jlh@loral.UUCP (Jim Vaxkiller) (01/23/87)
Here at work we are currently converting our pc's from Aztec C to Microsoft C.
My problem is that Aztec provides graphics functions like mode, screen,
line, point, color, etc. directed at PCs and their clones. Microsoft
doesn't. Has anyone out there already written a graphics package they could
pass along or do I have to write it myself?
To head off some questions I'm sure to get:
1) I really like the Aztec compiler, and have no problems with it's continued
use. The decision to switch was made upstairs, and seems to be
based on the fact our Aztec compiler was bought for 8085 code generation
and we somehow got an 8086 code generator with it. This posting in no
way is meant to indicate microsoft is better than aztec or vice versa.
Again, I am perfectly happy with my Aztec compiler. I was never
asked, one day a microsoft compiler showed up on my desk with a note
that several more were on order and please install it onto the hard
disk.
2) Except for minor little programs of the print hello world variety
I haven't used the microsoft compiler. The only conversion problems
I have so far are with the aformentioned graphics library routines, and I
don't expect any problems as they both follow K&R. We'll see when I
have to convert a real program, and I have no idea when that will be.
3) Throw away the microsoft make program, it's garbage. The one you get
in the Aztec package is great, and it works fine with the microsoft
package.
4) I'm really looking forward to using codeview, microsoft's debugger.
Sure wish Aztec had one. Actually, I think they do by now, we just
don't have it.
5) I've used the Aztec package extensively for about 1.5 years now and
my only complaint is lack of a symbolic debugger (see #4). Considering
they throw in vi, make, ls, grep, and a few other utilities I can't
remember offhand I'm really glad we bought it.
6) Both Aztec and Microsoft cost about $500 list, although both are
heavily discounted. Glad it's not my money we're spending here.
7) This message is longer than I wanted it to be. I just wanted to
make sure nobody thinks we think microsoft is better than aztec,
which isn't the case. We don't think anything yet.
Jim