Which is the better TradeWars helper--ATTAC or SWATH? I would like to download one and start using it. Can anyone tell me the advantages or disadvantages to either? Thanks!

How about download them both and compare?

I know more about SWATH than ATTAC. I prefer SWATH because it uses Java for its scripting language and I know Java. ATTAC and TWX use REXX, which is sort of like BASIC. It's probably easier for non-programmers to learn, but it's restrictive to more experienced programmers. (Not that a good programmer can't turn out some awesome REXX scripts...)

OTOH, I have seen the ATTAC 4.1 beta and it's very nice! You might want to try SWATH now and then check out ATTAC when 4.1 comes out.

Suddenly you're Busted!

quote:
How about download them both and compare?

I know more about SWATH than ATTAC. I prefer SWATH because it uses Java for its scripting language and I know Java. ATTAC and TWX use REXX, which is sort of like BASIC. It's probably easier for non-programmers to learn, but it's restrictive to more experienced programmers. (Not that a good programmer can't turn out some awesome REXX scripts...)

OTOH, I have seen the ATTAC 4.1 beta and it's very nice! You might want to try SWATH now and then check out ATTAC when 4.1 comes out.

Suddenly you're Busted!


TWX does not use REXX, it uses it's own script language. And my 2 cents on ATTAC vs SWATH would be that SWATH seems a little more polished and a little more stable.

As the author of ATTAC, i would say that if you wanted to try ATTAC, download version 3.1.1
Dont bother with the version v4 BETA 3 on the web site.
I shall release version v4.1 hopefully in one week. I have received some very positive responses from my testers thus far. You can download that then. I am also awaiting a full response on the compatability of ATTAC v4.1 with WINE. Thus far, i have heard it performs fine. also v4.1 is fully compatible with TWX.
earth.

ATTAC TCP/IP Helper
http://www.tw-attac.com

I have been a die hard user of SWATH for about 2 years now.
I have never used ATTAC so I can't base an opinion on it. Friends tell me it is quite good.

As for SWATH it gets my vote as it's interface is excellent and quite easy to use after you figure out all the keyboard shortcuts. It has a bunch of built in safety triggers, blind warp, bust, fake bust prevention and keeps a great log of ports and universe information. The visual map is great for looking at bubbles and nearby sectors. It has built in Blue and Red trading scripts, Evill SST, SDT will handle up to 10 ships in it's database. Great for those "I have things to do around the house , or my favorite TV show is on" nights, Set your 10 ships up, enter them in and hit enter. It runs through the list until either you bust all your ships or run out of turns. The list goes on of great features.
Stein and Mac are always available for questions and support.

As for it's cons, Speed is lacking in all it's scripts as they are timed for safety and designed around dial up connections. Make it as fast as TWX or an option to adjust the delay and it will be even better.
Lack of user scripts due to the use of TWX and the difficulty of writing JAVA.

All in all it's a great program that is worthy of a try.
Thats my $.02 worth.

A Proud BOD Member of the Alliance

Co-Sysop Toadville TWGS
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