=DA=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4= =C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4= =C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=BF =B3 =B3 =B3 Welcome to the PAL library ! =B3 =B3 =B3 =B3 Version 1.1 =B3 =B3 =B3 =C0=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4= =C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4= =C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=C4=D9 ------------------------------------------------------------------ NOTE: This archive contains subdirectories - if you extracted it without the -d switch, delete all the files that were extracted with the exception of PAL.ZIP, and try again with: pkunzip -d pal.zip ----------------------------------------------------------------- What's PAL ? ------------ PAL stands for 'Palmtop Application Library'. PAL is based upon HPCLIB, a collection of user interface functions developed by Harry Konstas, and the project was originally suggested as a common development effort by HPHAND sysop Mark Scardina. The project is being coordinated by yours truly, Gilles Kohl. (Email address at the end of this text) PAL is being discussed in section 15 (Palmtop Programmers) of the HPHAND forum on CompuServe. HPHAND is the place where you are likely to find a lot of the answers to your questions on PAL and HP palmtop programming in general - just ask ! You'll also find the latest version of PAL in the libraries there. What exactly is it for ? ------------------------ PAL is meant as a help in developing applications for the HP100LX and HP200LX palmtops. The idea is to create apps that look much like the built-in apps, but do not need the developer pack and LHAPI skills to create. CompuServe and the HPHAND forum are a great help because: - it serves as the communication medium for the contributing programmers (who otherwise have never met in most cases), and helps provide feedback from potential users to that group of developers, so that functionality that is really needed by the user base can be included. - support is available for PAL in the forum, and problems and bugs can be reported (and fixed) thru this channel. What are the conditions to use it ? ----------------------------------- Check the file 'COPYRITE.TXT' in the .\DOCS directory for the legalese. Basically, you may use PAL to develop public domain, shareware, or commercial applications - no registration fee or royalties, but you must give credit to the PAL group, and may not modify the PAL sources themselves for anything else than contributions. How can I get it (to work) for my compiler ? -------------------------------------------- You can use the PM (PalMake) tool to build the PAL libraries for your compiler. To do so, first install PM as detailed in .\UTIL\PM\PM.DOC. (This involves modifying PM.CFG so that PM knows where the sources are and what compiler you are using, and copying PM.EXE and PM.CFG somewhere into your PATH). Then, change to the .\SRC directory, and simply enter PM there. If you have trouble creating or using the libs for your compiler, drop us a message in the HPHAND forum (section 15: Palmtop Programmers) on CompuServe. (Be aware that you need an ANSI compatible C compiler to be able to compile and use PAL) What files are in this archive ? -------------------------------- This archive contains the PAL library sources and a number of peripheral files and utilities. Many directories have a FILELIST.TXT file that explains what the directory is for and what files it contains. Watch for these files. In addition, have a look at the STRUCTUR.TXT file in the .\DOCS subdirectory where the organization of the project is detailed. How can I find out what functions are available ? ------------------------------------------------- Check the DOCS directory - there's informational material there. In addition, check the *.DOC files in the .\SRC subdirectories - they describe their respective modules. Finally, have a look at the .\UTIL\NG and .\UTIL\NG2HTML directories - they contain utilities to build the Norton Guide resp. HTML hypertext versions of the PAL documentation. This is probably the best way to get an overview of what's available and what PAL can do. (To learn more about Norton Guides if you never heard of them, read .\UTIL\NG\NGREADME.TXT. HTML is the file format used by world-wide web browsers - programs such as Mosaic or NetScape can be used to view it on a variety of machines. PAL also comes with an HTML viewer for the palmtop - check out .\UTIL\HV) How can I contribute, what are the requirements ? ------------------------------------------------- The single most important requirement is a desire to help and contribute. It helps if you are fluent in C, and log on to CompuServe often so that you can stay in touch with the rest of the group. I am the coordinator of the PAL project - to prevent work from being done twice, please let me know what you intend to contribute _before_ actually working on it. (I can also suggest something if you want to help, but aren't sure how). This is especially important if you intend to modify existing parts of PAL - somebody is very likely working on then right now, and coordination is necessary. In all cases, please send your contributions to me for inclusion into PAL - do NOT upload them to HPHAND yourself. You can reach me by posting a message in the "Palmtop Programmers" section (#15) of the HPHAND forum on CompuServe to Gilles Kohl, CIS:100114,3146, or via CISMail. (Please notify before sending binary email)