On Mon, 6 Jul 2009 18:14:03 +0100, "Michael Rigby-Jones" said: > = > Because they have added the ability to use any supported PIC, rather > than a tiny subset with memory limits. You still have the choice of > using the PICCLite compiler if you are using one of the supported > devices. > = No. From the website: "This 'Lite mode' compiler has replaced the old PICC-Lite=99 freeware compiler." > = > If you mean clumsy and buggy peripheral library code as supplied with > some other compilers then no, they don't include that, and I for one > have never missed it. None of the PIC's peripherals are particularly > complex to use, so writing/porting your own library code is not an > arduous task, and you end up with something that you understand > completely. > = Many people like using the buggy functions for instant gratification. You don't have to use them. You can use your own bug-free functions. > = > And yet you judge this purely from their free compiler, rather than the > demo compiler that is for potential purchasers to evalutae the compiler > with? Sure, why not? I don't want the internet activation of their installer, either. > Almost, but not quite. Are you suggesting they should give away a > compiler that has no restrictions whatsoever? That's what they are doing. It's just a really embarrassing compiler. > > = > > I'm not sure the ability to use any chip is that appealing to = > > a hobbyist or beginner. The old free compiler supported a few = > > popular chips properly. > > = > = > And they still have the choice to use that. No, it's not available any more. > = > > I remember looking at the code generated by earlier versions = > > and admiring how clever it was. The new stuff looks like junk. > > = > > How can this be good for them? > = > Because as I explained, the ability to use any PIC is of a higher > priority than tight code for many hobbiests. It was never designed to > provide a platform for evaluation of the generated code, the 45 day demo > is available for this. For those who prefered the > limitations/advantages of the original compiler, it's still available. No, it's not a high priority for everyone. People write me to say my LCDTerm project won't fit in the chip. It's the new compiler. The old one isn't available any more. I say again, HiTech made some choices that made me walk away. Did those same choices draw you closer to them? Unless the answer is yes, I'd have to say they made bad choices, because they lost me as a customer, and it wasn't me who started this thread, someone else thinks they made a mistake too. I don't know anyone who has said, "Wow, this is great, I can generate crappy code for any PIC for free, you should, too". I'm not trying to make a big deal out of it. But I think HiTech was very lucky to have been bought by Microchip. Cheerful regards, Bob -- = http://www.fastmail.fm - The professional email service -- = http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist