If you don't need the latest-and-greatest compiler (and, as we'll see, you don't), there are a number of ``budget'' alternatives. One is to find a used compiler--several computer stores and bookstores (including Half-Price Books in the Seattle area) carry used software at a fraction of its original price. The software is always a few years old, but it's fully functional and comes with complete documentation at a price that's hard to beat. (Whenever I visit Half-Price Books, I just about always see copies of Microsoft, Borland/Inprise, and Think C for $30-50, which when new would have cost $100-600.)
Another option (also to be found in bookstores) is to obtain a book with a title like ``Teach Yourself C in N days--disk included!''. I've seen two or three titles along these lines, for between 30 and 50 dollars. The disk contains (among other things) a stripped-down version of some popular, commercial compiler. Since the book sells for less than the full-fledged compiler would by itself, the version of the compiler included with the book is typically crippled in some way, designed to be useful for students learning C but not for professionals doing large-scale software development. But since we're learning C, a ``learning'' compiler is fine, and even if the book is no good, the cover price may be worth it for the compiler alone.
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This page by Steve Summit // Copyright 1995-9 // mail feedback