INTRO TO SPHINX C-- (updated 28 Oct 1996)
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Hello, and welcome to SPHINX C--. C-- is a language I (Peter Cellik)
created, it is a half way point between C and Assembly. The main thought
behind C-- is to create very small, and hopefully fast programs. The output
efficiency is close to assembly with the source file being similar to C and
thus more readable than assembly source. C-- can be used as a stand alone
language, or, via the use of Microsoft compatible OBJ output, be used within
another language such as C++ or Borland Pascal.
This is the final release of C--! It has been over a year since I have made
any changes to C--, so I have decided its time to release it all to the
public domain. I have enjoyed your responses over the years and I look
forward to more. I have had replies from over 25 different countries.
Thank you everyone for saying hello. Sorry if I did not reply, sometimes
there just isn't time.
The file is C--FINAL.ZIP. It should contain the compiler, the examples and
also the source code.
REQUIREMENTS:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
System Requirements:
- 8086 or higher CPU computer
- DOS 3.0 or greater
- 512K RAM or greater
- Keyboard (I should hope)
- a hard drive will really speed things up, though C-- can even run off a
floppy if you are not in a hurry
- a mouse may assist navigation through the C-- Work Bench, but the
keyboard can be used instead
- some of the example files require VGA display, if you do not have VGA
you are missing out on life
Programmer Requirements (uh-oh):
- Brain (a good one too)
- Reasonable understanding of C or similar high level language
- Some 8086 or higher assembly knowledge, the more the better
FILE LIST:
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The following files should be included in the C--C????.ZIP package:
.\C-- EXE // The SPHINX C-- Compiler
.\C-- OVL // File required by C--.EXE
.\WB COM // C-- Work Bench Driver
.\WB EXE // C-- Work Bench Main Program
.\C--INFO DOC // Info on the C-- Programming Language
.\C--ASM DOC // Info on C-- Inline Assembly Language
.\STAKPROC DOC // Info on C-- stack procedures
.\REGPROCS DOC // Info on C-- REG procedures and macros
.\WBHELP DOC // Info on using the C-- Work Bench
.\ALLPROCS DOC // List of all stack and REG procedures and macros
.\???????? H-- // Some C-- header files
.\README DOC // This file your reading
.\examples\GUS\*.* // Gravis Ultra Sound example programs
.\examples\OBJ\*.* // OBJ file output example programs
.\examples\OTHER\*.* // Misc. example programs
.\examples\ROCK\*.* // VGA game example program
.\examples\SBLASTER\*.* // Sound blaster example programs
.\examples\SIMPLE\*.* // Small and simple example programs
.\examples\SYSTEM\*.* // System detection example programs
.\examples\TSR\*.* // Terminate and Stay Resident example programs
.\examples\VGA\*.* // VGA example programs
.\examples\stuff\*.* // some personal examples
.\examples\HISTORY.DOC // Revision history of this example package
.\source\*.* // Source for SPHINX C-- Compiler and Work Bench
NOTE: I do not take credit (or blame) for EURO_MOD.EXE, it is supplied as a
usefully utility which can be accessed via a C-- header file. It is
free and, as far as I understand, can be used and distributed by
anyone for anyone.
HOW TO START:
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UnZIP the C--FINAL.ZIP package using the '-d' option.
Next, set the 'C--' environmental variable to the full path of the directory
you unzipped into. C-- uses the 'C--' environmental variable to find the
compiler, help files and include files. For example, if you unzipped C--
into the directory 'C:\C--', then you would type:
SET C--=C:\C--
You may wish to add the above line to your 'AUTOEXEC.BAT'.
You may then type WB at the DOS prompt to start the C-- Work Bench. Take a
look at some the *.C-- example files. Press F3 to load and F5 to compile and
run.
Be sure to be in the same directory as the source file(s) for the *.C-- file
may need to load some other files, such as palettes and bitmaps. Use the
'Change Dir...' command in the 'File' menu to change directories.
After you get a taste of what it can do, take a look at the file 'C--INFO.DOC'
for information on how to program in C--. 'C--INFO.DOC' can be viewed in the
C-- Work Bench by pressing <SHIFT><F1> or selecting 'Main General Help' from
the 'Help' menu.
THE PRICE:
~~~~~~~~~~
This version of C-- is GREENWARE, and you are free to use it so long as you
make an effort everyday to help out the environment. A few ideas:
- use only recycled computer paper
- be sure to recycle the computer paper after you use it
- use public transport
- sell that 80 cylinder car of yours and buy a small 4 cylinder, or
better yet, buy a motorbike
- support Green Peace
- REDUCE-REUSE-recycle
- stop smoking
- ride a bike to work or school
- don't buy products that are harmful to the environment
- stop using weed killers on your lawn
- support Friends of the Earth
- recycle your cans
- don't buy products that have lots of extra packaging
- use a fax modem instead of a paper fax machine
- reuse your plastic bags
- (you get the idea)
DISCLAIMER:
~~~~~~~~~~~
I accept no responsibility for any damage or loss of time, hardware, sanity,
software or data caused by this product or programs made with it. So there!
FINAL NOTES:
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Any programs you make with C-- you may do with as you wish. I would greatly
appreciate any feedback you can give me. Just say hello, or send me some
cool stuff. Send me your comments, maybe even some code you have written,
I would like them very much.
I can be contacted at: PETER SPHINX CELLIK
RR#2 SITE 33 C11
GABRIOLA ISLAND B.C.
V0R 1X0
CANADA
Current E-mail Address: cellik@sfu.ca
Hope to hear from you soon.
/* end of README.DOC */