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About GNU Pascal
The GNU Pascal Compiler (GPC) is, as the name says, the Pascal compiler
from the GNU family. This means:
- 32 bit compiler, no limits, highly optimizing,
- runs on all operating systems supported by GNU C (including DOS,
Windows 95/NT, OS/2, and most UNIX compatible systems),
- Free Software according to the
GNU General Public License
(see also GNU for remarks and translations),
- compatible to other GNU languages and tools such as
GNU C and the GNU debugger.
The compiler integrates the following language standards:
Some highlights:
- from Extended Pascal: complex numbers, initialized variables,
structured function return values, modules,
- from Borland Pascal: inc, dec, shl, shr, absolute variables,
units, objects,
- GNU extensions: min, max, (PXSC-style) user-definable operators.
Disadvantages:
- Pascal support in integrated development environments
(RHIDE for DOS/DJGPP, (X)WPE for
Unix) is still beta,
- the GNU debugger (gdb) does not yet understand Pascal syntax
and types,
- few standard libraries (can use C standard libraries instead),
- longer compilation times than with e.g. Borland Pascal.
New features in version 2.0
- Borland extensions are integrated into the main distribution line.
- Easier to compile.
- Texinfo online documentation.
- Precompiled Module/Unit interfaces.
- Automatic "make" facility.
- "
Export foo = all" extension to Extended Pascal.
- Machine attributes, e.g. for using the Windows API.
- Some bugs fixed.
- Etc.
For details see the file NEWS in the GNU
Pascal source distribution.
Co-workers wanted!
GNU Pascal is a compiler under construction. If you don't like to
wait until companies sell you a better 32-bit compiler, be invited to
join the development team.
Copyright (C) Markus & Peter Gerwinski, 17 November 1996
Verbatim copying and distribution is permitted
in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.