Major compatibility issues

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Summary:

Programs that are "compatible". (But aren't)

Major compatibility issues

TI83Plus 05 Nov 2017 14:25

This is my opinion and feedback. Please don't say "stop complaining" without actual feedback or reasoning.
If possible, I recommend a redoing of the compatibility section in the submit program form.
There are many problems I found, some at the fault of the programmer, and some for the website. (No offence.)
Here is a list of some issues I found (mostly applies to games, not math programs):

1. Ti-83/+ only programs have to be listed as ti83/84/se, even though it runs too fast on those later machines to be usable.
2. People who list ti84 programs as ti-83 compatible, even though it runs too slow to be usable.
3. Some programs I found were "Ti-83 compatible" but have ti-84 only commands. They don't or barely work at all. (Even if you don't use emulators, this is a very obvious issue)

As someone with only a TI-83+, these can be frustrating.

I recommend that:

1. The site adds options for each calculator group.
2. Programmers test their programs for usability before saying it's backwards or forwards compatible. If an obvious lie is found, then they should change the form. (If you don't want to use emulated ROMs, then at least assume that there could be a speed issue)
3. If you program on an 83+, or a regular 84+, add an option (if possible) to change a loop variable or something for later calcs that slow down the program enough to be playable.

Re: Major compatibility issues

Trenly 05 Nov 2017 16:32

There actually are options for “84+/SE” “84+ 2.xx MP” “84+ CE” and “84+ CSE”

Not everybody has the option to test backwards and forwards capabilities. Not to mention that even two of the same model calculator could have those so called “speed compatabilites” since the processors on each calculator run at slightly different speeds.

I personally think that the compatability means only the commands used in the program. In other words, “The program will run on these calculators:”. If you ever have an issue where it is unplayable do to speed, that just means you need to change one or two lines where the timing occurs. It does not mean it will not run on that model calculator. If the game is unplayable due to speed, almost anyone here at the forums is willing to help fix it. All you have to do is post a thread asking what needs to be changed in the code.

As a side note, emulators can run faster than normal calculators since they use the computers processor and logic board which tend to be a little faster than the processor and logic board of a calculator. So saying thata program is too fast to be usable, for you may be true but for others may not be.

Whether or not programmers add in speed adjustment variables depends on if they want to or not. There is no way to force people to add speed ajustment to all their games, and some games it doesnt matter what speed they run at.

Overall, the only decent suggestion I see could possibly be adding an 83+ only category; however, as I said earlier, I believe compatability to refer only to the commands used. Therefore, all 83+ programs will run on an 84+ and are technically compatible.

Re: Major compatibility issues

TI83Plus 05 Nov 2017 17:36

Response: [Also: I am not trying to criticize programmers. They have free choice. It'd just be nice to actually KNOW what their program will be usable on.]

• I see what you mean with just adding the timing to slow things down, I was just saying it'd be nice to have it included in the program's options.
• When the program is designed for an 84, then you should say it's for the 84. Yes it'll "technically" work, but that's like saying you can "technically" run GTA 5 on a bad PC. No one wants an unplayable game.
• Also, some programs said it was 83 compatible when it used 84 commands. There's little excuse for that. (If you can put it on a PC and submit it to a website, you can check the compatibility thread)
• Emulators might be slightly faster, but it's still obvious if something runs incorrectly.

Summary: I just want to be able to download a program and not have to guess which model it was designed for. At least say it in the description.

Re: Major compatibility issues

Battlesquid 05 Nov 2017 17:44

But do you read the README? :P

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Re: Major compatibility issues

TI83Plus 05 Nov 2017 17:54

Not all programs have a readme, and of those that do, not all include system information. Also, I'd have to download, extract, and THEN see if it might have info that it might work.
At least put something as important as the system it's running on in the description. (Again, imagine downloading a PC game and THEN seeing the specs required)
sigh… I guess I have an unusual opinion about this.

Re: Major compatibility issues

Battlesquid 05 Nov 2017 18:10

A side suggestion (I know this would have to go through the approval of other staff members), would you like to see a archive approval system again (I think this was implemented in the earlier years of the TIBD)? This means programs must be approved before showing up in the actual archives. Along with this would be some guidelines for submissions. Thoughts?

(p.s., you can view a txt file without extracting the whole folder)

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Last edited on 05 Nov 2017 18:12 by Battlesquid Show more

Re: Major compatibility issues

TI83Plus 05 Nov 2017 18:34

I think that the guidelines and approval are good ideas. Having fact-checked programs would make the archive more trustworthy and give it a more professional image.

Re: Major compatibility issues

wifijoe 06 Nov 2017 13:01

What I have seen in this is that stuff will run on the 83+, but it'll be slower than what you want, like you're saying. Being one that has used both calculators (and owning both) I try to write for both, but it is very hard, because of said speed issues.