time you read this Groupies 1.4 will be available on BBS's everywhere with
additional functionality. This is a must stack for serious HyperCard users. I
really appreciate Siouxs efforts in bringing us all of these great articles
and I am equally sure that you will also.
These stacks are on the Apple HyperCard User Group file server and can be
obtained only here in Cupertino. If your favorite bulletin board does not have
them, please ask them to have someone upload them.
I have had many requests for issues of WINDOID. If you would like a copy, or
copies, please send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) to the address
listed on THE FORM for each issue. Thanks for your continued interest in
WINDOID. Together we are making a difference!
==========
AutoLink
by Paul Foraker
Shortly after you get HyperCard installed on your hard disk, you may notice
that you are collecting a large number of other peoples stacks. One way of
keeping track of all of them is to stuff them into a folder and put a button
for them on a card in your Home stack. Since the original Home card already
comes with 19 buttons (and room for about 24), you might want to make another
card for holding buttons that take you to your miscellaneous stacks. To avoid
having to name and link all the buttons on a new card to the stacks Ive
collected, I wrote a variation on Danny Goodmans script which takes you to a
stack even though the button has no script or link.
In this version, a button named "new button" opens the familiar Standard File
dialog and then gets the name of whatever stack you select, changes the name of
itself (the button) to the selected stack, then goes there. If the button
already has a name (other than "new button"), the script simply goes to the
stack. This eliminates the necessity for linking or scripting multiple buttons
on a card.
To start from scratch from your Home card, select New Card (CMD-N) and title
the new card "BackYard" (or anything else fun). Type the script below into the
script window for the card. (You can skip over typing the comments if you
wish.) Then make a new button (you can select an icon for it I use the
generic stack icon). Now hold down the Option key and drag copies of the "new
button" around onto your card. (You can use the Shift key to constrain the
movement so theyre lined up neatly.)
Next, select the Browse tool again and click on one of your new buttons. Youll
get Standard File asking you "where is the stack you want?" Double click on
one of the stacks in the list, the new button will get a name change, and
youll be off to the new stack. From there, you can hit the escape (~) key to
go right back to the BackYard to AutoLink another button.
--AutoLink script
--variation on Danny Goodmans script
--by Paul Foraker
-- Please remember that a is an Option-Return in ASCII TEXT format.
--Editor
on mouseUp
put the short name of this stack
into thisStack --saving the name for
--use later
get the short name of the target --puts the short name of the
--button you clicked on into it
if it is "new button" then --Oh boy... a new stack has arrived!
push card --saves the BackYard card id
--so we can come back to it
set lockMessages to true --stops any other scripts from running
set lockScreen to true --freezes the screen so were not
--distracted by fast moving cards.
go stack "the stack you want?" --since there is no stack by that
--name, HyperCard will respond by
--asking you where it is.
--Standard File will open and you
--can select a stack
--or click on Cancel.
get the short name of this stack --here were asking for the
--short name of the new stack
if it is thisStack then --checking for clicking on the Cancel button
pop card --go back to our BackYard card
set lockScreen to false --unlocking the screen display
exit mouseUp --pretend it never happened
end if --end of checking for cancel
put it into stackName --putting short name of the stack into
--stackName
pop card --go back to our BackYard card
set the name of the target to stackName --rename the button
set showName of the target to true --we want to see the name
set the script of the target to empty --make sure theres no script in
--the button
set lockScreen to false --unlocking the screen display
set lockMessages to false --now messages can fly around again.
end if --marks the end of the loop
--for a new button.
--now, we make sure you didnt click on the card or background:
if the short name of target is the short name of this card then exit
mouseUp
if the short name of target is the short name of this bkgnd then exit
mouseUp
visual iris open to black --just for fun
go STACK it --it will be either the new stack or
one thats already been identified
end mouseUp
==========
HyperCard Hints
by Phil Wyman
1. There are some interesting properties in HyperTalk that you may not know
about:
a. <the version> is a global property which tells you which version of
HyperCard you are currently using. This property will become very useful after
new versions are released. Since the new versions will have added features that
old versions do not understand, stack developers will want to check to see if
their stack is currently running on a version of HyperCard that supports those
new features.
b. <the name> is another global property. It will tell you that the name of
the program is HyperCard. I have not found a way to use this yet, so if anyone
has any ideas, let me know.
c. <the diskspace> is a global property which will tell you how many bytes you
have left on the drive that the current stack is located on.
