rezac@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu (02/07/89)
I'd like to get a Modula-2 compiler and experiment a bit to see if the features of the language would work for several applications with which I'm currently tinkering, i.e., rewriting. To this end I'd like suggestions and recommendations for a M2 compiler that generates linkable object modules, is inexpensive < $200, and provides a well supported environment for the neophyte Modula-2 user. I know Pascal but have never used Modula-2. All suggestions and comments are welcomed (by me anyway -- if you don't think your opinion is of general interest, please e-mail) Thanks, CHARLES REZAC * bitnet: REZAC@UKANVAX internet: rezac@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* Disclaimer: It's mine, but if you want it you can have it.
troy@daisy.uchicago.edu (Troy Zerr) (02/07/89)
In article <3301@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu> rezac@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu writes: >I'd like to get a Modula-2 compiler and experiment a bit to see if the >features of the language would work for several applications with which I'm >currently tinkering, i.e., rewriting. To this end I'd like suggestions and >recommendations for a M2 compiler that generates linkable object modules, is >inexpensive < $200, and provides a well supported environment for the neophyte >Modula-2 user. I know Pascal but have never used Modula-2.> Consider JPI Modula-2. It originated as a Borland project but was bought by JPI when Borland decided to put its resources into Turbo C. It costs about $100 for the basic package, and has two add-ons: a technical kit, which includes an overlay system, rs-232 communications, and a TSR maker; and a visual debugger which includes a disassembler. (About $60 each) The basic package includes an integrated programming environment, so you can edit, compile, link, and run without going through DOS. Standard library modules include the usual i/o, file i/o, string handling, graphics (nothing fancy but supports VGA 640x480) and a nice multitasking scheduler. While it doesn't have inline assembly code, JPI claims it produces tight code. (It does do port I/O instructions as inline code, important to time-critical routines.) It has a smart linker, meaning that when you IMPORT a module, only the code that you use is linked and not the entire module. This makes the usual .OBJ files incompatible with microsoft's linker-- however, a command-line switch can be used to produce microsoft- compatible .obj's. The built-in editor is kind of slow but probably fast enough for light use. The technical kit is good for satisfying one's curiosity, and is a MUST if you wish to use the serial ports. The TSR module works, and is okay for a "quick-and-dirty" TSR, but the resulting code takes up to much memory to use constantly. I haven't used the debugger add-on. Overall I have been quite happy with JPI Modula-2. I use it for almost all of my (somewhat limited) programming tasks. If you know Pascal (even if you don't) learning Modula-2 ought to be a piece of cake. If only they would speed up the screen updates on that d**m editor! Troy Zerr University of Chicago Department of Mathematics Disclaimer: I'm not a computer person, but I play one on TV. . .
pattis@june.cs.washington.edu (Richard Pattis) (02/07/89)
I have also heard very good things about JPI's product, but I have never used it much. My students, when I taught Modula-2, bought a $50 package from Logitech that included a compiler, libraries, and a debugger (plus other assorted tools). This is a very mature system, and the price is hard to beat. I believe that it is slower than some of the newer PC Modula-2 systems, JPI included. I dealt with Romeo Simard, 1-800-231-7717 (the outside California number). I was always very happy with the service I received. Many Modula-2 books now include a card offering the $50 student compiler. Rich Pattis
randy@m2xenix.UUCP (Randy Bush) (02/13/89)
In article <3301@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu> rezac@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
asks for recommendations for an MS-DOS Modula-2 to see if the language is
suitable for his needs.
The Fitted Software Tools MS-DOS implementation should suit your needs
quite well.
o The implementation is sound, full, and quite usable.
o It implements the language rather well, and does not invent new
syntax or semantics. I.e. your application will port well to
other environments than the cloistered world of MS-DOS.
o It is shareware. Try it, and if you don't like it or don't find
Modula-2 suitable, then don't pay for it. Should you choose to use
it, then it's $25 (US), and for $10 more you get library sources.
o It is well supported by a responsive author, Roger Carvalho. He
responds to both SNail and via his BBS.
Should you wish to try it, I could be convinced to send a 1.2mb diskie, but
you might prefer to just DL it from a neighborhood Modulan BBS. If you can
not find the latter, then try the BBS at +1 (503) 297-9145, where the FST
implementation (and lots of other Modulania) is available to first time
callers. It is PCPable.
I do not mean to imply that Logitech and JPI are bad choices. They are not
shareware, and JPI deviates somewhat from the language, though nowhere
nearly as badly as Borland did with ersatz-Pascal.
--
{ mcvax!uunet!oresoft, tektronix!percival!qiclab } !m2xenix!randy Randy BushMFELDMAN@GWUVM.BITNET (Michael Feldman) (02/15/89)
I second the enthusiastic response re: Fitted Software Tools M2. I have used it with several classes; students and colleagues alike are impressed. Be careful if you download from a BBS that you're getting the latest version! Carvalho has done many fixes and enhancements; BBS's and services like PBS often have old versions. Version 2.0 is current. I'll send a copy to people willing to send me 3 blank disks (3.5" or 5.25"). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Michael B. Feldman, Professor residence address for USNail: Dept. of Elect. Engrg. and Comp. Sci Michael B. Feldman The George Washington University 6218 Wagner Lane Washington, DC 20052 U.S.A. Bethesda, MD 20816 U.S.A. +1-202-994-5253 MFELDMAN@GWUVM.BITNET MFELDMAN@GWUSUN.GWU.EDU