FreeBASIC compiler issues Error 82 on Linux system

[ScorchOS]

I'm following the barebones tutorial to create a minimal kernel in FreeBASIC and build on it, but I'm having issues with the compiler.

While using the string:

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fbc -c -o kernel.o kernel.bas

I get the following error:

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error 82: Missing command-line option for, "-o"

I've tried this with the native as, ld, etc. and with the cross-compiled ones and still no joy. On removing the '-o' option I get the error:

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kernel.asm: Assembler messages:
kernel.asm:17: Error: undefined symbol `PIPE' in operation

I have a good knowledge of FreeBASIC, but I am unsure as to why the <PIPE> token is used in the tutorial (and therefore can't figure out a code work-around)

If anyone else has experience this problem and found a solution, I would be very grateful! (I'm running Ubuntu Intrepid and I have tried both the standalone and standard FreeBASIC packages).

[DeletedAccount]

BS and unfounded insults removed. - Combuster

[Combuster]

@Shrek: DO NOT POST (NONSENSE) WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT

I wrote and tested the tutorial a while back, using Freebasic 0.16. In the meantime i'm up to 0.20 and several things have changed. I have updated the compiler and runtime in my own project with few problems (mainly the preprocessor). using -c -o apparently does not work anymore (shame on the devs) and the method my makefile uses is to

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fbc -c file.bas -o file.o

I just checked on my dev machine and that should fix that problem (be fixing that shortly in the tutorial)

I'm looking at the <pipe> thing - looks like the syntax highlighter messed that up since it doesn't exist in the source. (be fixing that shortly as well)

Let me know if it works now

[ScorchOS]

Thanks for the help! Yes, your solution does work and I no longer get the Error 82 message (I'm almost gutted the solution was so simple!). The only thing preventing the compile now is the '<PIPE>' error, so I look forward to the next update to the tutorial

Sorry for being slow to respond. On the upside, I think I may have missed the response you blocked.

[Combuster]

The tutorial was updated before you posted

[ScorchOS]

Thanks for your help - I hadn't expected such a quick response.

[ScorchOS]

As an aside, what has your experience been of trying to get bitwise shifts working in FreeBASIC?

I've been using the SHL and SHR operators (which works with desktop apps though I haven't yet tried it with my kernel GDT), but is there a more orthodox method in FreeBASIC? It could just be that I'm thinking in terms of C (where you simply use '<<' or '>>').

[Combuster]

SHL and SHR are not native basic, and even then, they are more basic than << or >> would be. Remember its not meant to be "unreadable" like c

Still if you're looking for the true BASIC way, you can always multiply or divide by 2,4,8,16,32,...

[ScorchOS]

lol I'm still transitioning from a C/VB.NET background so it seems a little odd to have near-English sounding syntax.

As a final, final aside, I'm presently trying to pass a reference in FreeBASIC. More specifically, I've been trying to pass the reference of an array into a variable as part of a GDT setup routine.
C Sample code:

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Type.variable = &refOfAnotherVariable

I've tried the 'addressof' ('@') operator, but I suspect this produces a pointer as it keeps asking for an array index. Am I once again trying to do something in a C-style way?!

[Combuster]

If you want a C style pointer to an array, use @(array(0)). But do consider if the ByRef keyword is more suitable for what you want.

[ScorchOS]

Thanks for your help. I'll give ByRef a go, but failing that I will use a C-style pointer. When you use a language it's always better to use native syntax than to try and emulate another one..