Date   : Tue, 30 Apr 1985 03:52:10 GMT
From   : Rick Fairfield <zadco%ssc-vax.uucp@BRL.ARPA>
Subject: Help! I need a better C compiler.

Recently, I have been using the Whitesmiths C compiler (1980 version) on
a CP/M 2.2 system. I'm really unhappy with this compiler and would like
suggestions on a replacement. The only other CP/M C compiler I know of is
one called BDS (?), which I have not had occasion to use.

Here are some examples of things I hate about the Whitesmiths C and would,
therefore, like to avoid in a replacement:
       
1) The names of many (most) of the "standard" library functions are very
different than for my 4.2 bsd C compiler; many of these functions require
unusual arguments and return unusual values. Most blatant example: putfmt,
instead of printf.

2) All externals need to be initialized (yes, even pointers and arrays,
although array names can be initialized to the null pointer).

3) You can have multiple functions in a single source file but, apparently,
NOT in the file that contains main().

4) putfmt (printf) doesn't flush the buffer until a NEWLINE is issued.

5) The compiler runs in 3 passes (preprocessor plus two compiler passes)
which are invoked separately from a script; it is a VERY slow process and I
can't figure out how to make it stop if an error occurs in an early phase
(short of hitting the reset button).

6) Generally flakey implementation of I/O functions, particularly those
that perform character I/O (text).

I could go on but I think you get the idea. Any suggestions for a replacement
will be appreciated. Also, please include $ amounts if you know them.

                                                       Thanx,
                                                       zzzzzadco

                                                       aka Rick Fairfield
                                                       Boeing Aerospace Co
                                                       206-773-1004