posted 08-01-2003 07:20 PM         

The main new feature in this beta is support for multi-line parsing, which is ideal for scripting. It is not sufficiently described in the help file. For now, you'll see an example of how it works, in the file called Test.Bas. Search the file for ucMultiLine. This file runs only in PowerBASIC. (There are demo files for Delphi, VB, and other compilers. Those demonstrate many, but not all features).

If UCalc FMP 2.0 is the last version you've tried, you will find a long list of other features in the beta help file, under What's New.

The following info is mostly a cut-and-paste from the previous beta announcement, but with a revised rough guess for the final beta, and of course a new download link.

Note about the help file
The help file has more information and is probably clearer than the previous beta, but it is still incomplete. The Delphi and C++ examples are not up-to-date. The VB examples are the ones to go with for now. But even a number of those may not be completely correct. The most accurate examples are found in the source code for the demo programs themselves. There are demo programs for PowerBASIC, Visual Basic, VC++, Delphi, and BCB++. There are additional examples in the Test.Bas file, but that one is only for PB.

Note to VB and VC++ users
The speed enhancements can best be felt for now in PowerBASIC, Borland C++ Builder, and Delphi. Unfortunately, VB and VC++ lag behind (though they should still work faster than with the non-beta version 2.0). Hopefully, once certain things are sorted out, the speed gap should be narrower.

Release date
It is still too early to give an estimate that can be considered even roughly accurate. The end is starting to get into focus. However, there is still a lot of work left. Some key milestones were jotted down. If they are reached, and things continue to go smoothly, it is quite possible for a final beta to be ready within 6 months. But, it's possible for it to take longer. The plan is to take however much time as necessary for every last detail to be implemented correctly.

Disclaimers
* There is no guaranty as to the date of release for the next version.
* There is no guaranty as to which features will make it in the next version.
* There is no guaranty as to the suitability of the beta versions for purposes other than beta testing.
* All parts of the beta version are subject to change without notice, and without regard to compatibility from one beta version to the next.
* Hints by me about the next version given via e-mail, online forums, or other method of contact should not be considered as promises of any kind.
* A license for the beta cannot be purchased. While the next version remains in beta, only a license for version 2.0 can currently be purchased.

To download the August 2003 beta, click on http://www.ucalc.com/mathparser/beta/ucaug03b.zip

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Daniel Corbier
UCalc FMP author