Recommend a Compiler

I've been working on a relatively large game-related project for quite a while using the unbelievably ancient Borland C/C++ 3.1 compiler for several months. The compiler works well and I've even downloaded enough library files got it to work with 640x480x256 graphics and (to some extent) SoundBlaster-type audio.

However, the problem remains that it's old and extremely crash-prone (ANY memory-related screw up will necessitate a reboot,) plus the graphics are slightly slower than I'd like. And it's DOS, so it can't be run in a Windows window and can only display an extremely limited amount of code at one time.

So, I'd like to download a new one. The only requirements are that it is (1) free, (2) support instantaneous keyboard input such as a while loop with kbhit(), (3) be capable of fast 640x480x256 graphics, and (4) compatible with SB audio, even if additional code is required (such as what I already have). Nonsusceptibility to crashing the system is also a major plus (As part of an internship I programmed on a Unix machine all summer, and didn't manage to crash it once. I don't expect this kind of performance in Windows, but anything better than what I already have would be nice!)

I see there are loads of them linked to from this site, but I'm not sure how many fulfill these requirements and of those that do, which is best for my purpose. So, if anyone would be kind enough to dispense their top recommendation(s), it would be most appreciated!

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Also, let me add that if (for example) Microsoft Visual C++ were far enough above the others, I'd be willing to buy it. Same with CodeWarrior, and other non-free compilers. But I've used these in the past, and wasn't too impressed - but I didn't know anywhere near as much about programming then as I do now.

But quite sure about 2,3, or 4, but Bloodshed Dev C++ has 1 covered ;).

djgpp runs in protected mode DOS as far as I understand most c memory
bugs will give a segmentation error. Any non privilage program running on windows NT/2000 should in theory not crash the OS. With windows 98 you shouldn't be able to crash it with common c memory bugs.

You should get Linux and stay away from Windows. Use gcc

A few DJGPP questions, then:

Well, I'm using Windows 98 (and although I'm a Linux fan, unfortunately an operating system change is not an option at this point.) So DJGPP won't normally crash the computer if there's a memory-related error?

Does the DJGPP editor run in DOS or in a window?

Also, I ran into a lot about DJGPP graphics a while back when I was looking for ways to do graphics in my current compiler; but I'm still curious about whether it can do fast 640x480x256, if anyone knows.

Edit: DJGPP, not DJCPP...

Linux is free. Go for it.

Otherwise DJGPP is at Click Here

I use DevC++ and love it.

-Fool

640x480 probably you could into that mode with allegro with djgpp or you would use directx if developing for windows. For djgpp's editors, rhide runs under dos but I usually use emacs NT or you can use emacs for DOS. There are a couple of other editors you can use.