Development Tools

Prospero Pascal 5.2
Version iio 5.2 for OS/2 v1 and MS-DOS,
Version iid 5.2 for MS-DOS

Prospero Pascal version 5.2 is an ISO standard Pascal compiler for use with MS-DOS/PC-DOS and OS/2. It has been developed by Prospero Software, well known for high quality validated standards-conforming compilers used by demanding programmers around the world.

Prospero Pascal conforms fully to the ISO standard level 1 (i.e. including conformant arrays). In addition, a comprehensive set of language extensions are provided, including dynamic string types, double-precision floating point, random access files, separate compilation and bit manipulation.

The Prospero Pascal package includes:

• Pascal compiler
• Multi-file programmer's editor
• Symbolic debugger
• Graphics libraries
• Registration card for free technical support and user newsletter
• Cross reference program
• Librarian (DOS)
• 400+ page user manual
• Overlaying DOS linker
• Pascal run-time libraries

Version iio 5.2 includes DOS and OS/2 v1 support, while iid 5.2 is for DOS only. It is possible to produce DOS programs from within an OS/2 environment. Many programs can be produced for both environments simply by re-linking.

The programmer's editor is tailored to the needs of the Pascal programmer, and provides an integrated working environment which makes it quick and easy to invoke the compiler and other utilities. Up to 8 files may be edited an once, allowing cutting and pasting between files. If compilation fails due to errors in the source file, the user may step through each error correcting mistakes.

The PASPC graphics libraries provide support for MDA, CGA, EGA, VGA and Hercules adaptors. In OS/2, graphics appear in their own screen group (they do not need or use Presentation Manager), maximising portability between DOS and OS/2. The libraries provide a wide range of text and graphics routines; including menus, forms, scalable co-ordinates for device independence and fast shape drawing capabilities.

The PASDOS library provides routines to access many of the operating system facilities offered by OS/2 and DOS in a uniform and portable manner.

There are also library routines to provide comprehensive and flexible "own" error' handling, allowing the programmer to develop robust programs.

Under OS/2, nearly all API operating system calls are directly callable from Pascal. The library fully supports the use of multiple threads.

The Prospero package includes Probe, a source- level symbolic debugger. This allows the programmer to step through a program at the source- line level, examining or altering variables, setting breakpoints, and displaying the recent execution and call histories.

Compiler features

The fast one pass compiler fully supports ISO 7185 Level 1, with numerous extensions. There are several compile-time options including:

• Three memory models, permitting arrays larger than 64K.
• Support for 80x86 processors, and in-line 80x87 coprocessor code.
• A wide range of run-time checking facilities.
• Optimizations, including constant folding and register tracking, and global optimizations such as loop induction, common subexpression elimination and loop invariant code movement.
• The procedure interface may be made register compatible with C and Presentation Manager.

Features.
Pricing and Contact information.

Also available:
The Prospero DOS Extender Kit, used in conjunction with Prospero Pascal 5.2, allows programs to break through the 640K barrier and use all the available memory by using popular DOS extenders such as Windows 3, Ergo OS/286 and DOS/16M.

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