Visual DialogScript: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:34, 5 January 2023

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'''Visual DialogScript''' (VDS) is an [[Interpreted language|interpreted]] [[programming language]] for [[Microsoft Windows]]. It can be used to create small and fast programs. VDS has a large number of dialog and graphicalgraphic elements available to create professional -looking programs. VDS programs have access to the [[Windows API]]; therefore, it is possible to write applications that can perform the same advanced tasks as other programming languages such as [[Visual Basic]], [[C++]], or [[Delphi (programming language)|Delphi]].

==Language==

Unlike other programming languages, the syntax of VDS is very simple.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jm-tech.com/vdstour.html |title=Visual DialogScript - A Quick Tour |website=www.jm-tech.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980125155047/http://www.jm-tech.com/vdstour.html |archive-date=25 January 1998 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Each command occupies one line, and has a plain English name that clearly describes its purpose. Variables are typeless, and can hold many kinds of information, for example, numbers or text. Functions are clearly distinguishable with names that start with '[[At sign|@]]', just like a spreadsheet.

The DialogScript language has a simple syntax, not unlike the MS-DOS batch language. It is designed for ease of use and efficiency when being interpreted by the run-time engine. There are 10 system variables, %0 to %9, which initially have the script file name in %0 and command line parameters in %1 through %9, just as in a batch file. There are also a further 26 user variables, from %A to %Z. The contents of all variables (including system ones) can be changed once the script is running. There are now also 4032 global variables. These variables begin with %%, a letter, then alphanumerics plus underscores (e.g., %%my_variable_1.) There is no limit on the length of these user-defined variable names.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visual DialogScript Home - Overview |url=http://www.dialogscript.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44&Itemid=129 |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=www.dialogscript.com}}</ref>

==Syntax examples==

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==History==

Visual DialogScript was created by Julian Moss (1953 – October 24, 2014<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/feature/software/tribute-julian-moss-1953-2014-3582730/|title = A tribute to Julian Moss: 1953 - 2014}}</ref>) of JM-Tech/Tech-Pro Ltd. In 1998, after version 3.0, Emmanuel Daunizeau of S.A.D.E. sarl, took over the ownership and development of VDS, modifying and improving its syntax. Currently, VDS is marketed by the British company Commercial Research Ltd. and is still the property of Emmanuel Daunizeau who; continues to develop it.

Several versions of VDS have been released over time:

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==Currently available versions==

There are several versions available for download:

# '''Personal Visual DialogScript (PVDS) 4:''' This freeware version is intended for students and home PC users. The package includes a short tutorial and full online help, which includes many example scripts. The software is not licensable for commercial use. This version is incapable of producing compiled executable files; however, compiling files is not necessary, as a script file can be executed directly by opening it from [[Windows Explorer]] on any system that has PVDS installed on it.

# '''Visual DialogScript 2.5 (16-Bit Edition):''' This version marked the last release for Windows 3.1+ (16-bit).

# '''Visual DialogScript 5:''' This version is for power users, business users, and professional developers who use&mdash;or are developing scripts for&mdash;Windows 95/98/ME or Windows NT/2000/XP. This version can create compiled executable files, and includes a royalty-free run-time license (once registered). Additional features include an icon editor and support for many add-on extensions. As a 32-bit program, it supports long filenames, task bar tray icons, unlimited length strings and string lists and the Windows Registry. This legacy version is now available for download for registered users and is not available for purchase.