
                        StrongBS v2.09 (22nd Feb 1998)
                          Mohsen Alshayef 1993-1998

                          email: mohsen@qatar.net.qa


Who is it for?
==============

StrongBS is a very powerful and flexible BASIC programs' compressor.
StrongBS is made for all BASIC programmers who want to distribute their
programs in BASIC, without having others modify or understand what is happening
in their programs.

It is a very big advantage for lazy programmers who do not have a good
programming style but are able to make working programs.

The application is built around 62 different program utilities. Rather than
having separate, many, utilities, StrongBS combines all these into one
modular application.




                            StrongBS main features
                          --------------------------


          Produces the most compact BASIC program ever.
          All compression options are under user control including the
           removal of REMarks and spaces.
          Over 55 (and growing) compression options to reduce the size of
           your program to the minimum possible.
          Modular design. You can add you own code and routines through a
           very simple interface, they will automatically appear as part
           of StrongBS
          User defined compression modes. Select the options you like and
           define your mode so that by one click you can configure all squash
           options you frequently use.
          Handles assembler listings very well and produces a very tight
           code that the BASIC interpreter can assemble.
          Contains many options and methods never used in other BASIC
           compressor programs before.
          Easily handles an already compressed BASIC program.
           
           In addition to the common methods used by other BASIC compressor
           utilities, the following are new feature unique to StrongBS:
                                                    ------------------
            1. Evaluation of expressions.
            2. Removal of unused variables.
            3. Removal of the Not-Equal sign.
            4. Removal of SYS statements.
            5. Removal of brackets.
            6. Removal of WHEN and OTHERWISE statements.
            7. Removal the STEP token.
            8. Removal the ALIGN directive.
            9. Removal of user defined debug code.
           10. True removal of garbage lines.
           11. True removal of colons.
           12. Conversion of the CHR$ token.
           13. Conversion of spaces.
           14. Conversion strings.
           15. Conversion of memory operators.
           16. Conversion of the TRUE token.
           17. Concatenation of strings.
           18. Concatenation of multi-line IF structure.
           19. Concatenation of DATA lines.
           20. Concatenation of READ statements.
           21. Concatenation of DIM statements and lines.
           22. Concatenation of LOCAL statements and lines.
           23. Concatenation of VDU statements.
           24. Concatenation of assembler directives.
           25. Removal and conversion of assembler mnemonics.
         * 26. Removal of nil variables.
           27. Removal and conversion of empty routines.
         * 28. Conversion of common numbers to variables.
           29. Auto generation of Application code using additional compression.
           30. Conversion of assembler instructions into code!!
           31. Automatic linking of library files.
           
       Other main features are:
             
          Handles line number references, as many GOTO's as you like!
          Copes with badly written and badly structured programs. Does not
           complain and doesn't ask you to change your habit of programming.
           As long as it works, do it the way you like. StrongBS will try
           its best to compress it.
          Handles LIBRARY files automatically.
          Handles the EVAL function through use of defined locked variables
           either by building in your program or through a special file.
          Options to keep first REM line or all start REM line in your
           program.
          Option to attach (insert) your pre-defined REMs automatically at
           the start of the compressed output file.
          Removes all garbage and junk lines between procedures and anywhere
           else in the program. Knows what a true BASIC line from a dummy one.
          8 type of concatenations that drastically squeeze your code to the
           limit.
          Automatically removes all those unused codes, procedures and
           functions.
          Automatically removes that debugging code that you don't want to
           appear in the output file.
          Evaluates number expression to give you shorter numbers.
          Removes brackets and knows when those brackets you used are not
           needed.
          Simple user interface, no fiddling with script files.
          Progress display while compressing.
          True compression percentage of your result code!
          Written in assembler for fast execution. Respectable speed.
          Easy fix of any bugs and improvements.
          Automatic line numbering.
          Future planned cross-referencing outputs.
          Through user configured modes, the application can be used for
           any purpose, not only a compressor.
             
                 Hope you find StrongBS useful 
         
       If you have any idea for improvement, please let me know.
         
       If you want StrongBS to do any specific task not already included or
       do it in a different way, let me know so that I can make a tailored
       version that suits your requirements.





History:
========

StrongBS started back on the days of the BBC Micro as a little BASIC program
to remove remarks and spaces.
In 1994, a beta version 1.18 was release for the Archimedes under the name
"BSquasher". BSquaher v1.18 is still distributed by the APDL. I recommend that
you discontinue using BSquasher and use StrongBS instead.

Now 1997, two months back (Jan), started re-coding the application, and produced
a new version, "StrongBS". Many features have been added and many many
changes.


How to use the application?
===========================

             Read the Manual !!!! Read the FAQ's in the manual.
             
Once installed, drag a BASIC file onto the StrongBS icon or its window.
Only valid tokenised BASIC programs will be accepted.

Select the "Squash" button and there you go. It can't be simpler.

When compression is finished, drag the result file to an open directory
viewer to save it.


              Hope you find StrongBS useful 
                                       


StrongBS  Mohsen Alshayef 1993-1998

Contact details:
----------------

Mohsen Alshayef,
email: mohsen@qatar.net.qa
