Laurie Griffiths wrote:
>Right - programs should accept the widest choice but generate standard ABC.
>BUT
>Think about Barfly. It doesn't generate at all.
That's true in a sense, since BarFly is a text editor, and accepts
any text you type into it and saves it without qualms.
>If it accepts mangled syntax then it encourages and legitimises such
>mangling
>If it refuses to, then it is "broken" - so it needs careful thought.
>And any other "input only" ABC program (e.g. one that just converts to
>tadpoles, or one that just plays) it has the same characteristic.
>I don't know what the answer is.
I think the answer here lies in a graded response: BarFly offers several
levels of error checking.
It won't recognise abc tunes within the text unless they conform
in a basic way - start with an X: field and contain a K: field followed
by at least one line of music.
In order to play a tune a whole lot of other features are required, and
to display it as music a separate but similar set. Finally, there
is an error checking mode which does things like making sure the bars
all add up and catching minor infringements of syntax which don't
prevent the tune from playing otherwise.
With error checking off, it will play almost any abc you find on the net.
Many of these tunes will display errors when you try to display them
as music, and many more will fail the error checking mode.
Users are advised to do all checks on tunes which they intend to upload.
Phil Taylor
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