OVAL
This can be done on the Psion machine itself (using the built-in OPL editor) or by using a PC-based software development kit (SDK), software development environment (SDE) or Psion 'emulator'.
DisclaimerThis page offers no more than a point in the right direction in obtaining the right tools for the job. My own interest and experience is in OPL16 on SIBO machines. I am no programming expert, just a keen amateur, but I hope to be able to point you in the right direction towards the information you need. |
What
is OVAL?
OVAL is a Visual Basic-like application which relies
on graphical user-driver interfaces. OVAL stands for "Object-based Visual
Application Language".
OVAL is code-compatible with Microsoft Visual Basic, and includes over 30 controls that are specially designed for building Psion applications, and takes full advantage of the operating system.
"When developing simple applications for the Workabout, the language of choice has to be OVAL. This object-oriented, GUI-based language is almost identical to Visual Basic 3 language, so will be immediately familiar to a large proportion of the world's developers. It has the same Rapid Application Development (RAD) environment for the PC, which allows the GUI of any Workabout application to be constructed in minutes instead of hours.
For more complicated application, it is always recommended that the native development languages are used, such as C and OPL, as this provides greater flexibility regardless of any RAD tool." (Psion Teklogix)
How do I use OVAL?
Developing an OVAL application is done in a Windows-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and tested with a suitable SIBO system attached to the PC via a serial link cable (RS232 -- see www.serialleads.co.uk or www.posltd.com for more details on the cable).
Where do I get OVAL?
OVAL is a 16-bit Windows application which can now be downloaded free from the Psion Teklogix website (OVAL IDE — 1.91 Mb; Documentation — 33.7 Mb).
In order to download it you must register as a Development Partner; this is free. Go to the Psion Teklogix website and register as a Development Partner.
Once you have registered and logged in you can download
the OVAL IDE from Products | Developer Resources.
"The zip files disk1.zip and disk2.zip can be unzipped onto floppies to recreate the original installation discs, or they can be unzipped into a temporary directory on your PC and then run from there. Either way, double-click on the SETUP.EXE program which will be created when you unzip the download. The OVAL_Manual.zip file contains the complete OVAL manual, and the manual is also broken down by chapter in PDF format for ease of downloading.
There are some issues with the functionality of OVAL and these are documented in the OVALbugs.pdf file. Work on updating OVAL is ongoing and in the future self-help files and new update postings, including a list of outstanding issues, will be posted to the Psion Teklogix site." (Psion Teklogix)
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