mores_p@hotmail.com wrote:
Do they (programmers) use C programming language on Apple II? (II+, IIe or IIc) I have the impression that most Apple II programmers normally use either Basic (I did on my Apple II days) or Assembly. I am not sure if it's correct.
C was always expensive on the II series. There were 2 choices (AFAIK) for 8 bit system, HyperC and Aztec C. Only 1 for the GS in 16 bit mode.
Aztec C was rather expensive and had issues with royalties. It came as a DOS 3.3 version and a ProDOS version. Manx claimed compile time compatibility with other computer systems. There was a nice set of utility routines released as freeware for it.
HyperC was released as a ProDOS version and a custom DOS version. There was also support available for floating point. AFAIK, the custom DOS version was not included in the standard release and I have only seen one copy of the disk online. Both the floating point routines and the custom DOS are listed as disk 2. I would like to find documentation on the DOS as I'm curious if it could be expanded for larger media. It supports a 1k block which seems wasted on floppies but could work well for a hard disk. A release note seen at startup implies the software was shareware. There is however, no one to register with. There is also some interesting code available including graphics, system application and even an alternate (OPIX) shell. There is a large amount of user documentation for HyperC.
Both systems use native code and a custom 16 bit byte-code interpreter. They can generate mixed p-code/6502 files as well. HyperC uses the BRK operation to enter interpreted mode which causes a problem on the GS. There is a patch available for this and the alternate shell also fixes the problem. Both systems offer overlay options for larger programs. Neither support extra ram although there was supposed to be a 128k version of Aztec available. I would like to find a copy of that if anyone might know of one available.
IMHO, program speed is acceptable considering the system. Using assembler where required for time sensitive code always helps. IIRC, there is a simple optimizer available for HyperC. There is also an interpreter replacement for HyperC which made use of 16 bit registers in the 65802 and 65816 for some speed increase as well. Anyone got a spare 65802? Please. If the cost is reasonable, I would buy it.
It is difficult to say which is preferable due to the differences in implementation. If you are concerned about copyright infringement, use HyperC. I have been trying to locate Manx or the remains thereof but have had little luck. I did manage to get in touch with one programmer but he had little to say on the subject.
Also, how do you rate C as a programming language on Apple II? Is it good? I ask because i consider myself now as a C programmer and it'll be great if i can use the language i am most skilled with to program myApple II.
An experienced C programmer with knowledge of the compiler system, ProDOS routines and hardware details should be able to create some decent software.
Cheers, Mike T.