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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Asmpgmr (talk | contribs) at 17:41, 22 June 2012 (DOS API function list). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
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to-do

Should mention how it was radically revamped with DOS version 2.0 in 1983 (adding file handles, subdirectory support, and ASCIIZ strings, among other things)... AnonMoos (talk) 09:50, 26 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Done a while back... AnonMoos (talk) 19:22, 14 November 2011 (UTC)[reply]

correction

Int 21 Fn 02 under common functions states that AL holds the character code to print - I think that should be DL. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 58.110.245.134 (talk) 03:44, 10 February 2009 (UTC)[reply]

DOS API function list

Should this article include a list of DOS function calls akin to the list in the BIOS interrupt call article ? Also should such a list detail register parameters and return values ? The BIOS list does not, it only lists the functions.

Another note: this article should be named "DOS API" since it applies to DOS overall, not just MS-DOS. Asmpgmr (talk) 23:58, 21 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

A comprehensive list would be quite long, and would duplicate work which has been done elsewhere (probably with poorer quality); a few selected examples are fine in my opinion. And it's called the "MS-DOS" API because everybody else is compatible with MS-DOS (and the acronym "DOS" by itself has a number of possible meanings -- we even have an article on it, List of DOS operating systems). Also, functions to manage expanded memory were introduced into base MS-DOS starting with version 4. AnonMoos (talk) 13:02, 22 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]
The Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) is a separate specification which uses Int 67h and NOT part of the DOS API in any version of DOS. Do not put that back in the article. Asmpgmr (talk) 15:08, 22 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Reference list of interrupts used by DOS (Int 20h - 27h) and Int 21h functions has been added. Hopefully this will end any questions as to what is and is not in the DOS API. These lists are similar to what is in the BIOS interrupt call article. Someone can look in the linked references for more detailed information regarding register usage and return values. Also added references to the Microsoft MS-DOS Programmer's Reference - The Official Technical Reference to MS-DOS and the Programmer's PC Sourcebook, both published by Microsoft Press. Asmpgmr (talk) 17:41, 22 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]