Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ames!sun-barr!male!pitstop!suntops!rdas
From: rdas@suntops.UUCP (Rob Das)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: C compiler choices
Keywords: msc, tc
Message-ID: <193@santa_fe.UUCP>
Date: 3 May 89 20:44:10 GMT
References: <589@lakesys.UUCP>
Reply-To: rdas@santa_fe.UUCP (Rob Das)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Sun Microsystems / TOPS Division
Lines: 39

In article <589@lakesys.UUCP> chad@lakesys.UUCP (Chad Gibbons) writes:
>
>	This query has undoubtable been experessed before, however, I
>never saw it.
>
>	Seeing as how there are two major C compilers for the DOS
>environment, there is definately cause for comparison of the two.  I have
>had a chance to use both MicroSoft and Turbo versions of C compilers for
>less than perhaps five minutes and have not read a great deal of
>literature on either of them.  I can not, therefore, make a good value
>judgement on which one to use for major application work.  I am led into
>an interesting paradox between the two, due majorly to the fact of
>MicroSoft's reputation, and reviews of Turbo.
 

For what it's worth... I've been using Microsoft C for about 5 years now. I
have never run accross any of the bugs that you said might exist.  The compiler
is THE one of choice for many very large and successfull software companies.

For instance, I worked at Lotus Development Corp. for 4 years prior to  comming
to Sun Microsystems.  Both Lotus and Sun use Microsoft C for their PC work.
I've done some VERY demanding applications using it (Networking, TSRs, etc.).
At Lotus, all the high end compilers were evaluated and Microsoft was the one
they chose.  Maybe that has changed since I worked there.  (I've heard that
WATCOM C is quite good).

Codeview is a very nice source level debugger that includes full expression
evaluation.  However it does not work very well (if at all) for TSRs and 
interrupt handlers.  I would reccommend Periscope for those.

Sorry I can't comment about Turbo C.  I've never used it.  However NEVER by a
compiler based on the ads.  It's easy to doctor the performance test suites to
suit any particular compiler.  I've heard that Turbo C compiles MUCH faster
than Microsoft C.  If that is your criteria, it may be a wise choice.

Like I said .... for what it's worth...........

Robin Das
rdas@tops.sun.com