[comp.lang.c++] recommended C++ compilers

kenyee@ksr.com (Ken Yee) (12/29/90)

I find myself contemplating the purchase of a C++ compiler for an
80386...does anyone have suggestions based on trials/tribulations
with Zortech C++ or Turbo C++ (the two major players)?  Is Gnu C++
usable on the PC?

From what I've read:

Zortech
  Benefits:
	- support for OS/2 and Unix and 32-bit DOS applications
	- support for Windows
	- DOS Extender/Virtual Code Manager
	- Debugger with mouse interface
	- library source code
	- libraries for graphics/TSRs
	- faster?
  Drawbacks:
	- no MASM compatible assembler
	- MUCH more expensive (+$300) for Developer's edition

Turbo
  Benefits:
	- Programmer's Platform with mouse interface
	- VROOM virtual code manager
	- Debugger/Profiler/Assembler
	- Link to Turbo Pascal?
  Drawbacks:
	- lack of Windows support?  Anyone know when there will be?
	- X-windows development not possible?

Gnu
  Benefits:
	- free
  Drawbacks:
	- lack of libraries
	- code generator for 386 is horrible
	- compilation is slow/memory hog
	- Windows support?



I'll summarize to the net if there is sufficient interest...

   Ken    (kenyee@ksr.com  or  uunet!ksr.com!kenyee)

quimby@madoka.its.rpi.edu (Tom Stewart) (12/30/90)

(Sorry for the noise, I was unable to send to either of Ken's addresses.)

I'm currently using Turbo C++, and for the most part am happy
with it.  The points I would add to your pro/con list are:

+  TC++ offers compilation of ANSI, 'UNIX', and K&R C as well as C++.  
   This may be a common feature -- I don't know.

-  The 'new' operator in TC++ will not allocate blocks larger than
   64k -- farmalloc() is required instead.

Hope this helps.

(mailer disfunctional, replies to:  quimby@mts.rpi.edu,
                                    quimby@rpitsmts.bitnet)