From: ovek AT arcticnet DOT no (Ove Kaaven)
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.djgpp
Subject: Re: Any one writing OS in DJGPP?
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 1997 05:53:36 GMT
Organization: Vplan Programvare AS
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Message-ID: <5cncm4$1pu$1@troll.powertech.no>
References: <Pine DOT SGI DOT 3 DOT 93 DOT 970127104340 DOT 2166A-100000 AT gibson DOT eee DOT upd DOT edu DOT ph> <32EF12AD DOT 59E2B600 AT art DOT alcatel DOT fr>
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To: djgpp AT delorie DOT com
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Francis BOURQUE <bourque AT art DOT alcatel DOT fr> wrote:

>Is there a way to generate 16-bits code with DJGPP or do we still have
>to use a commercial compiler/assembler like Borland C++/v3.1???

I think there are several free assemblers available on Simtel. I used
A86 myself, but you might prefer another one.

>At what step do you stop programming in assembly and use the C language?

It depends. Theoretically, you can use pure assembly for setting up
the GDT and selectors and such, and then use C (with some inline
assembly, of course) for all the rest, if you're careful. However,
every exception/interrupt entry/exit point must be assembly, because
gcc doesn't know about 'far'. I usually use inline-assembly call
wrappers for that.

In general, if it looks easier to do in assembly, you can use that.
Otherwise, use C, and make .h files with often-used inline-assembly
macros. This will usually make development quicker and easier.