Talk:DOS API

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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]

Sorry, dude, but when it comes to you vs. Peter Norton, I choose to believe Peter Norton. The Int 67h functions were incorporated into base MS-DOS starting with version 4.0. Do not remove reliable references from the article based solely on your vague personal opinions... AnonMoos (talk) 18:59, 22 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

The "vague personal opinion" as you say comes from being the lead developer of PC DOS 7.0. EMS is NOT part of the DOS API, it is a separate specification which uses Int 67h. DOS 4 allowed disk buffers to be placed in EMS using BUFFERS=nn /X in CONFIG.SYS - this is what is being referred to NOT any API additions. Asmpgmr (talk) 20:07, 22 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

That's not what Peter Norton says in an official Microsoft-published book. AnonMoos (talk) 20:49, 22 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I just explained what any reference about EMS in DOS 4 is about. The DOS API is implemented by the DOS kernel (MSDOS.SYS or IBMDOS.COM). EMS is implemented by an Expanded Memory Manager (EMM) such as EMM386, QEMM or 386MAX. If you want to keep maintaining this incorrect argument then list specifically which DOS API (Int 20h - Int 2Fh) implements this. Asmpgmr (talk) 20:55, 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]