Comeau C++

I see it.

-----Original Message-----
From: comeau@panix.com (Greg Comeau) [mailto:comeau@panix.com]
Posted At: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 6:49 PM
Posted To: devtools
Conversation: Comeau C++
Subject: Re: Comeau C++


It’s come to my attention that although I’ve been posting to this
NG for a few weeks, that my messages have only propagated to
my ISPs local news server (I was wondering why nobody answered
anything that I said!!). Can somebody post (just one person
please) here that this message actually got posted to the actual
QNX server (I think that’s how this NG is set up)? Thanks.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

I agree. I am not of the opinion that bringing Watcom C++ up to 100%
ISO compliance (on QNX) is practical. If Comeau C++ were available on
QNX, I would certainly buy it, and if it produces reasonably space and
size efficient code I would continue to use it, until something
substantially better came along (language compliance being number 1,
speed efficiency being #2, and size efficiency being #3).

-----Original Message-----
From: comeau@panix.com (Greg Comeau) [mailto:comeau@panix.com]
Posted At: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 8:44 AM
Posted To: devtools
Conversation: Comeau C++
Subject: Re: Comeau C++


In article <3B94E0F5.4C3381C3@faac.com>,
Dean Douthat <ddouthat@faac.com> wrote:

Mario Charest wrote:
“Rennie Allen” <> RAllen@csical.com> > wrote in message

news:> 64F00D816A85D51198390050046F80C996DD@exchangecal.hq.csical.com> …
Very interesting (if the statement about ISO compliance is true).
I
would sure like to have a C++ compiler that could actually compile
C++
code !

Since Comeau is a front end (generates C code) how does one handle
debugging?

I suppose we are back to “printf” debugging.

You shouldn’t need to do that.

Or, we could used a debugger on the generated “C” code,

You shouldn’t need to do that either (at least not if the
debugger is written correctly).

not a pretty prospect but at least a step up from
“printf” style.

Well, I won’t say it’s been perfect, but I will say that
it’s better than that… at least it has been so on
the platforms we’ve been on for the past decase.

Watcom updated to ANSI plus the kickass wd would be an ideal
solution but this cfront sounds helpful in the meantime.

Whadya mean “meantime”? :slight_smile:

Seriously, bringing something to the state of “updated to ANSI”
is a fairly lengthy, costly and meticulous task.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

In article <64F00D816A85D51198390050046F80C9AD8B@exchangecal.hq.csical.com>,
Rennie Allen <RAllen@csical.com> wrote:

From: > comeau@panix.com > (Greg Comeau) [mailto:> comeau@panix.com> ]
In article <> 3B94E0F5.4C3381C3@faac.com> >,
Dean Douthat <> ddouthat@faac.com> > wrote:
Mario Charest wrote:
“Rennie Allen” <> RAllen@csical.com> > wrote in message
news:> 64F00D816A85D51198390050046F80C996DD@exchangecal.hq.csical.com> …
Very interesting (if the statement about ISO compliance is true).
I would sure like to have a C++ compiler that could actually
compile C++ code !

Watcom updated to ANSI plus the kickass wd would be an ideal
solution but this cfront sounds helpful in the meantime.

Whadya mean “meantime”? > :slight_smile:

Seriously, bringing something to the state of “updated to ANSI”
is a fairly lengthy, costly and meticulous task.

I agree. I am not of the opinion that bringing Watcom C++ up to 100%
ISO compliance (on QNX) is practical.

Bringing any compiler up to 100% ISO compliance isn’t practical :slight_smile:

If Comeau C++ were available on
QNX, I would certainly buy it, and if it produces reasonably space and
size efficient code I would continue to use it, until something
substantially better came along (language compliance being number 1,

We’ve always been on top of things. For such details check
out http://www.comeaucomputing.com/faqs/genfaq.html#history
Pretty much all we have left language-wise is “export”, and
that’s expected this year. That probably means we’ll be years
ahead of other implementations.

speed efficiency being #2, and size efficiency being #3).

As in my other post, it depends what you’re comparing it to,
but it certainly is comparable.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

Hi Greg

We’ve read many posts from you lately and they have all been very
informative. But, unless I’ve missed it I haven’t heard a clear statement
from you on RTP.

