Problems with Dropbox integration

[Mr. Kibernetik]

Image Data program requires data file to be already present on the device to be encoded.

[rbytes]

I'm not sure if that is an issue. If multiple users can use Image Data to create and read data images, program files can easily be shared just by posting the images.

[Mr. Kibernetik]

The actual problem is not with text BASIC program files - they can be simply copied/pasted, for example using mail or a browser. The problem will be with transferring arbitrary binary files to sB environment, like fonts, music and so on. And Image Data program requires such file be already present in sB to be encoded. How they will appear in sB if there is no Dropbox?

[rbytes]

Looks as though we would also have to create an encoder on a Windows or Android platform to do some of the encoding. We would have the same issue encoding data into jpgs.

It is ironic that Apple is forcing this kind of workaround. They brag about total integration, but apparently that doesn't extend to programmers using languages other than their "official" one. How about a boycott? That would really scare them. I hear their stock is up 30% today.

[GeorgeMcGinn]

Apple is also not consistent in enforcing some of their '"rules" regarding Apps. And I have heard this from others who have written App development or programming languages. I do not know if this is because Apple wants everyone to use their "approved" development languages, but SpriteBASIC, TechBASIC and others seem to run into problems like this more so than those developing apps such as games or business or utilities.

For example, SmartBASIC App allows us to save both program source and all kinds of DATA files, from images to text to music files. We can edit these files with the SB IDE editor. Create DATA directories.

But Mike over at TechBASIC was told by Apple that the IDE is NOT allowed to edit "DATA" files. He had to pull all that code from his App.

If I wanted to update any DATA files in TechBASIC, I have to hook my iPad to my PC, and using iTunes, download the file, make my changes to the file on the PC, then use iTunes to replace the file on my iPad. This is also the only way to add new DATA files to any program I am writing.

He is required to create a separate directory for DATA, and the IDE cannot access these files.

I've written my own IDE in TechBASIC that allows me to edit or even create DATA files.

These issues are more of Apple trying to enforce the integrity of their container system for files. I can in theory download a file that contains SB Code, then execute a RUN statement and execute that code, which could be created outside of the App's container. Apple is afraid that allowing this will open their closed OS to hacking, or at the very least expose the app to possible hacking.

[GeorgeMcGinn]

The user will have to download the image to their IOS Album and we will have to get it from there.

But doesn't this also violate Apple's rules?

The actual problem is not with text BASIC program files - they can be simply copied/pasted, for example using mail or a browser. The problem will be with transferring arbitrary binary files to sB environment, like fonts, music and so on. And Image Data program requires such file be already present in sB to be encoded. How they will appear in sB if there is no Dropbox?

[rbytes]

Apple doesn't seem to appreciate how well their sandbox technique works. Not that I would ever even try, but I can't see how anything I could do in Smart Basic or any other programming app could affect any other app or iOS. They seem to be completely shielded from the actions of our programs.

So maybe you are closer to the truth in saying Apple doesn't want us to be able to create app-like programs (games, productivity, etc.) that we might use in preference to apps from the App Store.

I feel that eventually Apple will drive me away to program on platforms that don't have so many restrictions. This summer I bought a CHUWI Hi10 tablet that can boot to Windows 10 or Android 5. Already I have discovered that the available programming apps have a lot more access to the OS.

Maybe as one last-ditch effort we should all submit comments to Apple.

[Mr. Kibernetik]

So maybe you are closer to the truth in saying Apple doesn't want us to be able to create app-like programs (games, productivity, etc.) that we might use in preference to apps from the App Store.

I feel that eventually Apple will drive me away to program on platforms that don't have so many restrictions.

This is one of the reasons why I started to make SPL (Smart Programming Language) - one can transmit files between application and Windows OS without restrictions.
Another reason is that SPL programs can run on PC, tablet or smartphone. Smart BASIC cannot do this, because iOS is mobile OS only.
Apple has too much restrictions and they apply more and more of them. Without Dropbox Smart BASIC has a very limited functionality.

[rbytes]

This is a long story with Apple.
At first they restricted using iTunes, and I removed iTunes support.
Then they restricted loading text files from Dropbox, and I fixed it.
Now they say that it is still possible to import BASIC programs and gave me last warning, called me a cheater and said that next time they will remove me from App Store.

I have been giving this some thought. Does Apple test apps and discover all of these "infractions" on their own? Or do they have employees who troll forums looking for comments that someone has found a way around their archaic rules? I am just paranoid enough to suspect the second possibility. Any company that would call a long-term developer a "cheater" shows a lot of arrogance. They are a law unto themselves, and don't feel they have to justify their actions or their restrictions.

If anyone does come up with an effective substitute for Dropbox, I suggest you don't post it publicly. Let Mr. K and Dutchman know, and if they find it works reliably, they can send private messages to the rest of us.

[Dutchman]

If anyone does come up with an effective substitute for Dropbox ……

I think Apple considers the programming capability of SB as a threat to the system and its content. One of the possibilities for accessing computer files is via Wi-Fi. For example, the FileBrowser app https://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowser/ can download files via WiFi to the iOS device. This possibility will undoubtedly also be banned by apple.

iCloud is also prohibited. Access via iTunes is also prohibited.
Any kind of "external code import" (as they understand it in Apple) is prohibited.