2. You can send a message up the hierarchy manually by using the message
box. For instance, if you want an OPENSTACK message sent without having to
reopen your stack, just type OPENSTACK into the message box and hit return or
enter. Any handler, starting with any handler in the current card, which uses
OPENSTACK, will receive that message.
Some users are having trouble sending their own messages. In a script, you can
just type the name of your message on a line by itself and that message will be
sent. If HyperCard does not find a handler with that message, it will throw up
a dialog telling you it cant understand <message>.
You can also send a message with the <send> command. You can have difficulty
with the <send> command if you are trying to send across stacks. Try going to
the stack first before using <send>. For example:
send mouseUp to button 1 of card 1 of stack "Home"
will generate a HyperCard error "expected end of line after send". To get the
"mouseup" message to the button, try this:
go to card 1 of stack "Home"
send mouseup to button 1
3. When you are printing your script from the script editor, you do not have
to print the whole script. If you want to just print a portion of your script,
then select the part you want, then click on the print button. Only your
selected text will print.
4. The Tab key moves you between fields on a card in the order of their field
number (which can be changed with Bring Closer and Send Farther). But a useful
fact for data entry is that Shift-Tab navigates you through fields in reverse
order.
5. Choosing a selection with the Selection tool can leave you with a lot of
extra white space surrounding your selection. And you may already know that
Command-S shrinks a selection rectangle until there is no surrounding white
space. What if you want a rectangular selection but no extra white space?
Hold down the Command key before selecting with the Selection tool and just
that will happen.
6. If you are writing commercial stacks and need to restrict the user-level,
you may wish to tell users in your About Box that they can access "Full Menus"
by holding down the Command key before clicking the menu.
7. So you think that those tiny pictures in "Recent" are neat? You can
create them yourself. Copy a card and hold down the Shift key when pasting it
back in. Youll get an image of the card in miniature (but no actions from
buttons or fields to type into).
====================
Finding a MultiWord String
by Sioux Lacy
-- Please remember that a is an Option-Return in ASCII TEXT format.
--Editor
There are three ways in which the script writer can inquire about the presence
of a string in a block of text: FIND, CONTAINS and OFFSET.
These can be used separately or in combination.
The FIND command will highlight the next occurence of the first word of the
string if all words in the string are somewhere on the card.
Another option is to test if a particular container (field or variable)
CONTAINS the string.
This test will determine an exact match on the entire string.
The function OFFSET will return the character in the container on which the
match begins. This can also be used to test IF the field/variable includes the
string, since if it does NOT, offset will return 0. Depending on the context
of the search, the script writer may opt for one or a combination of these. If
the scope of the search is small, and across known fields, CONTAINS or OFFSET
can be used. However, if the search is across many fields in a large stack,
FIND is a good mechanism to narrow down the number of fields that have to be
examined to see if they CONTAIN the string.
To FIND a multi-word string
For example, you would like to find an exact match for the string "Hello
there". You will discover that HyperCard is generous in its find criteria,
and also matches the following: "Hello world. Is there life out there?"
This can be problematic if the search is taking place inside a handler, rather
than at the control of a human who can continue to hit the return key. The
way to circumvent this is to do your match in 2 steps. Supposing you expect
the match to be in a background field, try calling a function (until youve
searched the entire stack) that does this:
function multiWordFind string
repeat with x = 1 to the number of bkgnd fields
if field x contains string then return "FOUND in field " & x
end repeat
return "NOT FOUND"
end multiWordFind
(If you expected the match to be in a card field, repeat also for the number of
card fields.)
on searchStackFor string
set lockScreen to true
find string
if the result is "Not Found" then cleanExit
"This stack doesnt contain: " & string
--Use the above two lines or use the script
--at the end as an alternate to find offset.
put the id of this card into startedHere
repeat
get multiWordFind (string)
if word 1 of it is "FOUND" then cleanExit it
go next card -- so a subsequent find wont find the same
-- card over again
find string
if the id of this card is startedHere then cleanExit "Th
stack doesnt contain: " & string
end repeat
end searchStackFor
on cleanExit prompt
put prompt
set lockScreen to false
exit to HyperCard
end cleanExit
--Use the following as an alternate to determine the offset.
if word 1 of it is "FOUND" then
cleanExit it && "at character position" && offset
(string, the value of word 3 to 4 of it)
end if
====================
Grouping and Moving Buttons and Fields
by Sioux Lacy
Sioux Lacy, one of the outstanding HyperCard testers, has donated this script
to provide you, the user, an often-desired script for moving a group of buttons
and/or fields around on a card. We are always trying to give you what you ask
for, so please let us know if this script is helpful to you.
