Do I like my C compiler? Well it has its advantages in many situations, but I still love PBP.
Try doing this in basic:
Code:
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
////                 Polarization analysis.C                         ////
////                                                                 ////
////  This program shows input, output and standard operations with  ////
////  floating piont numbers.  I/O is RS232.                         ////
////  The equation is applied to the numbers entered and the result  ////
////  is printed to the screen.               hansknecht 5/12/04     ////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

#include <16F877.h>
#fuses HS,NOWDT,NOPROTECT,NOLVP
#use delay(clock=20000000)
#use rs232(baud=9600, xmit=PIN_C6, rcv=PIN_C7)
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <input.c>
#include <math.h>

void main()
{
 float a, b, pol_res;

 do {
        printf("\r\nEnter first number: ");  //prompt user for number
        a=get_float();                       // bring number in

        printf("\r\nEnter second number: ");  // prompt for second number
        b=get_float();

        pol_res = (2*(SQRT (a*b))/(a+b))* 100;  // perform calculation

        printf("\r\nPolarization = ",pol_res, " %"); // display result

    } while (TRUE);

}
I also like the wizard associated with the CCS C compiler. When you start a new project it asks you questions like "Do you want to use the on-board ADC?" or "Do you want to use the Capture-Compare?". Based on your answer it automatically inserts the necessary code for initialization.

All this comes at a $$$ price. PBP is a great affordable compiler for 90% of my projects.

-John