About the SilverC Compiler
The first version of the SilverC compiler, a
K&R version, was written in 1987. The first program was
an Othello game program. This program survives today as a
SilverC demo program. In 1994, the compiler was updated to
near ANSI compliance under the DOS version of the SilverScreen Solid
Modeler. In 1995, with the advent of Windows 95, the compiler was
upgraded to run under Windows.
The compiler produces a byte code execution
file, similar to Java. At execution time, the file is interpreted
by a software interpreter. This means that SilverC programs
will execute more slowly than native C/C++. However, in most
programs, the execution of ss_command statements is the dominant
factor in determining execution speed. In these programs, there
is little perceptible difference between SilverC and native C/C++.
SilverC provides an add-in facility within the
SilverScreen interactive environment. SilverC programs are executed
from SilverScreen and, at completion, return to SilverScreen.
SilverC:
Advantages
SilverC is very efficient development environment
with quick compiling, testing and code revision. It is an ideal
tool for small to medium sized projects. Windows-style user interfaces
may be assembled easily and quickly using the SilverC library. This
may be done with no understanding of Windows programming and C++.
Since SilverC code can be easily ported to SilverPlus
and SilverEngine, developers often use SilverC as a tool for quick
prototyping. Small sections of code are first written in SilverC.
Once these sections are debugged and tested, they are transferred
to the primary SilverEngine or SilverPlus application.
SilverC: Disadvantages
Here are the three areas where SilverC is somewhat
weak:
- Speed of execution: If your application requires
a great deal of computational muscle, speed of execution may be
an issue.
- Windows customization: Customized toolbars
and dialogs are not available.
- Debugging facilities: SilverC has a useable,
but relatively primitive, debugging facility.
SilverC: Overall
Developers give high ratings to SilverC. They
particularly appreciate the speed of development. They also appreciate
being able to accomplish a great deal without getting entangled
in the complexities of Windows programming.
Reference Manuals
The SilverC Programming Reference may be viewed
on the toolkit pages. These pages also contain the SilverScreen
API Reference.
