Date   : Sun, 05 Dec 1982 16:22:00 CST
From   : decvax!ihuxf!larry@Ucb-C70
Subject: Re: Aztec C compiler

In reply to the quesion about Aztec C compiler --how good is it?  Here
is my impression:

       I think it is a pretty nice compiler.  MUCH faster than
Whitesmith's (both compilation time and execution time).  The benchmarks
I've seen it run plus/minus 10% of BDS (that is usually on of the
fastest).  A BIG speed up can happen when you code using the "register"
type variables.  I used to use BDS, but have been won over to Aztec for
these reasons:

       1) floats/doubles/longs  its nice to have a FULL implimentation
of data types

       2) statics & globals   its nice to have the FULL storage types
(note that BDS does have global variables, but compiler is 'picky' about
the order placement in multiple files)

       3) I LIKE to be able to see the .asm output.  BDS jumps right
from .c -> linkable file (essentially object code).  One of the things
that is interesting (to me) is what code gets generated for a particular
set of statements.  Guess I'm just nosey, but that's one of the things I
bought my micro for!!

       4) the library is just as K & R describe it.  Whitesmith (for
some reason) provide a standard lib, but NAME things differently.  BDS
has the right names, but becuause it lacks 1 and 2, can't do all the
functions exactly right --resulting in "funny" file i/o and some other
things.
-----

       As far as compatibility with M80/L80 -- it works just fine with
them.  (that feature is one of their selling points)


       There are some drawbacks with Aztec -- the way the library and
linker work.  The linker will load more than it really needs, so the
object file tends to be bigger than needed.  (note that L80 has the same
problem)  I have been converting the .asm & .c files in the library to
use the TDL asm and linker.  This pair do a better job of linking the
library.  This can result in a BIG savings in small programs.


               Larry Marek
                Bell Labs, Naperville