From: Weiqi Gao <weiqigao AT a DOT crl DOT com>
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.djgpp
Subject: Re: Survey of Free GNU Windows Compilers
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 22:28:31 -0600
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Gautam N. Lad / Vimal N. Lad wrote:
> 
> Some of you may have noticed my numerous messages regarding the perfect free
> Win32 compiler.   Here is what I reviewed (I've also tried to use latest versions)
> 
> RSXNTDJ [...]
> 
> RSXNT [...]
> 
> LCC-Win32 [...]
> 
> Mingw32 - Can't say much.  Downloaded most of the files, un-zipped them
> (my PKZIP couldn't handle long filenames, but I managed to use WinZIP).
> Couldn't set-up up the compiler, right away, so I have given up on it.

Ming32 is available from three places:
http://didaktik.physik.uni-essen.de:80/~janjaap/mingw32/, and two other
places.  The one at the cited site comes in zip files that can be
unzipped with the latest PKUNZIP (pk260w32.exe from
http://www.pkware.com).  Unzip them all in c:\mingw32 with directories
preserved, set up a few environment variables (a mingw32.bat is
provided) and you are on your way.

> Cygnus - Since Mingw32 is based on it, I haven't tried this yet.

The Cygnus GNU-Win32 is available as an InstallShield auto extract file
cdk.exe.  Installation is instantaneous.  There's no IDE, but a resource
compiler is included.  Creation of DLL is supported.

> As you can see, each has its strengths and drawbacks, and I pretty much got
> what I payed for.  I liked these, but couldn't use it in the long run due to missing
> features (mainly C++, and the common controls as in some compilers above).

Mingw32 is in GNU C/C++ 2.8.1 now.  It is pretty capable, even without
an IDE.  If you really want an IDE, download Visual J++ 6.0 from
Microsoft and uses it's "Tools" manu to call up the command line tools.

> So, any comments?  Suggestions?  I cannot afford (right now) to buy a compiler,
> considering I am only making my windows program out of hobby, and I am only
> interested in FREE(WARE) software.

--
Weiqi Gao
weiqigao AT a DOT crl DOT com