Welcome to RExL version 2.1 ! ----------------------------- What is RExL ? -------------- RExL is a fourth generation language product for PC-compatible computers. RExL contains a dBase compatible database module with full indexing capabilities, a comprehensive screen and forms designer, a folding text editor and a debugger and runtime module. It is aimed at people who want to create powerful applications, with a consistent user interface, easily and simply. RExL has its own internal language (with over 180 functions), similar to BASIC, which is linked in a unique way with the concept of rules and logic to make programming more intuitive. The full screen debugger is based upon industry standard products and features step, trace, watch, evaluate, animate, breakpoints and many more useful commands. Why should I use RExL ? ----------------------- RExL scores over other applications development environments because of the intimate way in which the editor, the language and the screens and forms designer are linked. It allows you to use industry compatible data and index files and to swap information with systems such as Clipper, dBase, FoxPro and all other software tools adhering to the dBase standard. There's also a postfix compiler module, available in the registered version, which can produce standalone DOS executable files which run two to four times as fast as the interpreted code used in standard runtime/debugger module. Why is this product distributed via shareware ? ----------------------------------------------- RExL is shareware which means that we do not spend large sums of money promoting our products via advertising. We're therefore able to keep costs down and to concentrate on what we do best: writing excellent software. We also believe that software should be sold like any other commodity, where users can `test-drive' something before they buy it. There's nothing more maddening than spending a few hundred dollars on a package before you discover that it doesn't do what you thought it did. `Try before you buy!' is our motto. What's in this archive : ------------------------ README. - This file WHATSNEW.210 - New features in 2.1. Read this! REXL.EXE - RExL editor REXLRD.EXE - RExL runtime and debugger module LICENSE.DOC - Licensing/ordering and general information about RExL ORDER.FRM - Order form EXAMPLES.EXE - Sample applications and demos. Contains: ADDRESS.RXL : Simple address book application ADDRESS.SCR : Screens for above ADDRESS.DBF : Database for above ADDRESS.NDX : Index file for above ADDRESS.BAT : Batch file to run address book GUIDE.RXL : Brief guide to RExL GUIDE.SCR : Screens for above GUIDE.BAT : Batch file to run guide application SCREENS.RXL : Demonstration of RExL screens SCREENS.SCR : Screen file for above SCREENS.BAT : Batch file to run above FUNCTEST.RXL : Examples of most RExL functions DAT.RXL : Date printing example LOGIC.RXL : Example of rule types and rule logic MCB.RXL : Memory usage display application TINYADDR.RXL : Tutorial version of address application TINYADDR.RXL : Screen file for above DOCS.EXE - RExL documentation and help file. Contains: REXL.DOC : Main RExL Manual APPENDIX.DOC : Appendices to RExL manual REXL.HLP : Online help file When you copy RExL, please make sure that you copy all the files listed above. Nobody gains if they receive the editor without the runtime, the documentation without the executables or whatever! The files APPS.EXE and DOCS.EXE are self extracting archive files. You'll need about 500k free for extracting the 250 pages of documentation plus an additional 195k for the help file. The sample files require about 100k of disk space. The entire set up requires just over one megabyte. The setup in this archive file allows you to create and run applications in RExL with no restrictions in the code. You're getting the full editor and runtime-debugger. When you register your copy of RExL with us, we'll send you the latest version of RExL, the extra utilities and a printed and indexed manual. Note that you cannot distribute applications written in RExL without being a registered user (you'll need the runtime module or postfix compiler, apart from any legal obligations). Ordering : ---------- To order, contact: The Software Loft, Lough Guitane Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland. Tel: [+353] 64-54014 We can also be contacted via electronic mail: Compuserve : 100042,1237 Internet/Bitnet: softloft@iruccvax.ucc.ie See the file LICENSE.DOC for the details on registration, the RExL license and the extra utilities available when you register. Note to users of Version 2.00 : ------------------------------- If you have used RExL version 2.00 and created applications with it, then your applications will have to be exported from version 2.00 using the ASCII|Save file menu option and then reloaded into version 2.10 using the ASCII|Load file option. This is because of updates to the internal listing format. Finally : --------- Thank you for trying out RExL. We hope that it will be of use to you and also hope that you will support us so that we can continue to produce upgrades and widen our product field. -- Robin Hilliard, Head of Development, The Software Loft.