DM41 to Unicode FOCAL Converter

Table of Contents

DM41 to Unicode FOCAL Converter #

Step into the retro brilliance of the HP-41CX with hp41cx_tools-dm41_to_unicode, a clever tool that converts DM41-encoded FOCAL source code (.dm41.focal) to Unicode format (.utf8.focal). Built in Ada 2022 for rock-solid reliability, this filter masterfully handles special characters (~, ^, #) with context-sensitive conversions and restores XROM key assignments (e.g., ; KEY = XOR -81) to ensure Unicode compatibility. Part of the work-in-progress hp41cx_tools suite, it’s tested with Make (make test) and runs flawlessly on macOS, Linux, and Windows, surpassing Windows-only tools.

Features #

Smart Conversion: Transforms .dm41.focal (ASCII, double quotes) to .utf8.focal (Unicode, HP-style quotes), with precise handling of special characters and XROM commands.
Context-Sensitive Handling:
- In ALPHA Strings:
  - ~ → Σ
  - ^ → ↑
  - \x1D → ≠
- In Commands:
  - ENTER → ENTER↑
  - ^ → ↑
  - S → Σ
  - # → ≠
XROM Handling: Restores XROM key assignments (e.g., ; KEY = XOR -81) from double-comments, preserving standard key assignments (e.g., ; KEY = TONE 42).
Pipe-Friendly: Reads from standard input and writes to standard output, ideal for scripting and pipelines.
Cross-Platform: Works on macOS, Linux, and Windows, perfect for any retro computing setup.
Open Source: Explore the code on SourceForge.
Comprehensive Docs: Explore detailed guides via GNATdoc.
Robust Testing: Backed by AUnit tests via make test for reliable performance.

Usage #

No command-line options—just pipe DM41 FOCAL code in and get Unicode code out:

hp41cx_tools-dm41_to_unicode < in_program.dm41.focal > out_program.utf8.focal

Example Output #

; STACK =  8.760000000E+02  8.000000000E+00  8.000000000E+00  0.000000000E+00  1.000000000E+00
; ALPHA = ⊤⊤
; SIZE =  100
; ΣREG =  11
; FLAGS = 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0011 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 0000 0000
; A: 09999999999000  B: 000000300000fd  C: 00000000300008
; S: 00101000001000
; M: 000018a5ff83d3  N: 1931a7001691a6  G: 90
; REG000 =  8.000000000E+00  8.000000000E+00  4.000000000E+00  1.000000000E+00
; REG004 =  3.000000000E+00  6.000000000E+00  2.000000000E+00  7.000000000E+00
; REG008 =  5.000000000E+00  0.000000000E+00  8.760000000E+02  8.000000000E+00
LBL ⊤NQUEENS⊤
LBL A
CLRG
8
STO 11
LBL 00
RCL 00
RCL 11
X=Y?
GTO 04
ISG 00
DEG
STO IND 00
LBL 01
ISG 10
DEG
RCL 00
STO 09
LBL 02
DSE 09
DEG
RCL 09
X=0?
GTO 00
RCL IND 00
RCL IND 09
-
X=0?
GTO 03
ABS
RCL 00
RCL 09
-
X≠Y?
GTO 02
LBL 03
DSE IND 00
GTO 01
DSE 00
GTO 03
LBL 04
RCL 10
RTN
.END.

Notes

Input/Output: Reads .dm41.focal (ASCII, double quotes) and outputs .utf8.focal (Unicode, HP-style quotes).
Character Handling: Uses AdaCL.Wide_Strings.Spitbol.Patterns for context-sensitive substitutions, as regular expressions fall short for distinguishing ALPHA strings, commands, and XROM assignments.
Work in Progress: Part of the evolving hp41cx_tools suite, with more features planned.

Relive the HP-41CX’s golden era with this sharp converter, transforming DM41 code into Unicode elegance with the precision of a vintage calculator!