[75] in OS/2_Discussion
Borland C++ for OS/2 (press release, Q&A)
pshuang@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (pshuang@ATHENA.MIT.EDU)
Sat Feb 27 21:10:15 1993
From bcos2-info@borland.com Sat Feb 27 21:09:50 1993
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 93 15:47 PST
From: bcos2-info@borland.com (BC++ OS/2 e-mail info server)
To: pshuang@Athena.MIT.EDU
[The following combines two information files from Borland International
regarding the newly released Borland C++ for OS/2 product. A copy of
this information is being sent as an automated reply to e-mail sent to
the Internet address bcos2-info@borland.com. Other Internet e-mail
addresses at Borland include:
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==========================================================================
BORLAND C++ for OS/2
Press Release
________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cathy Caplener
Borland International, Inc.
(408) 439-4825
Susan Nicolls
Borland International, Inc.
(408) 439-4833
BORLAND INTRODUCES BORLAND C++ FOR OS/2
Award-Winning Compiler Delivers Power of 32 Bit Computing
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. --February 25, 1993 -- Borland International, Inc.
(NASDAQ:BORL) today introduced Borland C++ for OS/2, an object-oriented
development tool for developing 32-bit, OS/2 applications. Borland C++
is Borland's fourth generation compiler that provides professional users
with a standard-setting compiler and tools for building quick and
powerful C and C++ applications.
"Borland rounds out its cross platform strategy by providing developers
with our fourth generation, award-winning C++ compiler on the
Presentation Manager environment, " said Paul Gross, director of product
development for Borland International. "Borland C++ for OS/2 is a
significant product that solidifies Borland's leadership in
object-oriented programming and demonstrates Borland's commitment to
bringing the best development tools to a wide range of environments and
operating systems."
"Borland C++ for OS/2 will enable developers to create next-generation
software for enterprise-wide computing in the 90s," said John Soyring,
director of software development programs for IBM's personal software
products. "By combining a powerful operating system with Borland's
standard-setting compiler, Borland and IBM are providing a winning
solution for developers who require a professional, 32-bit development
system."
Borland C++ for OS/2 offers all of the tools necessary to develop OS/2
2.0 applications using C or C++. Borland C++ for OS/2 shares a common
heritage with Borland C++ 3.1 by including a number of powerful features
such as a graphical user interface (GUI) based integrated development
environment (IDE), global optimization, support for C++ 3.0,
object-oriented debugging, precompiled headers, the ability to transfer
to user-defined programs and tools, and smart project management.
Borland C++ for OS/2 Features & Benefits
32-bit Borland C++ - Borland C++ for OS/2 runs under OS/2 host systems
and creates 32-bit applications for OS/2 2.0. This allows
developers to create OS/2 executables, libraries, and DLLs, as well
as text-mode programs and Presentation Manager applications. The
Borland C++ compiler produces 32-bit object code, supports
development of multithreaded applications and mixed-mode programming
in OS/2 (16-bit calls from within 32-bit executables), and supports
the OS/2 calling conventions.
Integrated GUI Debugging --- With full-featured, integrated GUI debugging,
developers can debug applications under Presentation Manager without
leaving the development environment. This facility also permits developers
to catch many of their bugs earlier, resulting in higher productivity.
The same debugging features are also available directly in the IDE, with
Borland's integrated GUI debugger.
Presentation Manager Hosted Environment -- Borland C++'s productivity-
enhancing, graphical IDE runs as a Presentation Manager application,
enabling the developer to edit, debug, and then run the application
all from within Presentation Manager. With a new Project Notebook
organizer, and other features such as a SpeedBar, integrated
debugging, and color syntax highlighting, developers can manage
complex projects quickly and easily.
C and C++ -- With Borland C++ , the world's standard compiler,
developers can tap the full power of OS/2 while programming in C or
C++. Borland C++ for OS/2 is compatible with AT&T C++ and ANSI C
language standards, giving users the full benefits of using a
compiler that meets the standard requirements of professional
programmers.
Global Optimization -- With this state-of-the-art Borland C++ feature,
global optimization enables programmers to optimize their code to run
faster by using a broad range of optimizations to maximize speed of
execution, minimize program size or both. With global optimization
there is no reason for the programmer to sacrafice speed of
development for fast code.
