Main Module Must Be First Basic File in Program List for PWB (63198)

SUMMARY

The main module in a multiple-module program must be listed as the first Basic source file in the Program List for PWB.EXE (the Programmer's WorkBench) to properly make the EXE file. If a supporting module is listed first, its module-level code (virtually nonexistent in most cases) is treated as the main entry point. This produces an EXE that is approximately the correct size, but does nothing.

To convert a given module in the Program List to the main module, choose that module in the Edit Program List dialog and choose the To Top Of List button.

This information applies to Microsoft Basic Professional Development System (PDS) version 7.10 for MS-DOS and MS OS/2.

MORE INFORMATION

For example, to make a Program List containing everything necessary for the UIDEMO example program, UIDEMO.BAS must be listed at the beginning of the Basic files list. The incorrect and correct orders are demonstrated below.

The following order of files does NOT create a working UIDEMO.EXE:

GENERAL.BAS MENU.BAS MOUSE.BAS UIDEMO.BAS WINDOW.BAS UIASM.OBJ QBX.LIB

The above order does not work because GENERAL is taken as the main module. Since GENERAL.BAS has no executable statements at the module level, the program does nothing when run.

The correct order must have UIDEMO.BAS first:

UIDEMO.BAS GENERAL.BAS MENU.BAS MOUSE.BAS WINDOW.BAS UIASM.OBJ QBX.LIB