

C NEWS Issue 1 Volume 1                                       12-28-1987
_________________________________________________________________________

EDITORIAL:

      This is the first issue of " C NEWS ", which is a newsletter written
by the users of the C BBS in Reston, VA.  This newsletter is an attempt to
present - in a formalized manner - the latest bug reports, and tips on how
to better use the C compilers that are currently in the marketplace.

     This is a users newsletter, and any user is welcome to submit articles
for submission.  Also, any bug-reports are most definitely welcome and should
be sent to the C BBS at the address's and number listed below:

       C BBS
       (703)-478-2146  24hrs a day, 2400-1200, 8-N-1.

       NET Mail Address:  1:109/713

       Postal Address:
       C BBS
       C/o BCL Limited
       P.O Box 9162
       McLean, VA 22102
       USA.

      If you have a program that you would like to share with others then
send that along with a short note explaining the purpose of the code.  Code
submitted for this reason should be well-commented and include a copyright
notice from the author.  There should also be a short note, allowing the
C BBS the right to publish it electronically.  This newsletter is not for
sale, so there is no question concerning royalties.  If this newsletter
ever becomes a pay letter, then over arrangements will be made.

       Back to the purpose of this newsletter.  After reviewing all of the
mail going back on forth on the National C_Echo on Fidonet.  I noticed that
alot of the messages had to do due with bug reports, and with requests for
information on the best compiler, editor, and what books to read.  This
newsletter is an attempt to fill those requests.  I personally use four
different C compilers, and have close to 25 books on C programming.  So
I am putting together a compilation of my thoughts on each of those
compilers and the books.  The opinions expressed are entirely my own, and
all of my experience is based in the MS-DOS world.  I am not a C programming
wizard, and hope that other users who are will step forward and contribute.

       So don't be too harsh on my writing, and write or send netmail if you
have some suggestions on how it can be improved.

Regards,

Barry C. Lynch
Sysop - C BBS


   C NEWS                   Table of Contents                    12/28/87


    Section           Subject                            Page No.

      I         Compilers
                 - QuickC Version 1.0

     II         Book Reviews
    III         Closing Commentary in CNEWS Volume 1.


  C NEWS                   Section I  -  Compilers                12/28/87
                           
  Product: QuickC Version 1.0
  Manufacture:  Microsoft Corporation


  Major problems:  The current version of QuickC has a known incompatibility
  with a certain ROM chip on Western Digital Hardisk Controllers.  The Rom
  Number is: 62-000043-010.  The upgrade to ROM 62-000094-xxx which solves
  this problem is $25 from Western Digital Technical support. 

  Minor problems:  None that I can substantiate at this time.

  Thoughts:

        The biggest problem that a new user will face in deciding what
   compiler to use; is what am I going to use it for?  Basically, the
   current compiler breaks down into two types of users: Small-medium
   size software developers and hackers.  And large software-design 
   houses that market professional, commercial packages.
  
         QuickC is geared towards the former, it's integrated environment
   is extremely helpful for new users to C and compiled languages in
   general.  I personally found the juggling of C syntax, editor commands,
   compiler commands and options, linker commands and options and < If you
   have one > , symbolic debugger commands/options a little tough to carry
   at first.  I originally started my C programming with Microsoft C V 4.,
   and have since moved to QuickC.  I am a "budding" professional software
   developer, but at this time I need to be spending my time learning the
   language and not all of the options and the myriad of permeations of
   each.  

         One big benefit of QuickC is the ability to port your code to it's
   bigger brother - Microsoft C version 5.  MS C V 5.0 comes with QuickC 
   by the way, and therefore, provides the nice integrated environment
   with the upward compatibility.  I am using QuickC to write the 
   beginnings of my code and after I am satisfied with the results I  will
   compile with MSC v 5.0.  This is the an excellent arrangement if you
   can afford it.   MSC V 5 is not cheap, around $260 mail order with the
   Programmers Connection being as good a source as any.

         QuickC also has the ability to work with Codeview(tm), the
   excellent symbolic debugger from Microsoft that was originally
   packaged with MSC V 4.0.  If you are a beginner at C you will love
   this feature.  Codeview has saved me numerous hours in chasing down
   logical errors, as well as highlighting some very sloppy coding at
   times. 

         QuickC itself has about 3/4ths of the capability of Codeview
   built in.  For most development work this will be adequate.  If you
   need to use all of Codeview, then you can compile a version of your
   program with QuickC from the command line that will work with the
   version of Codeview supplied with MSC 4 and 5.

