DDS Micro-C
Dave Dunfield at DDS provided system design and software development services since the 1980s. Dave released his tools for free, with source code. Includes the Micro-C compiler:
Create new programs
Get started in programming with the compilers, debuggers, and other programming tools included in FreeDOS. You can also modify FreeDOS itself, because we provide our source code under an open source license.
These links are provided as a convenience and do not constitute endorsements or approval. The FreeDOS Project does not bear responsibility for what you download from these websites.
FreeDOS is a collection of programs and utilities, so not everything is in one place. The FreeDOS kernel is currently maintained by Jeremy on his GitHub. Find copies of other FreeDOS programs in our GitLab:
Free programming tools
Thanks to everyone and every company who has released their DOS programming tools for free. And special thanks to those who continue to support DOS programming:
Borland Turbo Compilers
Borland created the popular family of Turbo compilers, including Turbo C/C++ and Turbo Pascal. In 2002, Borland released these tools under their "Museum." Find it at the Internet Archive:
DeSmet C Compiler
C-Ware Corporation sold the DeSmet C coimpiler or PCC since the 1980s. The company closed years ago, but this website has permission to share it, with source code:
Digital Mars
Digital Mars provided a collection of C, C++, and D compilers for several operating systems, including DOS. Digital Mars has since transitioned to consulting services and seminars, but has released the compilers for free:
You can also find other DOS programming tools on these websites:
Technical information
We've collected links to several reference guides and tutorials here:
Ralf Brown’s Interrupt List
Ralf collected this comprehensive list of interrupt calls, IO ports, and more about DOS and the IBM PC. Divided into six parts, plus a FAQ list:
256-color VGA Programming in C
David Brackeen has assembled this five-part tutorial on VGA programming in DOS. This was originally created for a technical writing course in 1996:
Graphics Programming Black Book
Michael Abrash's book is a collection of tutorials and writings about assembly language and graphics programming. Published by Dr Dobbs Journal:
You can find more technical notes on these websites: