[Info-vax] 64-bit (was Re: New CEO of VMS Software)

[Arne Vajhøj]

On 1/9/2024 6:33 PM, Dave Froble wrote:
> Ok, correct me if I'm wrong.
> 
> As far as I know, totally 64 bit apps can be implemented on VMS.  So, 
> what's the problem.  The fact that there is also that 32 bit capability 
> hanging around should not be a detriment, right?

I don't have a problem with API's expecting 32 bit pointers being present.

I have a problem with the situations where there is a function
expecting 32 bit pointers but no function expecting 64 bit pointers.
When one for whatever reason have a pointer to something
up in P2 space. Allocating memory in P0 space, copy from
P2 to P0, call function, copy back if necessary and
deallocate it not elegant.

> I seriously doubt that any Basic users would take advantage of a 
> conversion to 64 bit addresses.  So why bother?

Depends on what VSI's long term plan for Basic is.

"build legacy source code, but do new development in other
languages" => probably no need for 64 bit support

"evolve language and encourage new development in it" => it
will need 64 bit support.

And as I stated in another post, then Pascal and Basic
are the two most interesting languages for evolution among
the traditional VMS languages.

Arne