karthur@codas.att.com (Kurt_R_Arthur) (12/28/87)
I have gotten A LOT of mail concerning my call for information concerning 3 of the most popular C compilers: Datalight, Microsoft, and Turbo. First off: In case my mail hasn't made it (I have had a lot of trouble mailing to some sites) a general thank you to all who responded is in order. Now, for the results: OS/2 will require new assemblers/compilers. No one (appears) to sell a dual operating system language/assembler now, with the exception of the OS/2 devel- opment kit from Microsoft (a $3K package). This development kit permits the creation of "family apps" that will run under DOS (complete with all DOS's limitations). Datalight Library source is included. Does NOT support huge model, but is expected soon. Minimal integrated environment. No debugger. Does not generate 80286/80386 code. Best optimization, fastest 8086 code. Reputation for bugginess, but vendor will fix all quickly. Least comprehensive libraries. Turbo (v 1.5) Library source $150. Supports all memory models. Complete integrated environment, with CL option. No debugger, but promised for 1Q 88. Generates 80286 code. Automatically senses math coprocessor, will generate code for same. PROBLEM: does not seem to allow "turning off" 80x87 code generation (vers 1.0). Fastest compilation speed. Lowest initial cost. Microsoft Library source $152.50. Supports all memory models. CL driven, but includes QuickC integrated environment. CodeView debugger. Generates 80286 code. Most comprehensive libraries. Best documentation. Requires most room on fixed disk. Execution speed for Microsoft and Turbo seem to average about the same, with each winning its' share of the benchmarks. Well folks, there you have it! For myself, since I didn't get a compiler for Christmas, I'll have to buy one. I think the winner is: Borland's Turbo C Reason: Lowest initial cost and money-back guarantee. I will try the product, and if it doesn't meet my needs, I'll send it back. The initial cost will allow me to save for an OS/2 compiler (which is the long-term goal). Again, many thanks to all who replied. Kurt Arthur Software Services of Florida, Inc.