  C NEWS                   Section I  -  Compilers                12/28/87

         The libraries that come with QuickC are identical to the ones
   that are shipped with MSC version 5.0  These libraries feature new
   graphics support and new Terminate and Stay resident (TSR's) routines.
   Once again the link between QC and MSC V 5 is very handy and useful.

         I'll close by saying that the Hardisk problem that plaques
   QuickC right now is unfortunate - because it really places a cloud
   over a rather well put together package for it's intended audience.
   However, according to the tech support people at Western Digital the
   ROM chip in question is only on older hardisk controller's and that
   a replacement is available.  QuickC is a good buy for beginners who
   think that they might want to move up to MSC V 5 someday, or those
   beginners that need a symbolic debugger. 
  C NEWS               Section II  -  Book Reviews                12/28/87


  Introduction:

          This section is meant to highlight some of the books that are
  available currently in regards to C programming.  Due to my experience 
  most of the books will deal with the MS-DOS environment.  I apologize
  for the lack of knowledge and ask that others more versed in UNIX/ZENIX
  at al. speak up and send in some reviews.

 _________________________________________________________________________

  Title:  C Primer +
  Author/s: Mitchell Waite and others.
  Publisher: Howard Sams & Company
             1-800-428-SAMS
  ISBN #: 0-672-22582-4

        This is one of the best, if not the best, books on C programming
   that a beginning C programmer can own.  I know I speak from personal
   experience.  The "C Primer Plus" is advertised as a "User-friendly"
   guide to the C programming language - that it is.  The authors style
   is free-moving yet covers the material in a manner that can be followed.
   Numerous program examples are given, and you are encouraged to type
   them in and compile.  Topics covered include: Data, C & you, Char Strings,
   Operators, I/O functions, If then else, loops, storage classes,
   The C preprocessor, Arrays & pointers, structures, and libraries.  This
   is an excellent text for beginners.

 __________________________________________________________________________

  Title:  The C Programming Language
  Author/s: Brian Kernighan & Dennis Ritchie.
  Publisher: Prentice hall Software Series
             Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 07632.
  ISBN #:0-13-110163-3

          This is affectionately referred to as the "White Bible", and it 
   is.  This is the original language reference written by the two authors
   of C itself.  It is not a book that a pure beginner should try to learn
   C from.  However, it is a book that every C programmer should own in
   his/her reference library.  There are numerous code examples throughout
   the book, and they can be found in text files on numerous BBS's around
   the country.  All of the standard topics are covered, and as stated 
   it makes a welcome addition to your reference library.

  _________________________________________________________________________

  C NEWS               Section II  -  Book Reviews                12/28/87

  _____________________________________________________________________

   Title: C Database Development
   Author/s: Al Stevens
   Publisher: MIS Press
              1107 N.W. 14th Avenue
              Portland, OR  97209
              (503)222-2399
   ISBN #:0-943518-33-4

          A few months ago I was looking for a book on "C Database Design",
     and lo and behold, I not only found a book on that subject, but it 
     was titled that as well.  C Database Design is a book by Al Stevens
     on how to design your own database, using low-level C functions.  There
     are plenty of code examples throughout the book.  And a complete 
     application is included: A Consultant's Billing System.  Mr. Stevens
     attempts to pass on the secrets of database design using his own 
     version of a database query language, called: CDL - Cheap Database
     langauge.  My main problem with his book is the use of CDL, I would
     have preferred more discussion of generic low level data-base routines
     that could have been called from with any C program.  As it is, this
     database is operated using batch files of all things.  This book is
     a good buy, but I am sure that a better one exists.  The search
     continues....

  _________________________________________________________________________

   Title: Microsoft C programming for the IBM.
   Author/s: Robert Lafore
   Publisher: Howard Sams & Company
              1-800-428-SAMS
   ISBN #:0-672-22515-8

        Before I discovered the C Primer Plus I lived in this book.  Don't
    let the title fool you, this book can be used with any C compiler not
    just microsoft.  Admittedly, this makes thing a little hard to follow
    at times, but Mr. Lafore does a good job of keeping the discussion on
    C and not MS.  The subject matter covered includes: The usual, plus
    in some detail, Keyboard & cursor, CGA & EGA graphics and serial
    ports and telecommunications.  The latter subject is featured in a
    small but workable communications routine, that doesn't threaten
    Qmodem or Procomm yet it works.  His style is exceptional and the
    information contained within the book moves along at a nice pace, that
    will not overburden the new user.  I feel that the title does more
    harm to the book than the content, but overall it is worth the 
    investment.

