(26.10.2008)
This is an update to Beta0 release of a native PPC Modula-2 compiler for Amiga
OS4. AgletM2PPC v3.0 implements much of the ISO Modula-2 base standard.
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I make no representations about the suitability of this software
for any purpose. It is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.
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This is copyrighted freeware being distributed "as-is". I hope it can be useful
for anyone interested in developing new generation Amiga software with a
Wirthian language.
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release (26.10.2008) changes from previous release (10.8.2008)
M2IDE - Fixed the intermittent, irritating, "broken PIPE" errors
that tended to show up in the IDE.
If you already have release (10.8.2008) installed,
all you need do is extract agletv3/M2IDE from
AgletM2PPCBin.lha and replace your working version.
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Even though this is the first Beta release, I believe the package is in a fairly
usable condition. I have successfully built a number of non-trivial programs
with it:
> The pre-Linker used for building programs
> The M2IDE development environment that comes with it
> IDLTm2, an IDLTool analogue for producing Interface DEFINITION modules
> A test generator program, tgM2, for Modula-2
> The GuideMaker program on OS4Depot
> The LoggerWindow program on OS4Depot
> (Self compilation for the compiler is not far off)
It goes without saying the compiler is not competitive with GCC for PPC code
optimization, but it does a good job of creating correct machine code for a
correct Modula-2 program.
Modula-2 is certainly a relatively "obscure" (at least in the U.S)
language, but far from a dead one. A number of compilers are available without
cost for different platforms. There is an ISO standard and most newer compilers,
including AgletM2PPC, cleave closely enough to the standard to achieve good
portability.
It does offer some things you don't get with GNU C:
A better approach to building modular software - You don't have to spend 50% of
your development time figuring out why your "make" file does not work. :)
A cleaner, simpler language than C, offering a better type system, more rational
array handling, much better design for modular programming supporting Abstract
Data Types and much greater opportunity to change module implementations without
propagating complexity and uncertainty.
Included Amiga oriented support modules designed to enable you to effectively
start using Intuition, Reaction, etc, without having to become an expert in all
the details - Direct calls to all Amiga Libraries are available, but
intermediate modules from Aglet like "SimpleGUI", "SimpleRequesters",
"SimpleImageHander", "SimpleRexx", and "AmigaTimer" expose a straightforward
interface to common needs.
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