Re: HypercardGS

[dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <D2q71H.B2u@dorsai.org>,
James OReilly <joreilly@news.dorsai.org> wrote:
> Can HypercardGS read Hypercard stacks or programs?

Not directly.  There is a utility program called HyperMover which does
most of the work needed to translate a stack between HyperCard Mac and
HyperCard IIgs (or vice versa).

HyperMover is a pair of stacks, one for HyperCard IIgs and the other
for HyperCard Mac.  Each "half" is required, along with both versions
of HyperCard and each type of computer.  Some method is needed for
transferring files between the computers.


One end of HyperMover decomposes the original stack, creating a large
set of data files, containing the graphics, scripts and organisational
structure of the stack.  These files are then copied to the other
computer and fed into the other end of HyperMover, which creates the stack.

The translation process isn't perfect.  The main problems:

- External commands and functions (XCMDs and XFCNs) cannot be
transferred.  The XCMD/XFCN must be implemented again on the other
version of HyperCard, or another method must be found to perform its
function.

- Graphics resolutions are different, so the pictures will need
editing, and the buttons and fields may need to be resized and
repositioned.

- Button and field overlapping order is not preserved (buttons are
correct in relation to other buttons, and fields in relation to other
fields).

- Colour in the IIgs stack will be lost when translating to the Mac,
and no colour will be added when translating to the IIgs (the stack
should be modified to use colour, since a black and white stack looks
pretty boring on the IIgs).

- There are some differences in the scripting languages and facilities
provided by the Mac and IIgs versions of HyperCard.  HyperMover makes
no attempt to resolve these.

You will have most success translating Mac HyperCard stacks that were
written for HyperCard 1.2.5 or earlier.  HyperCard IIgs is based on
Mac HyperCard 1.2.5, with some features from versions 2.0 and 2.1
(more of which were added in HyperCard IIgs 1.1).


It can be a major exercise translating a stack.  It is even harder if
you didn't write the stack and are not familiar with its inner
workings and scripts.

The other point to consider is that if you want to translate a
freeware, shareware or commercial stack, you should seek permission of
the stack's author, especially if you intend to distribute the
translated version.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand