CompuServe Messages

I keep hearing these references that assembly is somehow magically better than a higher level language; I must take exception to that. If one has a good optimized compiler, than studies have shown that it will produce as good or better code than the average assembler. Given the productivity of HLLs and ease of maintainance, it seems to me that it is a win over assembler, EXCEPT in small critical areas where assembler modules could be used. I speak from experience when I say this, since the computer system I work on was written in over 95% PL/I with only 5% in assembler. You wouldn;t believe how much easier it is to write code for, debug and amie dm maintain compared to other systems. The comparative man-hour estimates for this system is amazing. The key is the compiler. If it is not truly optimized, than you will suffer a noticable performance degredation. But it seems to me that the solution is to than get a better compiler, not to convert everything to assembler. Of course modular writing makes things easier, no matter what language you're using. Think, if assembler libraries make assembly programming easier, how much better C/Assembler libraries will make C programming. I would certainly be distressed, if the "let's go assembler" elements won on this. Sorry for the flame… John G. Ata