Will you have a C/C++ compiler for RTP?

If so, how soon?

Personally I would pay a reasonable price for a good compiler for RTP.
Currently, there is none.

Bill Caroselli


“Greg Comeau” <comeau@panix.com> wrote in message
news:9n6iu2$oha$1@panix3.panix.com

In article
64F00D816A85D51198390050046F80C9AD8B@exchangecal.hq.csical.com> >,
Bringing any compiler up to 100% ISO compliance isn’t practical > :slight_smile:

If Comeau C++ were available on
QNX, I would certainly buy it, and if it produces reasonably space and
size efficient code I would continue to use it, until something
substantially better came along (language compliance being number 1,

We’ve always been on top of things. For such details check
out > http://www.comeaucomputing.com/faqs/genfaq.html#history
Pretty much all we have left language-wise is “export”, and
that’s expected this year. That probably means we’ll be years
ahead of other implementations.

speed efficiency being #2, and size efficiency being #3).

As in my other post, it depends what you’re comparing it to,
but it certainly is comparable.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> > http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

In article <9n8a3o$12h$1@inn.qnx.com>,
Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS) <qtps@earthlink.net> wrote:

“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9n6iu2$oha$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
In article
64F00D816A85D51198390050046F80C9AD8B@exchangecal.hq.csical.com> >,
Bringing any compiler up to 100% ISO compliance isn’t practical > :slight_smile:

If Comeau C++ were available on
QNX, I would certainly buy it, and if it produces reasonably space and
size efficient code I would continue to use it, until something
substantially better came along (language compliance being number 1,

We’ve always been on top of things. For such details check
out > http://www.comeaucomputing.com/faqs/genfaq.html#history
Pretty much all we have left language-wise is “export”, and
that’s expected this year. That probably means we’ll be years
ahead of other implementations.

speed efficiency being #2, and size efficiency being #3).

As in my other post, it depends what you’re comparing it to,
but it certainly is comparable.

We’ve read many posts from you lately and they have all been very
informative. But, unless I’ve missed it I haven’t heard a clear
statement from you on RTP.

Right now, I’m just seeing what’s what. The posts here and
some private email with folks seem to have made some of the
culture and some of the technical state of things clearer.

Will you have a C/C++ compiler for RTP?

If so, how soon?

Personally I would pay a reasonable price for a good compiler for RTP.
Currently, there is none.

The long and short of it is that it would need to be done as a
custom port in some manner first. If that’s possible, and we
started today, unless there is some extraordinary circumstance
(and I really doubt it from what I’ve seen so far) we could have
beta product by next month and generally available product at the
same level as all our other ports by November.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

If:

  1. what Greg is saying is true, and
  2. his compiler is fully compliant, and
  3. runs reasonably efficient, and
  4. produces reasonable efficient code, and
  5. uses already existing libraries (Dinkum?), and
  6. can be sold at a reasonable price,
    THEN
    I think that QSSL needs to get off their butts and extend an offer to Comean
    Computing to start a custom port.

Neutrino IS a wonderful OS. But the compiler(s) available for it suck. It
almost makes me feel like I’m back in the QNX 2 days.

So let’s all shake hands and make a deal. Here’s what I propose:

  1. Greg - offer us a price for you compiler AFTER someone pays you for this
    custom port
  2. We will all raise out hands and say “I’m willing to pay that much!”
  3. Greg and QSSL make a deal.

See, this is how things get done.

Bill Caroselli


“Greg Comeau” <comeau@panix.com> wrote in message
news:9nangs$aq8$1@panix3.panix.com

The long and short of it is that it would need to be done as a
custom port in some manner first. If that’s possible, and we
started today, unless there is some extraordinary circumstance
(and I really doubt it from what I’ve seen so far) we could have
beta product by next month and generally available product at the
same level as all our other ports by November.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> > http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

In article <9naoa6$gqo$1@inn.qnx.com>,
Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS) <qtps@earthlink.net> wrote:

See, this is how things get done.
“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9nangs$aq8$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
The long and short of it is that it would need to be done as a
custom port in some manner first. If that’s possible, and we
started today, unless there is some extraordinary circumstance
(and I really doubt it from what I’ve seen so far) we could have
beta product by next month and generally available product at the
same level as all our other ports by November.

