C Compilers: Summary

[David Phillips]

As promised, here's a compilation of the responses I've received re my
newscast:

OVERALL WINNER:  Free Software Foundation - GNU Emacs, GCC, etc.  This was
the runaway winner - about 90% of the responses picked this one.  Aside
from being free, the hot points were ANSI compatibility, integrated
design, and speed - both compile time and runtime.

HONORABLE MENTION:  Saber.  While only a few responses mentioned this one,
the tone and syntax of those responses made me really curious about the
package.  I'm now very interested in finding out more, so if anyone can
steer me to a rep or address, much thanks in advance (I can't be too
specific about these responses, because they were caught up in an overly
fast attempt to learn more about email - yup, I read 'em and promply lost
'em.  Sorry.)

OTHER MENTIONS:  Metaware and LPI.  Initial responses for each of these
packages were from sales reps with watchful eyes on the newsnet.
Subsequent responses really appreciated Metaware's stuff for speed.
Frankly, other responses about LPI were not so appreciative, but there
could be installation problems or whatever, so we'll focus on the plusses.

IN GENERAL:  I was suprised at the heat Sun took for its compiler prices
and for the quality of its bundled compiler software.  Nearly 80% of the
30-odd people that responded (thanks, by the way, everybody) bashed Sun
about one or the other.  It seems that, as people become better informed
about just what is available out there, the big guys are going to have to
start keeping up.  Nice thought.