Resource allocation
SWI numbers, file types, and many other resources are centrally allocated. If you wish to request an allocation, please use allocate32.zip ’!Allocate’ to create an allocation request (current version: v1.14) then send the request file by e-mail to allocate@riscosopen.org.
What is an allocation?
When you write some software which you intend to release into the public domain, you want to be sure that things such as the name of the program, the names of various directories it creates and the name of sprites and so-on don’t clash with those of another program that someone else has released, or is about to release.
We run a central system to manage the allocation of these sorts of things across all versions of RISC OS. If you want an allocation, just send your request to the email address above. Hopefully, we will make this process simpler by adding a web front end onto the allocations system in the future.
When should I make my allocation?
Before you release your program! If you’ve released a program which isn’t allocated, you may find it clashes with some other program. Or someone else may release something in the future which clashes with your software – and you’d be the one who has to change your program if they used the official allocations system. Don’t feel embarrassed if you’ve already released your program and it isn’t officially allocated yet. Get your allocation request in now and then you’ll be in the clear!
What should I allocate?
Our advice is that you don’t allocate every little thing you write; wait until you feel that there is a reasonable chance that you are going to release it into the public domain. We aim to respond with your allocations (or warnings about any clashes) within 5 working days.
Here are some examples of things you need to get allocated:
- Program name (application, transient utility, module)
- SWI chunk for a module (a block of SWI numbers)
- Error block (a block of error numbers)
- Sprites which will be loaded into the Wimp sprite pool
- Scrap directories
- Choices directories
- Star commands
- System variables
...and more. Download the !Allocate application and have a look for yourself.
