[Info-vax] Free Pascal for VMS ?

[Dave Froble]

On 5/21/2018 1:54 PM, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
> On 5/21/2018 1:38 PM, Dave Froble wrote:
>> On 5/21/2018 9:10 AM, seasoned_geek wrote:
>>> On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 12:44:09 PM UTC-5, dgordo... at gmail.com
>>> wrote:
>>>> The goal is compile, link and go -- same as it was for IA64.  We're
>>>> putting some effort into undoing a decade of deferred development
>>>> and there will be (as Hoff has pointed out) much more to do after
>>>> the first X86 release.
>>>
>>> Except for the ADA systems. They get to just leave, tossing
>>> everything with an HP label from every unit of their business.
>>>
>>> Except for insert-language-here systems. The get to just leave,
>>> tossing everything with an HP label from every unit of their business.
>>>
>>> I've never seen a *nix compiler for VAX BASIC so Dave really should
>>> be nervous.
>>
>> Ya know, Dave WAS nervous, but hopeful.  Dave also has a database
>> product still in use written mostly in Macro-32.
>
> I don't think you have any reason to worry.
>
> Both Basic and Macro-32 are in VSI roadmap.
>
> I think you should consider changing language for long term
> maintainability.  Macro-32 for database does not sound like
> an optimal choice. Basic is much more viable, but even there
> you may find benefits from migrating long term.
>
> But that is a another story.
>
>> But once again, you're predicting without any idea of what might
>> happen.   You say there will not be an Ada compiler.  How do you know
>> that? Perhaps there is not one now, or any announced plans for one.
>> But VSI will look at what their customers are asking for, and if there
>> is demand and good business sense to do so, do you doubt John's
>> ability to produce a new up to date Ada compiler?
>
> Ada is a bit more uncertain.
>
> My understanding is that VSI has not talked about migrating
> the extremely old DEC Ada 83 but has talked about getting ACT
> to port their modern Ada. But ACT has dropped VMS as a platform,
>
> I do not doubt that John could create an Ada compiler, but
> every indication is that he will be working on other stuff.
>
> So it will be VSI management talking to ACT management.
>
> Or talk to the great guys that made GNAT work on VMS I64
> about an x86-64 version. See post some time ago!
>
> If I were dependent on Ada on VMS, then I would also be
> a bit concerned.

The concerned people will talk to VSI about their concern.  But VSI will 
have to see a good business reason to get involved.  The more concern, 
the better chance of a solution.  That's how it works.

I don't have any clue about what type of demand (concern) there might 
be.  That will drive everything.