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From: rbr@bonnie.ATT.COM (4197,ATTT)
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.programmer
Subject: Re: C compilers for msdos : which is best?
Keywords: C, msdos
Message-ID: <1991Mar20.152153.25568@cbnewsl.att.com>
Date: 20 Mar 91 15:21:53 GMT
References: <rns.669474536@mullauna>
Sender: @cbnewsl.att.com
Reply-To: rbr@bonnie.ATT.COM (Bob Rager)
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Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 41

In article <rns.669474536@mullauna> rns@mullauna.cs.mu.OZ.AU (Robert Noel STURROCK) writes:
>As the subject says, can anyone tell me which C compiler is "best" under
>msdos?  The only constraints are that it must be ANSI compatable and preferably
>have a curses library or the like for the creation of a decent user interface.
>
>I'm sure it is probably not possile to give a definite "this is best." answer,
>but if someone could briefly outline the pro's and con's of some, that would
>be much appreciated.
>
>
>Robert Sturrock
>rns@mullauna.cs.mu.oz.au

Me to! I started with MSC v4.x becuase it was very close to AT&T's
UNIX(tm) "C" language (that I use at work), but it didn't have graphics.
Next I got TURBO C with it's effective but kludgey ".BGI" files. I am
now looking at MIX Power C (at least the price is right).

Is there any "C" compiler that does it all in an efficient way. The
LINK.EXE (MSC) or TLINK.EXE (TC) semm to include an entire library
just to include the code for one call.

My requirements are:
	1. Accepts either K&R or ANSII syntax.

	2. Can do graphics and interface with pointing devices without
	   external files (other than a device driver).

	3. Provides the standard function library that is compatible
	   with K&R and ANSII. Also graphics & mouse support libraries.

	4. Has an intellegent LIB.EXE and LINK.EXE combo that will link
	   in only the modules needed to satisfy the function calls in the
	   program.

	5. Has a reasonable price (~$100 or less). $200+ is rediculous. MS 
	   support has a long way to go to justify that kind of price.
	   (For me, the PC is basicaly a hobby that only indirectly enhances
	    my pesuit of the daily bread).

Bob Rager