Psion Teklogix WorkaboutMX Software Development Tools

OVAL (Object-based Visual Application Language)

Psion Teklogix OVAL is a complete development environment running under Windows on a PC. OVAL allows developers to write programs for Psion handheld computers using the industry standard Microsoft Visual Basic programming language - although the Windows specific features of Visual Basic are not supported. OVAL makes Rapid Application Development (RAD) possible on Psion handheld machines. This allows users to develop both prototype and finished applications much faster than is possible with traditional programming languages.

Event driven programs make the best use of the Psion operating system and produce intuitive and responsive applications. Event driven programs are hard to write in C but OVAL does most of the work for you allowing even novices to write event driven programs. OVAL provides over thirty controls. Controls provide user interface elements such as buttons, menus and an advanced grid control. Controls are also used to provide access to elements of the operating system such as inter-process messaging and timers.

Advanced users can write their own controls (in C) if they wish to extend OVAL further. New user interface elements can be added this way. Hidden controls can also be added to provide interfaces to new services or processor intensive code that requires the speed advantage of using C. The OVAL development environment provides the following features:

Visual layout of controls on forms, code editor with syntax color highlighting resource string editor, application help text editor, support for icons and bitmaps, a fully featured debugger full on-line help and downloading of the application and data files to the target machine BAS files from Microsoft Visual Basic projects can be used without modification in an OVAL project as long as the code in the BAS file contains no Windows specific keywords. The database handling Visual Basic keywords are fully supported giving easy access to dBase III and IV and Psion's own DBF format databases.

OPL Software Development Kit

OPL is documented in the standard Workabout User Guide, and in the Programming Manual, which is available for a small charge from MOBIS. Although you can use this information to develop OPL programs on the machines themselves, for serious application development you will need the OPL Software Development Kit (SDK), which provides the detailed information required to develop professional applications for SIBO based machines.

The OPL SDK contains a Computer User Reference, Workabout User Reference, User Reference ,Series 3 User Reference, Programming Guide, OPL Library, Technical Reference, Development Tools Reference, 0/S Systems Services, Devices Reference and Hardware Reference. The Professional version of the OPL SDK also includes a copy of the ODE Development Environment for OPL.

ODE for Windows

Object Development Environment (ODE) for Windows: ODE is an integrated OPL development environment that runs under Windows. It provides an integrated set of tools that make it easier to develop OPL applications. While ODE is suitable for developing simple applications and creating prototypes for demonstration purposes, you will need the information supplied in the full 'OPL SDK' for more serious programming. ODE provides the facilities to edit your code, translate it, check its syntax with '`Lint' and then run it on the target machine. All this can be achieved from the PC, under the PC's control As ODE is a Windows program it features a standard Windows-style user interface, with menus, resizable windows and icons.

ODE enables you to manage OPL projects, that is, OPL programs that consist of a number of files. These files may be OPL source modules, data files, picture files, etc. ODE allows you to set up a project list that contains the names of all the files associated with the current project. When a particular file in the list is changed, ODE will ensure that it gets downloaded to the target machine correctly. This makes it easier to keep files up to date and allows the developer to concentrate on the program itself.

MOBIS ADAPT (A Rapid application generator)

ADAPT is an Application Generator for Windows 95 and NT platforms designed to work with the PSION Workabout hand held computer. ADAPT allows you to create a hand held data collection system in just a few minutes. The data you collect can then be downloaded to your PC providing a link between the PC and the portability and convenience of a hand held computer.

In creating your data collection system with ADAPT you will define the structure and content on one data record with up to 15 fields. For each field you define the name, size, input device (keyboard, or Barcode, date or time) and the prompt that you want to appear on the PSION Workabout screen. When you have finished describing the record to be collected, ADAPT will generate a custom OPL program that will perform the data collection functions using the parameters you selected. ADAPT will then assist you in transferring your new application to your desired destination on the PSION Workabout. After your data has been collected your data will be sent in ASCII Comma Delimited format.

The Psion Teklogix C SDK

An application written in C must be developed on a PC and downloaded to the target machine with an appropriate serial cable. You need to use the Clarion TopSpeed C package, which supports the specific requirements of the SIBO (SIxteen Bit Organizer) architecture. Applications are written on the PC using either the TopSpeed environment or another program editor, such as Brief. When successfully compiled and linked, the program is transferred to and run on the target machine, normally with the aid of the SIBO debugger that is provided with the C SDK. Those parts of the software that do not depend on the user interface code (which is specific to each type of target machine) may be debugged locally on the PC. The Psion C SDK provides the information required to develop applications in the C language for Psion SIBO based products.

Psion Teklogix Workabout Development Tools:

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