Date   : Sun, 31 Dec 2000 09:10:15 -0800 (PST)
From   : Thomas Harte <t.harte@...>
Subject: Determing file type

Is there any way, given the full information about a file (including the
file itself) to determine whether, for example, it is a valid BASIC save?

Specifically, I want to implement 'automatic loading' in my Electron
emulator, but when it comes to tapes they are split between those that
function correctly on a 'CHAIN""' and those (the minority) that function on
a '*RUN""'. Locked files can instantly be put into the second category, but
for the rest I can't seem to find a rule. It seems to me the difference is
simply which games have BASIC loaders and which have machine code loaders
though, so can anyone help?

I suppose a related question is - how does BASIC decide if a program is a
'Bad Program'?

-Thomas





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