README FILE FOR AmiIconV9P.lha

This archive contains a complete Icon V9 package for the Amiga.

Icon language features supported include:

	co-expressions
	direct execution
	environment variables
	external functions
	large integers
	pipes
	string invocation
	system function

The direct execution is implemented by embedding the icode into an
ARexx script.  The pipes feature is implemented using Per Bojsen's
APipe-Handler, which is included with the package.

The package includes complete on-line documentation in AmigaGuide format
and an Amiga Installer script.

Workbench execution is supported.  The icont translator creates
Workbench project icons for the executable icode files.  These can be
executed by double-clicking the icon, and can receive filename
arguments via multi-selection.  ToolTypes for the project icon allow
redirection of stdin, stdout and stderr to files, windows or devices.
The sizes of the various memory blocks can also be controlled through
ToolTypes. 

Translation can be done from the Workbench by double-clicking the icont
tool icon.  Source file names may be passed by multi-selection, but if
no arguments are passed then icont prompts for source files with a file
requester.

A flexible and convenient integrated programming environment has been
implemented by incorporating ARexx interfaces into both iconx and icont. 
Whenever either program encounters an errors it posts an error message as
an ARexx clip.  On exit, if errors occurred, an ARexx script is called
to process the clips, calling a text editor or error message browser.
Any editor can be used (although an ARexx-compatible editor will be more
useful).  Sample scripts are included which implement automatic error
correction with memacs as well as with the SAS/C message browser scmsg.

When the archive is unpacked it creates a drawer named IconV9 into
which all of the files are placed.  You may unpack the archive
anywhere that you like.  But if you do it in the directory where you
would like the root of the Icon hierarchy to live, then the installer
does not have to copy any files.  After unpacking the archive
double-click on Install_IconV9 to install.

The main feature that is missing from this package is graphics.
With luck this will be added within the next few months. 

Marc Culler
22 May 1996
culler@math.uic.edu