almost free development tools (Was: GNAT GPL 2005 Edition is now available)

[Adrien Plisson <aplisson-news2@stochastique.net>]

Georg Bauhaus wrote:
> Adrien Plisson wrote:
> 
>> for C/C++ on Windows, digital mars is also free.
> 
> I know. And as I said, it offers great C++ but otherwise very limited
> possibilities. E.g., nothing but bare Win32. Debugger and IDDE only
> on $$ CD-Version.

bare win32 + DOS 32 + DOS 16 (nice when playing with older computers).

having to pay for the IDDE and the debugger may be restrictive, but 
you can find these tools for free elsewhere, although paying gives 
some support to the developper. i also don't think their IDDE and 
debugger is cutting edge.

> I also invite you to read the Digital Mars License Agreement.

well, i don't write mission critical softwares, and i surely would not 
do that in C++. for my need, their license agreement is no problem.

> BTW, the D frontend by Digitalmars is open source.
>  From the readme.txt:
> "many people have expressed a strong interested
> in producing a D compiler with the GNU compiler sources.
> This release should enable that."

i wasn't aware of this fact. i never used D, nor took the time to read 
more about it. good to know !

>> it does not come with source, it is not GPL,
>  
> The D frontend by Digitalmars is either GPL or Artistic L, at your
> option.

(see above)

>> it is not endorsed by the FSF, it is simply free 
> 
> And with no investment you get what you have paid for, a good
> compiler and nothing else.

that should be sufficient. at least for me.

> The Comeau C++ compiler is also only $$. An indispensible tool,
> outstanding error messages and language support, also for $$.
> But it is also just a compiler.

i heard a lot about it, but never used it. one more cheap compiler in 
the list.

>> free development tools are not so uncommon...
> 
> I don't think so. Development is not just a compiler.

the compiler is just a part of the problem. you can get some nice 
tools other than compilers for free.

editor: jEdit, vim, emacs, notepad (hum, well, when paying a windows 
license)...
IDE: eclipse, GPS...
for simpler tools, if you are a software developper, you should not be 
affraid of rolling your own.

also, note that i will happily pay $$ for a good compiler or any other 
good software that suits my needs. but in no way i can afford a $$$$$ 
software.

-- 
rien