Utility: ScriptDev - Simple WSH IDE [VB6]

[dilettante]

This project should be useful as a utility and also as a source of sample code for using the Script Control in VB6 programs. It contains a few other ideas in the source code that might also prove useful: simple location of Special Folder paths, saving program settings, and an enhanced way of using DoEvents(). ScriptDev uses a VB-native form of settings file, not true INI format.

The precompiled binary files were scanned with AVG Free 8.5 and should prove virus-free.


Description
ScriptDev 2.1 is a functional basic WSH VBScript development environment. It incorporates a basic script text editor with Find and Replace operations for VBScript WSH scripts in the .VBS format. ScriptDev supplies a simple implementation of the WScript object allowing many simple scripts to be tested right within the IDE itself. The limitations of this WScript object simulation are described in the ScriptDev Help. ScriptDev can be used to develop and test both WScript and simple CScript scripts.

ScriptDev could be easily modified to support scripts in JScript as well. Adding command line parameter support would make it more practical for CScript development and a more complete WScript object implementation would be a useful enhancement. There is no attempt made at syntax colorization or autocompletion.

While ScriptDev works as a simple IDE, its real purpose is to show how to host the Microsoft Windows Script Control in a VB6 program. The program contains a few rare tricks as well, such as a more sophisticated way of using the VB6 DoEvents() function to allow keyboard input while a script is running.

Features

• Basic WScript object emulation.
• Simulated console I/O via StdIn, StdErr, StdOut.
• Retains IDE settings and last open/save directory.
• Control over Timeout, AllowUI, and SafeMode.
• 4 or 8 character tabstops.
• Find, replace, syntax error highlighting.
• Lightweight (61K plus 110K msscript.ocx).

Author
Bob Riemersma

System Requirements
Enclosed precompiled binary uses registration-free COM, which allows it to be stored on removable media and run without installation on Windows XP or later. Tested on XP SP3, Vista SP2, and Windows 7 RC.

Should be possible to recompile and package ScriptDev for formal installation on Windows 9x, 2000, and later.

Requires Shell32.dll 5.0 or later, Windows Script 5.6 or later.

License
Unencumbered public domain freeware. May be used by anyone in whole or in part in either source or binary forms. No guarantees or support offered. ScriptDev is made available as-is for use at your own discretion.