[comp.lang.modula2] Problems with Logitech Compiler

kumard@sunybcs.UUCP (11/22/86)

	I have been using the DECWRL compiler for quite some time now.
	Recently we also started using the Logitech Compiler on the VAX/VMS.
	There are some shortcomings of this compiler that I have come across.

	First of all, it doesn't let you define function procedures that
	return user-defined structured types (static). DECWRL does.

	It lets you define function-procedures that will return a pointer
	type; but you can't use that function call in a boolean
	expression, e.g.

	TYPE List = POINTER TO Node;
             Node = RECORD
		     info : INTEGER;
     		     next : List;
		   END;

	VAR x, y : List;

	PROCEDURE returnptr (x: List) : List;
	BEGIN
  	   RETURN x;
	END returnptr;

	BEGIN (* main...*)
	.....
	IF returnptr(y) # NIL THEN....

	This gives a syntax error (type incompatibility in expression)
	in the Logitech version. DECWRL has no complaints about it
	and runs fine.

	Similar code is present in the Data Structures in Modula-2 text
	by Weiner and Sincovec. They claim that they have tested their
	programs using the Logitech compiler. 

	IF we were to believe that the code they wrote 
	   in the text is actually tested, 
	THEN 
	   there is inconsistency in the Logitech distributions
	ELSE
	  Sincovec & Weiner are making false claims
	END;

	ASSERTION : Would anyone like to make any assertions here? :-)

	Deepak.
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