-=> Quoting Marty Kazmaier to All <=-

 MK> {at}MSGID: 1:138/389 01333a5a
 MK> I used a version of Pascal about 15 years ago in high school. 
 MK> It was pretty easy, but I'm a lot older and denser now.  I'd like to
 MK> re-learn Pascal with a method of other than attempting to figure out
 MK> non-lesson oriented source code.  Can anyone suggest a book, and/or a
 MK> free compiler with lessons? Even a text book would be awesome. 
 MK> I'm looking to get familiar with this language once again so I
 MK> can tackle EleXER (a pascal based language for EleBBS modules) and the
 MK> EleBBS source code.  I used to be quite bright, but now with a much
 MK> more limited attention span, it's a bit more difficult.  I've looked
 MK> at a little undocumented (and even documented) source and it was
 MK> completely undecipherable at my currently diminished skill level.  I'm
 MK> at a state where I don't even understand file structures,
 MK> unfortunately. 
 MK> I have used a little perl, but I have to constantly refer to
 MK> the book and fix tons of coding errors.  I don't mind that, I learn
 MK> and hopefully remember.  I'd like something similar to the Perl in a
 MK> Nutshell book for Pascal.  Preferably TP7 (which I did own a while
 MK> back, but was completely confused) or any pascal compiler that's free
 MK> if there is such a thing. 
 MK> To finish, a lesson based book for beginners (even (or maybe
 MK> especially) a text book or two; if more than one, I'd like them to
 MK> complement eachother) and a clue on how to get a free (or reasonably
 MK> priced, I'm pretty low income) pascal compiler are my main needs.  I'm
 MK> not positive what I'll do, so I really can't help pinpoint my needs,
 MK> but I will be doing some CGI along with EleXER and once I'm brave
 MK> enough and competent again, I may delve into the EleBBS source. 


        Ok.  First it depends on several questions to be answered.
        Would this be for fun/hobby or some future potentional
        job oriented thing?

        Which language?  BP7/Tp7 or Delphi/windows?

        If hobby it'd be best with bp7 if job then delphi is the
        only real language in the industry used pascal wise.

        There are several good free pascal compilers out there.
        I have 2-3 links on my web page with examples and important
        SWAG archives which is tons and tons of useful code.
        See below for the URL.

        Now years ago when I did pascal lessons on my network
        AdventureNet International that is on boards all over
        the globe I did pascal lessons in about 14 lessons (guessing
        here since its been years).  I think its th eifle pasless.arj
        on my bbs now and heck it MIGHT be on my programming page
        on teh website as well (forget).  At any rate its simple
        lessons that teach the basics up the advanced stuff if your
        interested.

        As to books I'd suggest Teach yourself in 21 days books.
        That series of books has just about every language covered.
        I used them for Java about 2 years ago when I sat and learned
        it at work. Most good stores have those and if you have a local
        comunity college go to their bookstore they have educational
        rates for compilers and books.  For example I got delphi3 back
        then for around 99$ when its about 300$ elsewhere.  The only
        problem is they don't give support through tech support.

        So answer the above stuff and we can go from there :)

        Besides this echo is for lessons so if you have questions
        just holler!

        http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot

        my website









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