🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4722@utcsri.UUCP> asm@utcsri.UUCP (Anees Munshi) asks a
number of questions about the Mark Williams C compiler upgrade.  I
am a satisfied user of MWC and have recently upgraded my system.
Hope this helps.

>1. Has the compiler changed significantly? Does it allow inline
>   assembly language now? Has the optimzer been improved further?

It appears to run faster.  Inline assembly is not permitted.  I haven't
checked resulting code, but their documentation talks about improvements
both in code speed and code size.

>2. I heard that there was new documentation. Is this doc any different
>   from version 1.4 (single manual describes compiler, Make and
>   MicroEmacs rather well, but no docs on Gem calls).

There is 690 page single manual.  It has slightly fewer pages than the
previous (V1.1) manual, but has a slightly larger paper size, so there's
more information.  The GEM and TOS calls are well described, including
small sample programs for most (if not all) TOS/GEM routines.

>3. Have the libraries been improved further. What has changed specifically?

The header files have been extended slightly.  Nothing else that I noticed.

>4. In short, what improvements have been made?

The shell has been extended substantially.  There is an excellent RAMDISK
that survives reset, and can be made bootable.  You can also save a copy
of the ramdisk in the \auto directory of a floppy that makes cold-boots
painless.  You can tell the compiler to call the editor with one buffer
pointing to the file, and another pointing to your error messages.
When you exit the editor, compilation proceeds.

>what is the procedure for upgrading (I heard something about sending in
>page 2 of the manual along with some money).

If you're registered with Mark Williams, they should have sent you an
upgrade form.  Otherwise, I'd recommend calling them at (312) 472-6659.
If I remember correctly, the upgrade cost me $50 plus shipping.
     
>ps. I have found the quality of the software and documentation to be
>    very good; therfore, unlike for other compilers, the motivation
>    for sending for an upgrade is not there!

Agreed, but the upgrade is still worthwhile.

Martin Minow
decvax!minow

Disclaimer: I am friends with one of the Mark Williams C developers.
The above does not represent the opinions of Digital Equipment Corporation.