Re: Contiki programmer needs ProDOS8 1.9

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

Oliver Schmidt replied (to me >>):

>>I would expect very little difference in space or speed between
>>the two versions
>
>Most of the code in question is generated by the cc65 cross compiler
>which can make extensive use of 65C02 specific instructions. In
>situations where every byte counts this makes a big difference.

Ah, a compiler--that explains a great deal.

>>--why bother with a 65C02 version?
>
>The "65C02 version" basically is an "enhanced //e version" which means
>that the major difference is the extensive use of mousetext chars.
>That "every" machine capable of mousetext chars also has a 65C02 is a
>nice side effect.
>
>The "6502 version" on the other side assumes / uses nothing more than
>a language card: No 80 cols., no lowercase display, no 65C02.

I understand--the difference is much more than processor.

>>Two versions
>>are more than twice the support trouble.  ;-)
>
>I don't see that currently.

I find that the difference between maintaining a single source and object
and maintaining two "synchronized" versions (with some differences) to
be considerable.  The fact that any bug found in _either_ version often
results in changes to both versions, with consequent regression testing
and re-releasing (periodically) is more trouble than if they were two
totally separate things.

>>I can certainly understand a 64KB and a 128KB version,
>>since that is a _big_ difference in capability, but it might
>>be easily managed in a modular fashion.
>
>This kind of modular design tends to use memory itself - which I can't
>spend because it's not there ;-)

I understand.  It's an annoying irony that when a program can be made
to "just fit" in tight memory, there is no room for the code that could
exploit more memory when it is available.

This is particularly ironic for the enhanced Apple //e, since at this time
I would suppose that the majority of systems actually "in use" have
RAMworks or other expanded memory, which could be _extrememly_
useful to Contiki.

-michael

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Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/