The collected works of DDT

jan-jaap wrote: 6.5.22, and probably 6.5.21 are broken on IP26 . Maybe even as far back as 6.5.18.
I've had 6.5.14 running on it at some point and it worked. My IP26 runs IRIX 6.2 and is not affected.


Acknowledged.
I am using 6.5.10 on my IP26 because trying to upgrade to 6.5.22 is impossible (as described in your link).
Anyway, I find 6.2 much faster on R8000... I would recommend keeping 6.2 if you don't need 6.5 extra features.
Great !
I'll give it a try on the IP26 ;)
jan-jaap wrote:
DDT wrote: I'll give it a try on the IP26 ;)

The crucial part is that the patch is installed before the rqsall run at the end of the overlay installation. That way you're sure to use the rqs from the patch, not from the 6.5.22 overlays. Hence the network installation (install servers rule :D )

Also, I've tested this on IP21, not IP26 -- if you nuke it you're on your own.


Thanks for the hints.
No problem if it does not work, I have already nuked the machine about 3 times ;) .
Hi Laurent,
Just curiousity: why are you searching for a BASIC int/comp ?
fzalfa wrote: i look for t his stuff for my son initiation, not old enought to understand C/C++

Laurent


I see.
Just before learning BASIC language on a ZX Spectrum, when I was 8 years old, my father explained to me how to program simple algorithms on an HP-10c calculator (RPN), such as the area of a triangle.
Math was simple and straight, so was the calculator: this was one of the few enlightening math lessons I have ever had.
You cannot feel lost if you can only go in one direction...
Depending on the age of your son, you may want to start with more basic programming than BASIC language ;) .
maxsleg wrote:
BASIC really isn't useful for anything.
It might be better teaching him another interpreted language that has real-world use, like Perl, Python or Ruby.
All of these are available on IRIX. In fact, IRIX ships with Perl (old version, but there anyway).


hmm - I bet the whole generation of programmers brought up in the 80's on Spectrums and BBC's and AppleII would disagree strongly. This core of BASIC programmers has gone on to do a lot.
With a BASIC in ROM you could use the machine out of the box, sure it was limited but BASIC is forgiving and very easy to learn.
BASIC is a useful, easy to learn (and remember) language....


Being one of the '80 generation, you bet right.
Perl is just a way to learn how NOT to program.
BASIC is plain, simple and fun. Children want to see/hear things asap and a BASIC with gfx/audio commands is strongly recommended.
Forget OOP: not for children.
And I would rather choose COBOL/FORTRAN than Perl/Python/Ruby as the first language to learn.

My personal suggestion:
Try with BASIC (with gfx/sound), then if your son is willing to know more, go directly to Assembly to check for real passion.
Great coders perfectly know (but seldom use) Assembly language.
nvukovlj wrote: Suggesting that assembler should be used after BASIC was funny though. We are no longer in the 80's...
Nik.


Hi Nik,
As weird as it seems, skipping Assembly is the reason why there are a lot of mediocre programmers.

Your sentence sounds like: "To learn how to drive a car, it is not a good idea to study how the engine works because we are no longer in the 80's".
(Actually eighteen-80's :) ).

int oneInt = 1;
char oneChar = '1';
if (oneInt == oneChar) {

Barkas wrote: And python does not train your mind into the limitations basic (or even C/C++) has - like types or brackets.
}
else {

.. Types and brackets are NOT a limitation :)
}
Dodoid wrote:
foetz wrote: the R8000 had floating point errors in 1998


What kind of errors ?
Dodoid wrote:
o First to ensure that a rare and specific bug in floating point
calculation that has been found in some older R8000 systems does
not become an issue at JCU. I have run tests on Octopus and
it would seem that this bug is not an issue for us at JCU.


Uhm... I assume we are talking about the mysterious "prefetch bug" described in the intangible "R8000 errata sheet" (no one seems to have a copy of).
Note that prefetch instructions are not technically FPU instructions. Maybe the bug will affect FPU calculations if prefetch instructions are used. It would be great to have a copy of the errata sheet.

The other "problem" of the R8000 FPU is that the MADD instruction is not compliant with IEEE specs. The reason being that it is too precise. This is actually not a bug but a feature, but might cause problems when strict IEEE compliance is required.