Refactor Fonts To Use Dat2c During Make

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Introduction

The Allegro Library contains programs to convert fonts to ASM, which are then "data" in the built executable used by allegro. However, on x86_64 platforms, the generated code does not work. This is a common issue that can be resolved by converting the data to C files instead and updating necessary code to use this new data. In this article, we will explore a theory on how to work around this issue with minimal effort.

Understanding the Issue

A quick glance at the Allegro Library's code reveals that only fonts are used by dat2s during a make build. This suggests that the issue is specific to font conversion and can be addressed by refactoring the font conversion process.

]$ grep -r dat2s ./*
./autom4te.cache/output.0:#		dat2s "./src/fonts.dat" XTRA_DIST = \
./autom4te.cache/output.2:#		dat2s "./src/fonts.dat" XTRA_DIST = \
./autom4te.cache/output.1:#		dat2s "./src/fonts.dat" XTRA_DIST = \
./configure:#		dat2s "./src/fonts.dat" XTRA_DIST = \
./configure~:#		dat2s "./src/fonts.dat" XTRA_DIST = \
./configure.in:#		dat2s "./src/fonts.dat" XTRA_DIST = \
./src/Makefile:	dat2s fonts.dat -o fonts.s -h fonts.h -p font
./src/Makefile.am:	dat2s fonts.dat -o fonts.s -h fonts.h -p font
./src/Makefile.in:	dat2s fonts.dat -o fonts.s -h fonts.h -p font
./src/fonts.h:/* Allegro data file definitions, produced by dat2s v4.2.2, Unix *

Current Builds Cannot Complete

As mentioned earlier, current builds cannot complete without this refactor on 64-bit platforms/cpus, which are basically all Linux platforms, most of which have dropped i386 support. This is a significant issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the Allegro Library can be built and used on modern systems.

Refactoring Fonts to Use Dat2c

To refactor fonts to use dat2c during make, we need to follow these steps:

  1. Update Font Conversion Process: We need to update the font conversion process to use dat2c instead of dat2s. This involves modifying the Makefile and Makefile.am to use dat2c.
  2. Generate C Files: We need to generate C files instead of ASM files for the fonts. This involves modifying the dat2c program to generate C files.
  3. Update Necessary Code: We need to update necessary code to use the new font data. This involves modifying the Allegro Library's code to use the new font data.

Benefits of Refactoring

Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make has several benefits:

  • Improved Compatibility: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make improves compatibility with modern systems, which are mostly 64-bit platforms/cpus.
  • Simplified Code: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make simplifies the code and reduces the complexity of the font conversion process.
  • Increased Flexibility: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during increases flexibility and allows for easier modification of the font conversion process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make is a necessary step to ensure the Allegro Library can be built and used on modern systems. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can refactor fonts to use dat2c during make and improve compatibility, simplify code, and increase flexibility.

Future Work

Future work includes:

  • Testing and Verification: We need to test and verify the refactored font conversion process to ensure it works correctly.
  • Documentation: We need to update the documentation to reflect the changes made to the font conversion process.
  • Maintenance: We need to maintain the refactored font conversion process and ensure it continues to work correctly over time.

References

  • Allegro Library documentation
  • dat2s and dat2c documentation
  • Linux documentation

Code Examples

Here are some code examples that demonstrate the refactoring process:

// Before refactoring
dat2s fonts.dat -o fonts.s -h fonts.h -p font

// After refactoring
dat2c fonts.dat -o fonts.c -h fonts.h -p font

# Before refactoring
dat2s fonts.dat -o fonts.s -h fonts.h -p font

# After refactoring
dat2c fonts.dat -o fonts.c -h fonts.h -p font

Note: The code examples are simplified and may not reflect the actual code used in the Allegro Library.

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Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make to ensure the Allegro Library can be built and used on modern systems. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make.

Q: What is the main reason for refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make?

A: The main reason for refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make is to improve compatibility with modern systems, which are mostly 64-bit platforms/cpus. The current font conversion process using dat2s does not work on these systems, and refactoring to use dat2c resolves this issue.

Q: What are the benefits of refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make?

A: The benefits of refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make include:

  • Improved Compatibility: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make improves compatibility with modern systems, which are mostly 64-bit platforms/cpus.
  • Simplified Code: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make simplifies the code and reduces the complexity of the font conversion process.
  • Increased Flexibility: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make increases flexibility and allows for easier modification of the font conversion process.

Q: How do I refactor fonts to use dat2c during make?

A: To refactor fonts to use dat2c during make, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Update Font Conversion Process: Update the font conversion process to use dat2c instead of dat2s. This involves modifying the Makefile and Makefile.am to use dat2c.
  2. Generate C Files: Generate C files instead of ASM files for the fonts. This involves modifying the dat2c program to generate C files.
  3. Update Necessary Code: Update necessary code to use the new font data. This involves modifying the Allegro Library's code to use the new font data.

Q: What are the challenges of refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make?

A: The challenges of refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make include:

  • Complexity: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make can be complex and requires a good understanding of the font conversion process and the Allegro Library's code.
  • Testing and Verification: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make requires thorough testing and verification to ensure it works correctly.
  • Documentation: Refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make requires updating the documentation to reflect the changes made to the font conversion process.

Q: How do I test and verify the refactored font conversion process?

A: To test and verify the refactored font conversion process, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Build the Allegro Library: Build the Allegro Library using the refactored font conversion process.
  2. Run the Allegro Library: Run the Allegro Library and verify that it works correctly.
  3. Test the Font Conversion Process: Test the font conversion process to ensure it works correctly.

Q: What are the future plans for refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make?

A: The future plans for refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make include:

  • Maintenance: Maintain the refactored font conversion process and ensure it continues to work correctly over time.
  • Documentation: Update the documentation to reflect the changes made to the font conversion process.
  • Testing and Verification: Continue to test and verify the refactored font conversion process to ensure it works correctly.

Q: How can I get help with refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make?

A: You can get help with refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make by:

  • Reading the Documentation: Read the documentation for the Allegro Library and the dat2c program.
  • Searching Online: Search online for tutorials and guides on refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make.
  • Joining a Community: Join a community of developers who are working on the Allegro Library and can provide guidance and support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, refactoring fonts to use dat2c during make is a necessary step to ensure the Allegro Library can be built and used on modern systems. By following the steps outlined in this article and answering the FAQs, you can successfully refactor fonts to use dat2c during make and improve compatibility, simplify code, and increase flexibility.