Stack Sizes for 3.20 to 3.3x

Product Version(s): 3.20 3.3x
Operating System:   MS-DOS
Flags: ENDUSER | TAR52656 docerr
Last Modified: 18-AUG-1988    ArticleIdent: Q11221

Question:
   We are using Pascal Version 3.20, and we are trying to upgrade to
Pascal Version 3.30. ".EXE" files created using the Pascal Compiler
Version 3.30 and linker (Version 3.02), crash when run, due to stack
overflow. We are not using any compiler or linker switches, and we are
using Pascal.lib and Math.lib.
   Why does the documentation give conflicting information about using
the /STACK switch of the Linker to increase the stack size? Page 66 of
the "Microsoft Pascal Compiler User's Guide" warns you not to use the
/STACK linker switch, and Page 155 of Appendix A warns you only to use
the /STACK linker switch with programs compiled with Pascal
Compiler Version 3.30 or later. Which of these two warnings is correct?

Response:
   Page 155 of Appendix A is correct: the linker stack switch should
only be used with Pascal Version 3.30 or later. Earlier versions
allocated unused stack space for the near heap, causing problems if
the /Stack switch was used.