--Editor
Many users have asked about grouping objects. This stack presents a method for
assigning to a group any number of buttons or fields, and then being able to
move that group as a unit, or copying and pasting that group onto another card.
This is accomplished with a series of handlers in a card field, called
"menuField". It looks somewhat like a menu, accepts clicks on any command that
it displays, and can be copied and pasted onto another card.
The menuField has a Help option that allows the user to read about each of its
options.
Note that the menuField needs to be a card field in order to work properly.
And, when a group has been pasted, it will require re-grouping if its group
identity is to work in the new context. Also, since it is difficult to select
overlapping objects to be members of a group, it is recommended that they be
positioned so they don't overlap.
Groupies 1.3 by Sioux Lacy, November 6, 1987.
AppleLink comments to me at LACY1, or send mail to:
Sioux Lacy
MS 27-AQ
20525 Mariani Ave.,
Cupertino, CA 95014.
-- Please remember that a is an Option-Return in ASCII TEXT format.
--Editor
--Groupies 1.3 by Sioux Lacy
--November 6, 1987
on NewField
get editBkgnd
if it is true then
set editBkgnd to false
put "The menuField cannot be a bkgnd field." &&
"Delete this field & paste again.."
exit New Field
end if
put "Help" & return & "Group" & return & "Move" & return
& "Copy" & return & "Paste" & return & "Clear" & return
into card field id (the id of me)
choose browse tool
end NewField
on mouseUp
put the id of me into myID
put the mouseV into clickLoc
put "HelpMe,NewGroup,MoveGroup,CopyGroup,PasteGroup,ClearGroup"
into messages
repeat with x = 1 to the number of lines in card field id myID
put "" into char 1 of line x of card field id myID
end repeat
put the textHeight of me into height
put item 2 of the rect of me + height into baseLine
repeat with x = 1 to the number of lines in card field id myID
if clickLoc < baseLine then
put "" into char 1 of line x of card field id myID
send item x of messages to me
exit mouseUp
end if
add height to baseLine
end repeat
end mouseUp
on HelpMe
ask "Which option would you like help on?" with "Group"
if it is empty then exit HelpMe
if it is "Group" then
put "This option will let you specify objects to be grouped.
else if it is "Move" then
put "This option will let you move the group."
else if it is "Copy" then
put "This option used in conjunction with Paste will copy" &&
"& paste the group."
else if it is "Paste" then
put "This option used in conjunction with Copy will copy" &&
"& paste the group."
else if it is "Clear" then
put "This option will delete all the objects in the group."
else put "Never heard of that option."
end HelpMe
on NewGroup
global objectList
put "Shift-click to include objects in group. Option-click when done."
put empty into objectList
repeat
set cursor to 2
wait until the mouseClick
put the mouseLoc into thisClick
set cursor to 4
if the optionKey is down then exit repeat
repeat with x = the number of card buttons down to 1
if isClickWithinObject (thisClick, rect of card btn x) then
put "card btn id " & the id of card btn x & "," after objectList
exit repeat
end if
end repeat
repeat with x = the number of bkgnd buttons down to 1
if isClickWithinObject (thisClick, rect of bkgnd btn x) then
put "bkgnd btn id " & the id of bkgnd btn x & "," after objectList
exit repeat
end if
end repeat
repeat with x = the number of card fields down to 1
if isClickWithinObject (thisClick, rect of card field x) then
put "card field id " & the id of card field x & "," after objectList
exit repeat
end if
end repeat
repeat with x = the number of bkgnd fields down to 1
if isClickWithinObject (thisClick, rect of bkgnd field x) then
put "bkgnd field id " & the id of bkgnd field x & "," after objectList
exit repeat
end if
end repeat
end repeat
put empty into last char of objectList
put "The group consists of: " & objectList
end NewGroup
function isClickWithinObject thisClick, theRect
if ((item 1 of theRect) <= (item 1 of thisClick)) and
((item 2 of theRect) <= (item 2 of thisClick)) and
((item 3 of theRect) >= (item 1 of thisClick)) and
((item 4 of theRect) >= (item 2 of thisClick)) then
return true
else return false
end isClickWithinObject
on MoveGroup
global objectList
if objectList is empty then
put "There are no objects in the group."