If:

  1. what Greg is saying is true, and

Well, it’s worked that way in other case.

  1. his compiler is fully compliant, and

It’s not, not C++ compiler is currently fully compliant,
but we’re clsoe.

  1. runs reasonably efficient, and
  2. produces reasonable efficient code, and

It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
but we don’t hold it up in any way.

  1. uses already existing libraries (Dinkum?), and

Dinkum’s released their lib for COmeau for Solaris/SPARC and for
LINUX/Intel/ELF so far, and a Windows version is expected shortly.

  1. can be sold at a reasonable price,

Normally it is.

THEN
I think that QSSL needs to get off their butts and extend an offer to Comean
Computing to start a custom port.

Well, in all fairness, they need to decide for themselves.
(It’s certainly not for me to say). They also need to become
familiar no matter what. That takes time.

Neutrino IS a wonderful OS. But the compiler(s) available for it suck. It
almost makes me feel like I’m back in the QNX 2 days.

So let’s all shake hands and make a deal. Here’s what I propose:

  1. Greg - offer us a price for you compiler AFTER someone pays you for this
    custom port
  2. We will all raise out hands and say “I’m willing to pay that much!”
  3. Greg and QSSL make a deal.

Is Monty Hall around? :slight_smile:

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

Greg Comeau <comeau@panix.com> wrote:

In article <9naoa6$gqo$> 1@inn.qnx.com> >,

  1. his compiler is fully compliant, and

It’s not, not C++ compiler is currently fully compliant,
but we’re clsoe.

I am pretty knowledgeable about C++ compiler/library conformance issues, and
Comeau C++ is the closest. It is based on the EDG front end (see www.edg.com),
along with a number of other compilers (Kai C++ being perhaps the most notable).
However, Comeau C++ seems to have the fastest version turn-around, which seems
to guarantee it will remain most conformant while EDG does. Greg, how involved
are you with EDG development/refinement? I assume I’ve got this stuff roughly
correct?

  1. runs reasonably efficient, and
  2. produces reasonable efficient code, and

It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
but we don’t hold it up in any way.

But Kai C++ also compiles to C as an intermediate step, and produces greased
lightening code (from its reputation) - I might recommend that QSSL looks at
www.kai.com too. The reason I didn’t mention them earlier is that they are not
tuned up to doing new ports (Intel bought them up quite recently), and even if
they could be persuaded that it’s worth their while, it would probably take
quite a while. After the fairly loud response here, I though I’d better mention
that there might be another option, and one that is known for both excellent
conformance (though sub Comeau), and also thought to produce the fastest C++
code of any compiler - on Stepanov’s abstraction tests, it scores around 100%
on all tests.

  1. uses already existing libraries (Dinkum?), and

Dinkum’s released their lib for COmeau for Solaris/SPARC and for
LINUX/Intel/ELF so far, and a Windows version is expected shortly.

After already paying out to Dinkum, Dinkum would obviously be the key. Although
STLport does seem to compile a hell of a lot faster - if I have time I’ll
compare benchmarks, but Dinkum doesn’t have a small object allocator (AFAIK)
which tends to hurt it in STL benchmarks.

I’ve done an STLport (www.stlport.com) for QNX 6.0. If I decide Dinkum is too
slow (unlikely - I’ve examined the source code and they seem to make reasonable
use of memcpy optimisations, and std::string uses the small string
optimisation), I may do a 6.1 port too (obviously the C standard libraries have
all changed, requiring a new port).


  1. can be sold at a reasonable price,

Normally it is.

$50 for standard platforms, or $45 as I just paid in the special offer! About
the same as you pay for a decent C++ book.

Is Monty Hall around? > :slight_smile:

Who’s he?

Tom

“Greg Comeau” <comeau@panix.com> wrote in message
news:9nat55$stv$1@panix3.panix.com

In article <9naoa6$gqo$> 1@inn.qnx.com> >,
Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS) <> qtps@earthlink.net> > wrote:
If:

  1. what Greg is saying is true, and
    Well, it’s worked that way in other case.
    I wasn’t doubting you honesty, just adding this as a prerequisit.


