Introduction

The HI-TECH C Compiler is a set of software which translates programs written in the C language to executable machine code programs. Versions are available which compile programs for operation under the host operating system, or which produce programs for execution in embedded systems without an operating system.

Features

Some of HI-TECH C's features are:

• A single command will compile, assemble and link entireprograms.

• The compiler performs strong type checking and issues warnings about various constructs which may represent programming errors.

• The generated code is extremely small and fast in execution.

• A full run-time library is provided implementing all standard C input/output and other functions.

• The source code for all run-time routines is provided.

• A powerful general purpose macro assembler is included.

• Programs may be generated to execute under the host operating system, or customized for installation in ROM.

• PC-DOS/MS-DOS
• CP/M-86
• Concurrent DOS
• Atari ST
• Xenix
• Unix
• CP/M-80

Table 1. Supported Hosts

System Requirements

The HI-TECH C Compilers operate under the operating sytems listed in table 1. Ensure that the version of the compiler you have matches the system you have. Note that in general you must have a hard disk or two floppy disks on your system (it is possible to use one floppy disk of 800K or more). A hard disk is strongly recommended. Note that the CP/M-80 native compiler does not have all the features described in this manual, as it has not been upgraded past V3.09 due to memory limitations. The Z80 cross compiler does support all of the features described here and can be used to generate programs to execute under CP/M-80.

Using this Manual

The documentation supplied with the HI-TECH C compiler comprises two separate manuals within the one binder. The manual you are reading now covers all versions of the com- piler (reflecting the portable nature of the compiler). A separate manual covers machine dependent aspects of your compiler, e.g. installation.

This manual assumes you are familiar with the C language already. If you are not, you should have at least one reference book covering C, of which a large number are available from most computer bookstores, e.g. "A Book on C" by Kelley and Pohl. Other suitable texts are "Programming in ANSI C" by S. Kochan and "The C Programming Language", by Kernighan and Ritchie. You should read the "Getting Started" chapter in this manual, and the "Installation" chapter in the machine-specific manual. This will provide you with sufficient information to work through the introductory examples in the C reference you are using.

Once you have a basic grasp of the C language, the remainder of this manual will provide you with information to enable you to explore the more advanced aspects of C.

Most of the manual covers all implementations of the HI-TECH C compiler. A separate manual is provided for the macro assembler for your particular machine, and other machine-dependent information.