jperry@UNIX.SRI.COM.UUCP (05/29/87)
Sorry I didn't answer the second half of your query. Well, there
aren't any implementations of Modula-2 for Apple IIGS that I know of
currently. However, in one month, Pecan Software Systems of Brooklyn,
New York claims they will have a version ready for shipping.
Their phone number is 718-851-3100 and their address is:
Pecan Software Systems
1410 39th St.
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11218
Probably best to give 'em a call 'cause I forget if the street is 31st
or 39th. Anyways, hope this helps you out.
John Perrygwyn@brl-smoke.ARPA (Doug Gwyn ) (05/30/87)
I would unhesitatingly recommend Modula-2 for programmers
who are familiar with Pascal (and relatively happy with it),
unfamiliar with C, and not very concerned about porting their
applications widely. This assumes that the IIGS Modula-2
supports the Apple standard object module format, runs under
(or at least is completely compatible with) APW, and has
hooks to the toolkit. (I wouldn't recommend ANY
implementation of ANY language for long-term use on the IIGS
if they lack those essentials.)
People desiring an introduction to Modula-2 should read the
book "Algorithms and Data Structures" by Niklaus Wirth
(Prentice-Hall, 1986). This book was formatted ("typeset"
would be too kind a word) by computer, but it contains much
useful material for the inexperienced programmer. It also
contains sizable algorithms, such as the one for insertion
in a balanced tree on pp.222-223, that can serve as examples
for those who wish to truly judge the comparative "readability"
of programming languages for themselves rather than listen to
others arguing about it.