From: apj@cs.sun.ac.za (Andries Dippenaar)
Subject: Modula-2 under Unix/386
Organization: University of Stellenbosch
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 22:33:34 GMT

The local Computer Science department have been doing extensive 
operating system development under a Unix/386 (Interactive) environment.  We 
designed and are building a small distributed operating system based on the 
Client-Server computing model.  Initially we were faced with the dilemma of 
either programming in C under Unix or using DOS Modula-2 compilers (which at 
that stage and still is only producing 16 bit code) from DOS.  Fortunately 
we were able to aquire a very able Modula-2 compiler for use under 
Interactive to allow us to use the right language.  The implementation is 
quite solid, good support is provided for accessing Unix system calls and 
the run-time environment is flexible enough for us to be able to generate 32 
bit binaries in our own executable format.  A recent update has added 
support for X programming and sports a full-screen editor, source level 
debugger and new ISO standard features.

Modula-2 as a language has not for one day let us down and in many instances 
helped us to more clearly formulate and solve several implementation 
issues.  It is our considered opinion that we would not have been able to 
say the same about C.  This posting is an unashamed plug for Modula-2 and 
also for the MCS Modula-2 Cross System supplied by ModulaWare (contact 
100023.2527@CompuServe.Com if you are interested in details) -- no need for 
Modula-2 to C translators.

As a bonus, the licensees of MCS receive a free copy of the ModulaTor.  As 
has been mentioned in previous postings, this is a monthly newsletter 
dealing specifically with Modula-2 and Oberon[-2] related issues.  With some 
positive support from all the Modulans out there, it could turn into a very 
productive forum for exchanging ideas about Modula-2 and Oberon[-2] as well 
as for letting the rest of the world know about what people are doing with 
the languages.  There are few things as rewarding as seeing a project go 
well because of a good design, but also because you've got the tools to help 
and not hinder you in your task.

Thanks to Modula-2 and a decent compiler we have had very few problems in 
the implementation and debugging.  Are there any other projects that may be 
similar in nature?  I know of at least the one in Russia: the Kronos 
system.  We are also busy porting the complete TCP/IP, TELNET and FTP 
software to Modula-2.  Has anybody else had any experience with this or are 
we the only ones swimming upstream :-)

Let's hear from other Modula-2 success stories out there.

Andries
PS:  I've got no affiliation with ModulaWare or MCS in any way, I'm just a 
     very satisfied customer.  (* Include other relevant disclaimers... *)
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*       /|~~\ * APJ Dippenaar        * "If you wanna make the world a *
*     /__|__/ * apj@sunvax.sun.ac.za *  better place, take a look at  *
*   /    |    * Univ of Stellenbosch *  yourself and make a change."  *
* /   \__|    * South Africa         *             -- Michael Jackson *
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