[fpc-pascal] A question or two regarding the FPC

[fpclist at silvermono.co.za]

Hi guys,

Over the last few years, I have written hundreds of thousands of lines of 
object pascal code that compiles successfully using the FPC and Delphi. To 
date, I have not encountered any problems with the code generated by the 
FP Linux compiler. I don't have much experience with FPC within the MS Windows 
environment as my current interest lies in developing console Linux apps.

Like most developers, I strive to write code that is as bug free as possible 
and at the end of each day, I'm left with a feeling of great satisfaction and 
achievment.

IMO and experience, the code generated by the FPC is as resilient as the 
operating system it runs on. 

My question is directed to the FPC team and in particular, to those involved 
in the development of the compiler and more specific, the Linux compiler. (I 
would expect that Florian would have a say here).

In your opinion, how would you rate the suitability of the FPC generated code 
for use in an environment where there is near zero tolorance to failure? 
Consider the question assuming that the ideal condition where that the source 
code is as close to being perfect as possible, (and I'm not suggesting that 
this perfect code would be written by me. I'm not that good).

Where am I going with this question you might ask? Well, what is the 
difference with say, the code generated by an ADA95 compiler and that 
generated by the FPC. Perhaps someone out there might know. What determines 
the robustness of the generated code? Could the FPC be rated by some 
authority as being able to generate code of some world defined standard?

I know that if I were to manufacture a device or appliance that was controlled 
by FPC code and the device, say a home alarm system, functioned as designed 
and as specified, then the fact that the device is controlled by code 
generated by the FPC would be irrelevant. However, if the device were designed 
to control the laser beam that reshapes a human cornea (eye), then the 
compiler and operating system is of relevance. (The possibility of someone 
using MS Windows CE and Micro .NET comes to mind).

In conclusion, perhaps somebody has already had similar thoughs with regards 
to the above question(s) and has some answers. Would be cool to have the FPC 
team's sincere thoughs on the above.

Keep up the good work guys and thanks for a superb compiler (and RTL - of 
course).

Regards,
Nino