  2. his compiler is fully compliant, and
    It’s not, not C++ compiler is currently fully compliant,
    but we’re clsoe.
    If its better then what we have now, I’ll take it and trust that it will

improve with time.

  1. runs reasonably efficient, and
  2. produces reasonable efficient code, and
    It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
    but we don’t hold it up in any way.

OK. I missed that. I thought you said in one post tht it was a native
compiler, not a c-front, but that it acted like a c-front. So, you’re
saying that it will still depend on a decent c compiller?

In article <9navsi$lan$1@inn.qnx.com>, <tom_usenet@hotmail.com> wrote:

Greg Comeau <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote:
In article <9naoa6$gqo$> 1@inn.qnx.com> >,
2. his compiler is fully compliant, and

It’s not, not C++ compiler is currently fully compliant,
but we’re clsoe.

I am pretty knowledgeable about C++ compiler/library conformance
issues, and Comeau C++ is the closest.

I think in the CUJ roundup we came out 98% for language issues.

It is based on the EDG front end (see > www.edg.com> ),
along with a number of other compilers (Kai C++ being perhaps the
most notable). However, Comeau C++ seems to have the fastest version
turn-around,

Without question, and also while keeping it robust and stable
(being fast is useless if things get broken in hast).

which seems to guarantee it will remain most conformant while
EDG does. Greg, how involved are you with EDG development/refinement?
I assume I’ve got this stuff roughly correct?

Perhaps :slight_smile:

  1. runs reasonably efficient, and
  2. produces reasonable efficient code, and

It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
but we don’t hold it up in any way.

But Kai C++ also compiles to C as an intermediate step, and produces
greased lightening code (from its reputation) - I might recommend that
QSSL looks at > www.kai.com > too. The reason I didn’t mention them earlier
is that they are not tuned up to doing new ports (Intel bought them up
quite recently), and even if they could be persuaded that it’s worth
their while, it would probably take quite a while. After the fairly
loud response here, I though I’d better mention that there might be
another option, and one that is known for both excellent conformance
(though sub Comeau), and also thought to produce the fastest C++
code of any compiler - on Stepanov’s abstraction tests, it scores
around 100% on all tests.

Indeed, lots can be said for KAI too. As you say they generate
fast code, and as I understand it, they generate the most highly
optimized C++ code to date, even over so-called native code compilers.
But as you say, there’s other issue to deal with, such as Intel,
if they want to consider QNX, etc etc. And of course there is their
end user price. Having a choice is always good for end users
though and it would be great to be able to see both compilers IMO.

  1. uses already existing libraries (Dinkum?), and

Dinkum’s released their lib for COmeau for Solaris/SPARC and for
LINUX/Intel/ELF so far, and a Windows version is expected shortly.

After already paying out to Dinkum, Dinkum would obviously be the key.
Although STLport does seem to compile a hell of a lot faster - if
I have time I’ll compare benchmarks, but Dinkum doesn’t have a small
object allocator (AFAIK) which tends to hurt it in STL benchmarks.

This is perhaps so, but I believe that Dinkum is the most compliant
BTW, STLport works with Comeau C++ too, and we have a project underway
to formerly check it out with all our existing platforms by the end of
this year – again, having a choice matters IMO.

I’ve done an STLport (> www.stlport.com> ) for QNX 6.0. If I decide
Dinkum is too slow (unlikely - I’ve examined the source code and
they seem to make reasonable use of memcpy optimisations, and
std::string uses the small string optimisation), I may do a
6.1 port too (obviously the C standard libraries have all changed,
requiring a new port).

There’s one thing I’ve been unclear about, and that whether or
just how much STLPort is still being made compliant. I mean,
I sure it is, but I’m not cclear on exactly how that effort proceeds.

  1. can be sold at a reasonable price,

Normally it is.

$50 for standard platforms, or $45 as I just paid in the special offer!
About the same as you pay for a decent C++ book.

