which compiler is best?

[abdul]

I am programming in C++ (windows). I want to write my own simple operating system and somenody said that I will have to learn some assembly first.
--Can you use assembly in C++ compiler? If yes then can you give me a simple example?
--How much assembly language should I learn because I want to program windows in C++ because it is a lot better than asm.
--Which compiler would be best if I want to learn assembly using windows, and in boot sector?
--Can you give me a link to the easiest tutorial for asm

Thanks!

[Vlatko]

You can use inline assembly in C++.

As for an easy tutorial on ASM (i don't think there are any ).
Try this page

[abdul]

What do you mean by inline assembly? Let us say that if I write a hello world app in assembly, can I put the same code in C++ compiler and will it run it? I am reading a tutorial on assembly but it has a lots of bugs, that is why I want to read another tutorials.

I think that if you understand the registers, and all about how memory and processor work, asm is not much hard.

[Knight_Vision]

From my experience, I have used NASM 0.98 as my assembler. It's been easy to use and creating my OS has been a blast. If you want to know more about it go here...

http://ossourcecode.tripod.com

Here are some things you might want to consider when making your own OS.

NASM - (DOS and WINDOWS version) This can create raw BIN files and COM files. It's, in my opinion, the best OS assembler there is.

TASM - This is used for DOS programs mainly. You can write for Windows apps, but it will not be easy if your a newbie. I would also not recomend creating an OS with it because you cannot create raw BIN files. This must have tlink (A linker program) with it to create your EXE files.

MASM - This in my opinion is strictly good for windows programming! I tried to create an OS with it.. HAHAHAHAHA man what a joke. It also does NOT create BIN files.

a86 - This is a good assembler, however, it's VERY OLD! There are two versions of it. One made back in the 70's and the one that is available on the net. I tried it, but wasn't happy with it.

Out of ALL of these, NASM was free. AND you got the source code to it. You can NOT get the source for any of the other assemblers unless you pay for it.

So, in my opinion, if you want to create and OS, get NASM. Then goto my website and learn how to compile your own OS.
If you want to create WINDOWS programs, get MASM 6.x.

All of these are COMMAND LINE compilers. There are no GUIs for these unless you pay for it. HOWEVER, I am creating one..

[ChimpFace9000]

Very true.

[Knight_Vision]

Just keep in mind, there are TWO versions of a86. One made back in the 70s and the more recent one you can get from

http://www.eji.com/a86/

The more recent one, if your going a86 route, is better.

I had the old one. Uhhgg... Anyhow.. enjoy..

Knight