QuickBasic Compile Errors Not Given in M.EXE Editor; No BC /Z (39362)

SUMMARY

QuickBasic versions 1.x, 2.x, 3.00, 4.00, 4.00b, and 4.50 do not generate the error message format necessary for the Microsoft Editor (M.EXE). You can compile programs from within the M.EXE Editor, but return code 4 (which is an ARG COMPILE return code stating an error occurred) will not give the error message inside the M.EXE Editor program.

Note: The Microsoft M.EXE Editor is not provided with the QuickBasic package. The Microsoft Editor is provided with Microsoft Basic Compiler versions 6.00 and 6.00b for MS-DOS and MS OS/2, with Microsoft Basic Professional Development System (PDS) version 7.00 for MS-DOS and MS OS/2, and with some Microsoft system languages.

MORE INFORMATION

The BC.EXE environment that comes with QuickBasic versions 4.50 and earlier does not allow the /Z option, which produces the proper error message format for the M.EXE Editor. However, the /Z option is supported by the BC.EXE environment provided with Microsoft Basic Compiler versions 6.00 and 6.00b for MS-DOS and OS/2. Adding the following line to the TOOLS.INI file under section [M] will allow the BC.EXE version 6.00 or 6.00b environment to be used from within the M.EXE Editor:

   EXTMAKE:BAS BC /Z %|F;

If this EXTMAKE line is in the TOOLS.INI and ARGCOMPILE is set to F5 (ARGCOMPILE:F5) in the TOOLS.INI file, pressing F5 while editing Basic source code in the M.EXE Editor causes BC.EXE to be invoked. If BC.EXE finds errors, they are returned correctly to the M.EXE Editor and the cursor is placed on the first error.