DOS ain't dead

DOSes written in assembly (Developers)

posted by Ruud , Heerlen - NL, 07.04.2024, 14:45

> Can you explain why it is not appropriate for FreeDOS to be written in C?

I didn't say "appropriate", I just don't like C, no offense meant. I tried to learn C by starting with Borland C but then my programs wouldn't compile under GCC nor CodeBlocks: each had its own complaints. Also I'm happy with FreePascal/Lazarus. I'm trying to run UCSD Pascal under DOS and, if possible again, even as a bootable version. But that is just dreaming now.


> But I'm interested in what you perceive the technical reasons are.

My technical reasons: it should run on old machines with maybe 64 KB of memory, like the first IBM 5150 PCs. Programs written in assembly are smaller and faster than ones written in C or Pascal.


> I know of LK-DOS. I can contact the author to find out where it is
> currently if you are interested.

I am interested indeed. I also found Snowdrop in the mean time.


> But I'm more interested in why you are choosing the 8088/8086 for a new
> OS.

The same reason why people think that it is fun to drive old-timer cars.


> And what's the reason to not use the OS/2 1.x or MSDOS API? Is there
> something wrong with it? If so, can you elaborate?

Almost nothing, OS/2 and MS-DOS are not written by me :)

Again, this is a pure fun project that probably won't make any sense to other people. Another thing: I want to document it in such a way that other people can use it as a base of knowledge how to create your own OS and FS.


> Note that I'm not being sarcastic

Never had that feeling, just experienced it as curiosity


> - this is my interest. OS philosophy or whatever you want to call it.

---
--

With Kind regards, Ruud Baltissen

http://www.baltissen.org

Complete thread:

• DOSes written in assembly - Ruud, 31.03.2024, 08:48 (Developers)
  • DOSes written in assembly - Rugxulo, 31.03.2024, 09:42
    • DOSes written in assembly - ecm, 31.03.2024, 10:01
  • DOSes written in assembly - Laaca, 31.03.2024, 17:09
  • DOSes written in assembly - boeckmann, 31.03.2024, 18:52
    • DOSes written in assembly - Ruud, 01.04.2024, 08:06
      • DOSes written in assembly - RayeR, 01.04.2024, 20:24
  • DOSes written in assembly - tom, 31.03.2024, 20:00
  • DOSes written in assembly - samwdpckr, 01.04.2024, 20:54
  • DOSes written in assembly - kerravon, 04.04.2024, 15:11
    • DOSes written in assembly - Ruud, 07.04.2024, 14:45
      • DOSes written in assembly - kerravon, 07.04.2024, 16:55
        • DOSes written in assembly - Rugxulo, 08.04.2024, 02:45
        • Disassembly quality - ecm, 14.04.2024, 19:33
  • DOSes written in assembly - rr, 07.04.2024, 17:24
    • DOSes written in assembly - Ruud, 07.04.2024, 21:48