About DJGPP

A. DJGPP is a DOS port of the GNU C++ compiler. It stands for DJ's GNU programming platform, but it is best left to the user to decide what it is ;-). It was earlier called DJGCC, but after adding C++ support, it became DJGPP (since '+' is not a valid character for filenames under DOS). The DJGPP compiler was written by DJ Delorie with the help of several volunteers. Unlike other compilers, the DJGPP compiler is a 32-bit compiler. It beats  most of the other commercially available 32-bit compilers such as WATCOM C. Besides, the source code to the entire compiler is available, which gives everyone the freedom to modify it to suit the user's needs.

A. The DJGPP compiler, as mentioned above, produces better code than any other DOS compiler available. Statistics are available to prove this fact. It is best suited for writing large programs that need humongous amount of memory. The DPMI host that comes with DJGPP provides features such as virtual memory. DJGPP programs can require as less as 2K of conventional memory to load, thereby providing space for other programs as well. In fact, the famous game Quake, by ID software was written using DJGPP! The Quake source code archives are at ftp://ftp.cdrom.com/pub/idgames/idstuff/source/.

    So, how does DJGPP help you ? DJGPP is best for users who want to learn about working in the UNIX environment. Since the compiler was originally written for UNIX, DJGPP is nearly identical to the UNIX version of the GNU C++ compiler. A suite of utilities that generally come only with the UNIX machines are all available with DJGPP. Also, DJGPP is very well suited for game programming. Game programming and graphics libraries are available to all DJGPP users. They are maintained and updated regularly by volunteers who support DJGPP.

Q. Why not other compilers ?

A. Well, even if you had too much money, it wouldn't be worth investing on a commercial compiler. Apart from all the positive points mentioned above, DJGPP also has excellent support for its users. The news group comp.os.msdos.djgpp is dedicated to DJGPP users. Those users who cannot read news can use the mailing list at djgpp@delorie.com which is the gateway to comp.os.msdos.djgpp. Since both these are tied together, anything that goes to the news group will also reflect to the mailing list and vice versa. 99% of the questions are answered within a day or two (or sometimes almost instantaneously :-)).

    Another important plus point would be the kind of utilities available for programming with DJGPP. You have everything from the simplest tutorials to graphics, diagnostics, games, etc. These are some of the few. Think about it....

Q. You say it is free. Can I develop commercial applications ?

A. Yes, you can. id software used this compiler to write their famous game Quake. So, of course, you can!

Q. So, where can I get DJGPP ?

A. DJGPP is available on a number of mirror sites all over the world. All you need to do is to choose your mirror site. To get DJGPP, first go to the zip-picker and then use the zip picker to get the list of software you need to download. DJGPP is also available on CDROMs for people who don't want to download large files. You may want to order one from the Walnut Creek CDROM.