Turbo Basic XL in regular ram?

[+Larry]

There have been so many different hacks to Turbo Basic, but I'm curious about this one. (No, not Frost Basic 400/800).  This has a lot of problems, but I still wonder if anyone has done it?  Why do it?  The best reason I can think of is that since TBXL requires ram-under-rom, there are other things that want to use the same space, and that kills TBXL.  Certainly the best reason not to do it is that it would seriously reduce available ram, but then how many programs need anywhere close to max ram?  Another really good reason not to do it would be the amount of work involved! 

[flashjazzcat]

What would be the functional difference between this and Frost BASIC? I thought Frost BASIC was exactly this (TBXL using no RAM under the OS).

 

Edited December 7, 2021 by flashjazzcat

[+Larry]

Will only work with its embedded dos (2.0 IIRC) -- or there is a hacked version for disk based Sparta.  I took the one for Sparta and was able to use it with a very early, small version of MyDos, but larger versions that support hard drives won't work.  Also, pretty sure there are some commands missing. I don't think there is a fast math pack -- wouldn't work with the 800. It's probably 90% as good.  

[Wrathchild]

In this case wouldn't going with Altirra Extended Basic on cart be a better option?

[+Larry]

Yes I'd agree, but the question is -- has this been done?

[flashjazzcat]

The answer appears to be yes, but it's Frost BASIC and has some limitations which confirm your supposition that the result would be inflexible and sub-optimal.