  C NEWS               Section II  -  Book Reviews                12/28/87

  _____________________________________________________________________

   Title: C Programmers Library 
   Author/s: Jack Purdum and others.
   Publisher: QUE Corporation
              7999 Knue Road, Suite 202
              Indianapolis, IN  46250
              (503)222-2399
   ISBN #:0-88022-048-1

          This was one of the first C related books that I bought back in  
     1985.  Unfortunately, I didn't particularly care for it then or now.
     This book is reminiscent of some of the old school textbooks that I
     waded through in college.  Dry, terse, and somewhat hard to follow.
     The material presented in the book is excellent, topics include:
     C Data types, Sorting, General terminal library, ISAM, and a complete
     ISAM application - Book Cataloging program.  There are numerous 
     code examples included throughout the book.  And they can be purchased
     from the publisher on diskette for $ 124.95.  Ouch!! for that price
     I'll type them in.  The material is excellent, but the way in which
     is presented and the outrageous price for source listings on diskette,
     make this a negative buy unless you have $ 19.95 to toss away.  Also,
     Que corporation is know for it's excellent books on "How to" most of
     the major software applications on the market today.  How to C was
     not a hit..

  _________________________________________________________________________

   Title: Reliable Data Structures in C.
   Author/s:  Thomas Plum
   Publisher:  Plum Hall Inc.
               1 Spruce Avenue
               Cardiff, NJ 08232
   ISBN #:0-911537-04-X

          As with the K&R book, this one should be in every C programmers 
    reference library.  The style is much the same and the content is
    excellent.  It is a good book for intermediate to advanced programmers,
    and an addition to the C primer plus or Microsoft C programming for
    beginners.  Mr. Plum does an excellent job of outlining the different
    types of data structures, with clear consise text, and lot's of
    working examples.  Some of topics covered are: scalars, arrays, pointers,
    structures, dynamic data structures, and files.  Excellent reference
    book.

    C NEWS               Section II  -  Book Reviews                12/28/87

  _____________________________________________________________________

   Title: C Programming Guide 
   Author/s: Jack Purdum.
   Publisher: QUE Corporation
              7999 Knue Road, Suite 202
              Indianapolis, IN  46250
              (503)222-2399
   ISBN #:0-88022-157-7

          A bought this book at the same time that I bought the other by  
     Que corporation reviewed earlier.  Compared to C Primer Plus and    
     Microsoft C programming on the IBM, this book is out of it's league.
     With the flood of new programmers to C and the host of new compilers,
     this book is hopelessly out of touch.  It does not have an easy going
     style, and I find the quality of presentation of the material to be
     poor.  The above mentioned books are roughly the same prices and do
     a better job of teaching the same subject.

  ________________________________________________________________________

   Title:  Learning To Program in C.
   Author/s:  Thomas Plum
   Publisher:  Plum Hall Inc
               1 Spruce Avenue
               Cardiff, NJ 08232
   ISBN #:0-911537-00-7

          This book is written in the same style as his previous book on
     data structures; terse, and to the point.  For some it would be all
     they need, others might like the friendly atmospshere of C Primer
     Plus.  As with his book on Data Structures, the material contained
     is excellent and well laid out.  Mr. Plum has written the two books,
     to go hand in hand as a set.  This is an excellent text, and worth
     the price if you prefer more of a book to the point.

  _________________________________________________________________________


     That concludes book reviews for this issue.  Some of you will notice 
   that I have neglected to comment on some of the more popular titles that
   are currently available.  This due to my not having copies of those
   books to review at tis time.  If you would like to submit a short 
   synopsis of your favorite or not-favorite C book to this newsletter.  
   Then send a file to my BBS via the Net, or call the BBS direct and
   upload a file or leave a message in the newsletter area.  Some titles
   that should be reviewed include:

        - Variations in C                  - Advanced C Primer +
        - Profiecient C                    - QuickC programming
        - TurboC programming for the IBM
	
  C NEWS               Section III - Closing Commentary          12/28/87

  _____________________________________________________________________



          This is my first attempt at producing a newsletter, I say that
     so maybe some of you will not be so quick to torch me.  My plans are
     to produce this letter bi-weekly with the following topics covered:

          - Compiler Bug reports
          - Book reviews
          - Magazine Reviews
          - C programming tutoral.
          - Commentary from users.

          If you would like to see other sections added then send me a note
      and I will include it.


      Happy C'ing.....
