Re: I found a FORTH stack optimzer, but could use a better version.

In article <hov755-dvj.ln1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, bernd.paysan@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 (Bernd 
Paysan) wrote:

> and they were a lot easier to target for "real native code" compilers
> than x86 is (x86_64 is slightly better, but not that much).

 x86 was not optimised for anything. It was an attempt to build a 16 bit 
processor which was source compatible with 8080 assembler. The original 
processor was limited by fab and packaging constraints and the need to 
get it to market. The result was an abortion of a processor that only 
achieved world domination because IBM took it up. The best of the first 
generation 16 bit chips was probably the National Semiconductor one but 
that arrived too late to get major market share. Development of the x86 
has since been limited by the requirement to retain compatibility with 
earlier generations. 
 
 IBM was alleged to have chosen the 8088 for the PC for two reasons. 
First existing 8 bit peripheral chips could be used and second using 
anything else would have shown up there mini computers.

 Ken Young