stb@u1100a.UUCP (12/14/83)
One of the problems with C on the ATARI is that it requires multiple
file loads. First you must load the editor and create the source file.
Next you must load the compiler and compile the source. In order to correct
an error, you must reload the editor, source, and compiler. All of this
takes considerable time. In addition, DEEP BLUE C ( which I have used)
also requires that the compiled code be linked. If you do not get the
desired result do to coding errors, you must start all over.
A better way is to use ACTION by OSS. This is a C like language that is
sold in a cartridge. The cartidge contains the editor, compiler, monitor
program and run-time libraries. The compile time is very fast. There is
no multiple loads. The code produced runs extremely fast. One problem,
however, is since the runtime libraries are in the cartridge, you must
use the cartridge even though the compiler produces machine language
code.
If you do buy ACTION, I recommend that you also purchase the newly released
programming disk. This disk has several very useful routines on it, such as
player-missile graphics, real numbers, a printf rountine. In addition, it
also gives some example programs.
Sheldon Becker