Or lunch (at least here in New York City).
Anyway, I would have no way to be able to utter a price at this
point, it could be more, or it could be less, though $50 is certainly
our current pricing zone for our generally available ports.
Let’s do continue to keep in mind that we’re all just hypothesizing here.

Is Monty Hall around? > :slight_smile:

Who’s he?

A TV game show that was on when I was a boy (I’m 42 now). Actually,
I think it may have run longer than that, and also think that
it was resurected in the early 90’s for a short period… Let’s see…
see http://www.stat.sc.edu/~west/javahtml/LetsMakeaDeal.html

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

Since it uses GCC, I’m assuming it will work for any of the QNX6 target
platforms. Right?

“Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS)” wrote:

“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9nat55$stv$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
In article <9naoa6$gqo$> 1@inn.qnx.com> >,
Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS) <> qtps@earthlink.net> > wrote:
If:

  1. what Greg is saying is true, and
    Well, it’s worked that way in other case.
    I wasn’t doubting you honesty, just adding this as a prerequisit.

  2. his compiler is fully compliant, and
    It’s not, not C++ compiler is currently fully compliant,
    but we’re clsoe.
    If its better then what we have now, I’ll take it and trust that it will
    improve with time.

  3. runs reasonably efficient, and

  4. produces reasonable efficient code, and
    It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
    but we don’t hold it up in any way.

OK. I missed that. I thought you said in one post tht it was a native
compiler, not a c-front, but that it acted like a c-front. So, you’re
saying that it will still depend on a decent c compiller?

In article <9nbbij$rp1$3@inn.qnx.com>,
Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS) <qtps@earthlink.net> wrote:

“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9nat55$stv$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
In article <9naoa6$gqo$> 1@inn.qnx.com> >,
Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS) <> qtps@earthlink.net> > wrote:
If:

  1. what Greg is saying is true, and
    Well, it’s worked that way in other case.
    I wasn’t doubting you honesty, just adding this as a prerequisit.

I wasn’t doubting your doubting me, just adding historical notes :slight_smile:

  1. his compiler is fully compliant, and
    It’s not, not C++ compiler is currently fully compliant,
    but we’re clsoe.
    If its better then what we have now, I’ll take it and trust that it will
    improve with time.

Some folks are already saying that the Comeau + Dinkumware combo is
compliant C90, compliant C99, and except for export (see .signature)
almost compliant C++. And frankly, I think that is how something
is compliant (and of course, we both score almost perfect marks
in the test suites, with problems statistically insignificant,
just in case somebody wants to discard what people are saying :}).

  1. runs reasonably efficient, and
  2. produces reasonable efficient code, and
    It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
    but we don’t hold it up in any way.

OK. I missed that. I thought you said in one post tht it was a native
compiler, not a c-front, but that it acted like a c-front. So, you’re
saying that it will still depend on a decent c compiller?

It’s not a cfront, but acts like cfront, and can be compatible with
cfront, only better. I think I’ve heard it called “son of cfront”. :slight_smile:
Anyway, it’s not a native code compiler, or rather, we don’t sell it
as one (although it has ALL the hooks to be one) and so yes, in its
current form it currently requires a C compiler (that it must be
tailored to, which we of course do).

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

In article <3B9939D3.AA339A28@faac.com>,
Dean Douthat <ddouthat@faac.com> wrote:

Since it uses GCC, I’m assuming it will work for any of the QNX6 target
platforms. Right?

If we don’t make it so, then that’s not right.
If we do make it so, then that is right.
It really must be ported, literally, to every platform
(as mentioned in another post, when I say “platform”
that includes at least the CPU, OS, and C compiler).
It’s not enough to do it for one and expect meaningful
results for another platform. Make sense?

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

“Greg Comeau” <comeau@panix.com> wrote in message
news:9nbe4k$s9h$1@panix3.panix.com

  1. runs reasonably efficient, and
  2. produces reasonable efficient code, and
    It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
    but we don’t hold it up in any way.

OK. I missed that. I thought you said in one post tht it was a native
compiler, not a c-front, but that it acted like a c-front. So, you’re
saying that it will still depend on a decent c compiller?

