New MS-DOS Versions of Pascal, FORTRAN, and C

What's New

Byte Magazine

August 1984

Microsoft has released new versions of Pascal, FORTRAN, and C Compiler languages for use with MS-DOS operating systems.

Two new mathematics libraries have been added to Pascal, supplementing the existing 8087 coprocessor and 8087 emulation support, and its name has been changed to Pascal 3.2. The first library offers highspeed performance without an 8087. It supports both single- and double-precision numbers, which makes it faster than emulation software but slightly less accurate The second mathematics package offers BCD floating-point arithmetic for more accurate dollars-and-cents calculations.

Pascal 3.2's 14-digit decimal format eliminates many of the problems associated with rounding off binary mathematics. Other features include MS-DOS 2.0 run-time support, the ability to access files by means of the path-name directory structure, linker extensions that support overlays so that program modules can loaded when required, and the ability to call overlays from the root program or from another overlay.

FORTRAN 3.2 can now handle nearly unlimited data arrays. The 64K-byte segment restrictions for arrays and common blocks have been overcome, which allows manipulation of large matrices. In conjunction with module linking, a single program can use up to 1 megabyte of 8086 memory.

FORTRAN 3.2 supports complex number calculations in addition to specific and generic conversion intrinsics conforming to the ANSI 77 standard. Double-precision Complex data types have also been added. Some of its other features are a Parameter statement, Block Data programs, an Inquire statement, an I/OStat read/write clause for checking the status of I/O operations.

Microsoft's C Compiler 2.0 supports the use of path names to take advantage of the DOS directory structure as well as I/O redirection. It has expanded memory capabilities that let programs compiled with C employ the full memory capacity of their system. Small, medium, compact, and large memory models are programmer-selectable.

Pascal 3.2 is $300, while FORTRAN 3.2 and C 2.0 are priced at $350 and $500, respectively. Previous owners can purchase updates at reduced rates. Contact Microsoft Corp. 10700 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98004, (206) 828-8080.