exit MoveGroup
end if
put "Click and drag the group with mouse down. There is an initial delay."
wait until the mouseClick
put the mouseLoc into myLoc
set cursor to 4
put empty into horizontalOffset
put empty into verticalOffset
repeat with i = 1 to the number of items in objectList
put the location of item i of objectList into theLoc
put item 1 of theLoc - item 1 of myLoc & "," after horizontalOffset
put item 2 of theLoc - item 2 of myLoc & "," after verticalOffset
end repeat
put empty into last char of horizontalOffset
put empty into last char of verticalOffset
set cursor to 2
repeat while the mouse is down
get the mouseLoc
repeat with i = 1 to the number of items in objectList
put it into theLoc
add item i of horizontalOffset to item 1 of theLoc
add item i of verticalOffset to item 2 of theLoc
set location of item i of objectList to theLoc
end repeat
end repeat
end MoveGroup
on CopyGroup
global WhereTheGroupIs
set lockScreen to true
choose field tool
click at the location of me
doMenu "Copy Field"
choose browse tool
put the long id of this card into WhereTheGroupIs
put "Go to another card, type cmd-V, & choose Paste from the menuField."
set lockScreen to false
end CopyGroup
on PasteGroup
global whereTheGroupIs, objectList
if whereTheGroupIs = empty then put "Please choose Copy from the menuField."
else if objectList = empty then put "There are no objects in the group."
else
set cursor to 4
set lockMessages to true
set lockScreen to true
repeat with i = 1 to the number of items in objectList
push this card
go to WhereTheGroupIs
get item i of objectList
if word 2 of it is "btn" then choose button tool
else choose field tool
if word 1 of it is "bkgnd" then set editBkgnd to true
click at the location of it
type "C" with commandKey
pop card
type "V" with commandKey
set editBkgnd to false
end repeat
choose browse tool
put "To group these new objects, " &
"choose Group from the menuField."
set lockScreen to false
end if
end PasteGroup
on ClearGroup
global objectList
put "The group consists of: " & objectList
answer "Clearing group is not undoable. Are you sure?"
with "Yes" or "Cancel"
if it is "Cancel" then exit ClearGroup
repeat with i = the number of items in objectList down to 1
get item i of objectList
if word 2 of it is "btn" then choose button tool
else choose field tool
click at the location of it
type "X" with commandKey
end repeat
choose browse tool
put empty into objectList
end ClearGroup
==================
We hope you have enjoyed reading WINDOID and have found it to be interesting
and informative. We care enough to take the time to give you the most
up-to-date information about HyperCard, and we would like to make a request for
a little of your time. There is a form that follows this editorial; please fill
it out if you will. We are very interested in hearing from you. What sort of
stacks are you using, what kind of stacks are you creating, and what are your
joys and frustrations in using HyperCard.
You have the unique opportunity to communicate directly with Bill, Dan, and the
entire HyperCard development team. We really want to know what you would like
to see in HyperCard and are more than willing to give you what you want. What
we need to make this happen is your input. Let us know what you think. We can
address it in WINDOID or perhaps the next revision of HyperCard. You can make a
difference in the world by communicating with us. Dont pass up the
opportunity!
==========
If you have a bug, suggestion, comment, or just want to know
the best way to do something in HyperCard, you can fill out the form and send
it to:
AHUG c/o David Leffler
Apple Computer, Inc.
MS/27-AQ
20525 Mariani Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Or copy the format and
Apple-Link it to:
HYPERBUG$
TELL HYPERCARD
You can use this form to notify the HyperCard team of problems, bugs, and
enhancement requests.
THE FORM:
Please use the following form to make a difference in the world:
Date:
Name:
Address:
Phone #:
Versions of:
a. HyperCard:
b. Associated software:
c. System Software:
1. System
2. Finder
3. ImageWriter file
4. LaserWriter file
5. Any others
Type of Macintosh:
Peripherals:
Description of problem, suggestions or comments:
Please fill this form out as completely as possible and send it to us. You
will be glad you did!
--
Apple's HyperCard Grievance Center
"Give us your bugs, your comments, your gentle criticisms..."
UUCP: {pyramid!sun,voder,nsc,ucbvax!mtxinu,dual,decwrl,amdahl}!apple!hyperbug