Dec 16, 2009

This is an update to v3.0 Beta0 release of a native PPC Modula-2 compiler for
Amiga
OS4. AgletM2PPC v3.1 beta implements much of the ISO Modula-2 base standard.

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  I make no representations about the suitability of this software
  for any purpose. It is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.
  ------------------------------------------------------------------

This is copyrighted freeware being distributed "as-is".  I hope it can be useful
for anyone interested in developing new generation Amiga software with a
Wirthian language.

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  release Dec 16, 2009 changes from previous release October 26, 2008:

    Compiler      - v3.1 Beta1 (16.12.2009)
                  - The compiler itself is now PPC native, and is significantly
faster!
                  - The size limit on procedures is now probably large enough
for any
                    sane program.
                  - A bug which caused extremely excessive stack use was fixed.
Now
                    40 or 50K should be enough for almost any compile.
                  - Some code generation errors were fixed.
                  - Fixed problem with Opaque pointers resolved within the
                    IMPLEMENTATION module by imported pointer types.
                  - Added compiler warning: OpenArrayCopyWarn.
                  - SDK 53.8+ now using the GNU assembler v2.18 vs. 2.14 in
earlier
                    SDKs. This required that some instructions be output
slightly
                    differently.
                  - Certain "recording" versions of FP instructions no longer
generated,
                    since Sam 440ep does not support them

    (Pre)Linker   - Mod2Lnk recognizes a "-stack" switch and inserts the
                    "$STACK:xxxx" cookie into executables.
                  - The .asm files no longer need be kept around. All dependency
                    information is in the object file now. Asm files are written
to T:
                  - Added the "-g" debug switch, which causes both exported and
                    non-exported symbols to be put into the Elf symbol table so
that
                    SymbolsRTS can find them as well.

    M2IDE         - v0.3 (30.8.2009)
                  - Option "Make Icons?" added for the project file save.
                  - Fixed problem of GR on exit if M2IDE changed its current
                    directory.
                  - Multiselect now supported for the "Misc Files" file
requester.

    Amiga Modules - Added Definition files for about 25 more Amiga Libraries,
and all
                    supplied Amiga definition files (over 150 of them) were
brought
                    up to the v53.13 SDK.
                  - The TextEditor gadget is now working much better, as the
                    Definition file now adjusts to a glitch in the SDK's .h
file.

    Aglet Modules - System module SymbolsRTS was introduced for better debugging
                    of exception locations.
                  - CLI program arguments and Workbench ToolTypes are
                    transparently (almost) unified when the ArgsSupport module
is
                    used to read startup arguments.
                  - Many improvements in the Simple... modules (SimpleGUI,
                    SimpleScreens, SimpleMenus, SimpleGraphics, etc), but
                    considering their overall incompleteness and fluidity I
moved
                    them into their own folder, "Experimental".
                  - new modules: BigInt, for 155 bit integers; IconSupport, for
writing
                    out icons.

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Even though this is a Beta release, I believe the package is in a fairly
usable condition. I have successfully built a number of non-trivial programs
with it:

 > The pre-Linker used for building programs
 > The M2IDE development environment that comes with it
 > IDLTm2, an IDLTool analogue for producing Interface DEFINITION modules
 > A test generator program, tgM2, for Modula-2
 > The GuideMaker program on OS4Depot
 > The LoggerWindow program on OS4Depot
 > The compiler compiles itself.

It goes without saying the compiler is not competitive with GCC for PPC code
optimization, but it does a good job of creating correct machine code for a
correct Modula-2 program.

Modula-2 is certainly a relatively "obscure" (at least in the U.S)
language, but far from a dead one. A number of compilers are available without
cost for different platforms. There is an ISO standard and most newer compilers,
including AgletM2PPC, cleave closely enough to the standard to achieve good
portability.

It does offer some things you don't get with GNU C:

A better approach to building modular software - You don't have to spend 50% of
your development time figuring out why your "make" file does not work.     :)

A cleaner, simpler language than C, offering a better type system, more rational
array handling, much better design for modular programming supporting Abstract
Data Types and much greater opportunity to change module implementations without
propagating complexity and uncertainty.

Included Amiga oriented support modules designed to enable you to effectively
start using Intuition, Reaction, etc, without having to become an expert in all
the details - Direct calls to all Amiga Libraries are available, but
intermediate modules from Aglet like "SimpleGUI", "SimpleRequesters",
"SimpleImageHander", "SimpleRexx", and "AmigaTimer" expose a straightforward
interface to common needs.