RISC OS C is a low-level programming language that is used to write software for RISC OS computers. It is a variant of the C programming language, with some additional features and limitations specific to the RISC OS platform. RISC OS C is a powerful and flexible language, but it can be challenging for beginners to get started with. In this guide, we will provide an introduction to RISC OS C programming, including a brief history of the language, how to write it with an example, and some of the best applications for it.
History:
RISC OS C was developed by Acorn Computers in the early 1990s, as part of the development of the RISC OS operating system. It was designed to be a low-level language that could take full advantage of the hardware capabilities of RISC OS computers, such as the ARM processor architecture. RISC OS C was also intended to be compatible with ANSI C, with some additional features specific to RISC OS.
Getting Started:
To get started with RISC OS C programming, you will need a computer running RISC OS and a text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) that supports the language. One popular IDE for RISC OS C programming is the StrongEd editor, which includes syntax highlighting and other useful features.
Here's an example of a simple "Hello, world!" program written in RISC OS C:
```
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
printf("Hello, world!\n");
return 0;
}
```
This program will display the message "Hello, world!" on the screen when it is executed. The `#include <stdio.h>` line tells the compiler to include the standard input/output library, which contains the `printf()` function used to display the message.
Applications:
RISC OS C is used to write a wide range of software for RISC OS computers, from simple command-line utilities to full-featured desktop applications. Some of the best applications for RISC OS C include:
1. Games: RISC OS C is a popular language for writing games for RISC OS computers, due to its low-level capabilities and ability to take full advantage of the hardware.
2. Desktop applications: RISC OS C is also used to write desktop applications for RISC OS, such as text editors, image viewers, and media players.
3. System utilities: RISC OS C is often used to write system utilities and other low-level tools for RISC OS computers, due to its low-level capabilities and ability to interact with the hardware.
Conclusion:
RISC OS C is a powerful and flexible language that is well-suited to writing software for RISC OS computers. While it can be challenging for beginners to get started with, there are many resources available online to help you learn, including tutorials, forums, and sample code. Whether you are interested in writing games, desktop applications, or system utilities, RISC OS C is a great choice for programming on the RISC OS platform.