Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!aplcen!samsung!cs.utexas.edu!rutgers!uwvax!tank!iitmax!thssgkt From: thssgkt@iitmax.IIT.EDU (George Thiruvathukal) Newsgroups: comp.lang.modula2 Subject: Re: Good Modula-2 packages Summary: Recommendation for a Good Modula-2 Compiler Message-ID: <3788@iitmax.IIT.EDU> Date: 26 May 90 16:47:37 GMT References: Organization: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Lines: 45 I would recommend the TopSpeed Modula-2 Compiler by Jensen and Partners International (JPI). They are based in England and distribute the product from Mountain View, CA. Recently, JPI released TopSpeed Modula-2 V2.0, which contains support for object-oriented programming. Unlike some of the language implementations to which object-oriented extensions have been added, JPI has attempted to preserve the spirit of Modula-2 as much as possible. The package runs under DOS (an OS/2 version is also available) in two editions: the Standard Edition and the Extended Edition. Personally, if you have any professional intentions with Modula-2, I would recommend that you pick up the Extended Edition. If you purchase the Extended Edition, you will be pleased with a number of "goodies," including a DOS call monitor, a module for TSRs, an execution profiler, an assembler, a disassembler, and complete library source. The Standard and Extended Editions both include the TopSpeed multiple language development environment, the Modula-2 compiler, the VID debugger (which is one of the least-raved, best debuggers I have ever used), hypertext help, and excellent documentation. Documentation deserves a separate paragraph. In addition to the traditional manuals for "usage" and "libraries," an excellent "language tutorial" by an individual named K.N. King is included. This is one of the first language tutorials I have seen included with a compiler that is not an insult to the intelligence of the average person. It is instructive, yet easy to digest. You should be well-equipped to write nontrivial programs after you have read, or browsed, it. You can reach JPI at a toll-free number 1-800-543-5202. If you are a student, JPI has an excellent student discount available. You receive the same product whether or not you pay the student rate. Current pricing for the Standard Edition is $195; the Extended Edition $395. Call JPI for student rates. JPI also carries TopSpeed C, which seamlessly integrates into the TopSpeed multiple language development environment. George K. Thiruvathukal -- George K. Thiruvathukal Illinois Institute of Technology Argonne National Laboratory Chicago, IL 60616 Argonne, IL 60439 thssgkt@iitmax.iit.edu gkt@athens.ees.anl.gov thirgeo@iitvax.bitnet "The cause of all world problems: E = mc^2."