It’s not a cfront, but acts like cfront, and can be compatible with
cfront, only better. I think I’ve heard it called “son of cfront”. > :slight_smile:
Anyway, it’s not a native code compiler, or rather, we don’t sell it
as one (although it has ALL the hooks to be one) and so yes, in its
current form it currently requires a C compiler (that it must be
tailored to, which we of course do).

OK. Clear as mud.

But I’ll take your word on it.

P.S. I thought that the definition of a c-front was something that
generated C code that then had to be compiled with a C compiler. Obviously,
I’ve missed the mark here somewhere.

P.P.S. Hey, for nastalgia’s sake, does anyone remember the Intek C++
compiler. What a piece of **** that was. And what ever happened to George
Ebberhardt? CI’s C++ wasn’t terrible, it’s just that George was in love
with himself.

“Greg Comeau” <comeau@panix.com> wrote in message
news:9nbev6$194$1@panix3.panix.com

In article <> 3B9939D3.AA339A28@faac.com> >,
Dean Douthat <> ddouthat@faac.com> > wrote:
Since it uses GCC, I’m assuming it will work for any of the QNX6 target
platforms. Right?

If we don’t make it so, then that’s not right.
If we do make it so, then that is right.
It really must be ported, literally, to every platform
(as mentioned in another post, when I say “platform”
that includes at least the CPU, OS, and C compiler).
It’s not enough to do it for one and expect meaningful
results for another platform. Make sense?

So that means it’s using GCC ;-( I think that if QNX was
to support another compiler, it should be something that
has nothing to do with GCC.


Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> > http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

In article <9nbm4m$47q$1@inn.qnx.com>,
Mario Charest <mcharest@nowayzinformatic.com> wrote:

“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9nbev6$194$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
In article <> 3B9939D3.AA339A28@faac.com> >,
Dean Douthat <> ddouthat@faac.com> > wrote:
Since it uses GCC, I’m assuming it will work for any of the QNX6 target
platforms. Right?

If we don’t make it so, then that’s not right.
If we do make it so, then that is right.
It really must be ported, literally, to every platform
(as mentioned in another post, when I say “platform”
that includes at least the CPU, OS, and C compiler).
It’s not enough to do it for one and expect meaningful
results for another platform. Make sense?

So that means it’s using GCC ;-( I think that if QNX was
to support another compiler, it should be something that
has nothing to do with GCC.

I’m not clear on what or what this is a problem?

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

In article <9ncc34$fi5$1@inn.qnx.com>,
Bill Caroselli (Q-TPS) <qtps@earthlink.net> wrote:

“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9nbe4k$s9h$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
3. runs reasonably efficient, and
4. produces reasonable efficient code, and
It does on other platforms. This too depends upon the C compiler,
but we don’t hold it up in any way.

OK. I missed that. I thought you said in one post tht it was a native
compiler, not a c-front, but that it acted like a c-front. So, you’re
saying that it will still depend on a decent c compiller?

It’s not a cfront, but acts like cfront, and can be compatible with
cfront, only better. I think I’ve heard it called “son of cfront”. > :slight_smile:
Anyway, it’s not a native code compiler, or rather, we don’t sell it
as one (although it has ALL the hooks to be one) and so yes, in its
current form it currently requires a C compiler (that it must be
tailored to, which we of course do).

OK. Clear as mud.

But I’ll take your word on it.

I certainly don’t want anything I’m saying to be misleading
or misunderstood, so don’t hesitate to ask about what’s not clear.

P.S. I thought that the definition of a c-front was something that
generated C code that then had to be compiled with a C compiler.
Obviously, I’ve missed the mark here somewhere.

I always considered cfront to (specifically) be the C++ compiler
which originally originated from Stroustrup, and anything that
wasn’t it, well, wasn’t it. For instance, I also have a shell
compiler, and it generates C code that then has to be compiled with
a C compiler, but I surely wouldn’t call that cfront (these things
surely “front C” from an English sense, but I wouldn’t call them
all cfront).

P.P.S. Hey, for nastalgia’s sake, does anyone remember the Intek C++
compiler. What a piece of **** that was. And what ever happened to
George Ebberhardt? CI’s C++ wasn’t terrible, it’s just that George
was in love with himself.

I’m not going to touch what you’ve said with any length pole,
but yes, I remember the “early years” well.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

In article <9ndv51$eb3$1@inn.qnx.com>,
Mario Charest <mcharest@nowayzinformatic.com> wrote:

“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9ndutq$rhl$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
In article <9nbm4m$47q$> 1@inn.qnx.com> >,
Mario Charest <> mcharest@nowayzinformatic.com> > wrote:
“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9nbev6$194$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
In article <> 3B9939D3.AA339A28@faac.com> >,
Dean Douthat <> ddouthat@faac.com> > wrote:
Since it uses GCC, I’m assuming it will work for any of the QNX6
target
platforms. Right?

If we don’t make it so, then that’s not right.
If we do make it so, then that is right.
It really must be ported, literally, to every platform
(as mentioned in another post, when I say “platform”
that includes at least the CPU, OS, and C compiler).
It’s not enough to do it for one and expect meaningful
results for another platform. Make sense?

So that means it’s using GCC ;-( I think that if QNX was
to support another compiler, it should be something that
has nothing to do with GCC.

I’m not clear on what or what this is a problem?

Because code generate by GNU C isn’t that great, I would like
better. Many customer I worked with were rather pissed
at seeming the same software run 10-20% faster when compile
with VC for example.

Or am I mistaken; would Comeau C/C++ generate assembly
or object file directly.

You’re not mistaken on this last sentence. However,
isn’t it so that VC can’t be used with/for QNX?
If so, isn’t it so that the gcc used apparently under Windows
will not be the same code generator used with gcc under QNX
and/or other things can effect it?

I’m not saying gcc wasn’t or isn’t slower, just trying to
understand exactly what was tested, and under what auspices.
I find that comparison rarely ever really fairly compare.

Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

“Greg Comeau” <comeau@panix.com> wrote in message
news:9ndutq$rhl$1@panix3.panix.com

In article <9nbm4m$47q$> 1@inn.qnx.com> >,
Mario Charest <> mcharest@nowayzinformatic.com> > wrote:
“Greg Comeau” <> comeau@panix.com> > wrote in message
news:9nbev6$194$> 1@panix3.panix.com> …
In article <> 3B9939D3.AA339A28@faac.com> >,
Dean Douthat <> ddouthat@faac.com> > wrote:
Since it uses GCC, I’m assuming it will work for any of the QNX6
target
platforms. Right?

If we don’t make it so, then that’s not right.
If we do make it so, then that is right.
It really must be ported, literally, to every platform
(as mentioned in another post, when I say “platform”
that includes at least the CPU, OS, and C compiler).
It’s not enough to do it for one and expect meaningful
results for another platform. Make sense?

So that means it’s using GCC ;-( I think that if QNX was
to support another compiler, it should be something that
has nothing to do with GCC.

I’m not clear on what or what this is a problem?

Because code generate by GNU C isn’t that great, I would like
better. Many customer I worked with were rather pissed
at seeming the same software run 10-20% faster when compile
with VC for example.

Or am I mistaken; would Comeau C/C++ generate assembly
or object file directly.


Greg Comeau export ETA: Dec 1 10% “End of Summer” Offer
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> > http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware’s Libraries… Have you tried it?

Hi Greg

I know that this, and several other threads started out with the issue that
the GNU C++ compiler is not very complient and is sometimes buggy.

But the secondary issue is also true. The GCU C compiler is slow and fat
adn produces code that is slow and fat. While it is certainly true that
this is less important than not being complient or being buggy, it does
matter a lot to some of us.

I think you’ll find that damn near ANY benchmark of GNU C under RTP will
fall short of another compiler anywhere else.

Hey, here’s an idea. Why don’t we just compile the GNU C compiler code with
Watcom? Oh, never mind. That gets us no where.

Bill Caroselli


“Greg Comeau” <comeau@panix.com> wrote in message
news:9ne03b$8j$1@panix3.panix.com

I’m not saying gcc wasn’t or isn’t slower, just trying to
understand exactly what was tested, and under what auspices.
I find that comparison rarely ever really fairly compare.