Resource Workshop for OS/2 -- Borland's resource editing tool enables
developers to visually design and modify OS/2 resources, such as
bitmaps, icons, dialogs, strings and menus.
Background Compilation --- Since the IDE in Borland C++ for OS/2 takes
advantage of the multithread capability of OS/2, and permits
compilation of source files in the background, the developer is able
to perform other activities such as editing without having to wait
for the compilation to finish.
GUI Source-Level Debugger -- With the Turbo Debugger GX, users have
maximum flexibility to debug a wide range of applications in a
convenient environment with a graphical, source-level solution for
debugging applications running on OS/2 host systems.
On-Line IPF and Documentation -- With on-line documentation, users
conveniently get information and help for all components of Borland
C++ for OS/2. Information is also available for the OS/2 and
Presentation Manager API using IBM's Information Presentation
Facility (IPF) format.
Borland C++ for OS/2 also offers a command-line compiler and linker,
import library tools, run time libraries, numerous Presentation
Manager sample programs and an object-oriented 32-bit assembler. No
separate Software Development Kit (SDK) is required.
Borland C++ for OS/2 is built on IBM's advanced 32-bit operating
system, OS/2 2.0. Currently OS/2 2.0 provides the broadest
selection of applications in the industry, allowing users to tap the
more than 30,000 DOS, Windows, and 32-bit OS/2 applications
currently available.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Borland C++ for OS/2 is available for the IBM or Compaq family of
386-based or higher personal computers and 100% compatibles with 4Mb of
memory (8Mb recommended). Requires OS/2 2.0 (installation of OS/2
service packs, such as Service Pack XR06055, is recommended). Hard disk
is also required.
Pricing and Availability
As part of a special 90-day promotion, Borland C++ for OS/2 will be
available for $149.95. The regular suggested retail price of Borland
C++ for OS/2 is $495.00. All suggested retail prices are in U.S.
dollars and apply only to the United States. Borland C++ for OS/2 is
scheduled to be available through Borland and authorized Borland
resellers after March 1, 1993.
For millions of software end users worldwide, Borland International,
Inc. is the leader in application development software. A pioneer in
the use of object-oriented technology, Borland is committed to offering
the world's best database management, programming languages, development
tools, spreadshhets and applications software. Borland's products
include dBASE, Paradox, InterBase, Quattro Pro, ObjectVision, Borland
C++ and Borland Pascal with Objects. Founded in 1983 by Philippe Kahn,
Borland is headquartered in Scotts Valley, California.
==========================================================================
BORLAND C++ for OS/2
Questions and Answers
________________________________
Here are some commonly asked questions about OS/2 with answers.
Q. What new features does Borland C++ for OS/2 provide?
A. Borland C++ for OS/2 includes all of the features necessary to create
Presentation Manager and OS/2 applications. The major features are:
32-bit optimizing compiler -- Borland C++ for OS/2 runs under OS/2
host systems and creates 32-bit applications for OS/2 2.0. The
compiler produces 32-bit object code, supports development of
multithreaded applications and mixed-mode programming in OS/2
(16-bit calls from within 32-bit executables), and supports the
OS/2 calling conventions.
Integrated and standalone graphical Turbo Debugger -- Turbo Debugger GX
offers users a graphical, source-level solution for debugging
applications running on OS/2 host systems. Developers can debug
single and multithread OS/2 and PM applications. The debugger
offers programmers the maximum flexibility to debug a wide range of
applications in a very convenient environment.
Presentation Manager-hosted IDE -- Borland C++ for OS/2 features
Borland's productivity enhancing integrated development environment
(IDE), which runs as a Presentation Manager application. The GUI
development environment integrates features such as a SpeedBar,
integrated debugging, pull-down menus, color syntax highlighting,
multiple-edit windows, and setting notebooks that greatly increase
productivity by making it easy to edit, compile and debug a program.
Background Compilation -- The IDE takes advantage of the multithread
capability of OS/2 and permits compilation of source files in the
background, allowing the developer to perform other activities such
as editing, without having to wait for the compilation to finish.
Global Optimization -- The compiler in Borland C++ for OS/2 offers
programmers state-of-the-art global optimizations to create fast and
tight code for 386 and 486 processors.
Resource Workshop for OS/2 -- Makes it easy to design and modify OS/2
resources, such as bitmaps, icons, dialogs, strings and menus.
Q. Is Borland C++ for OS/2 a complete set of tools for OS/2?
A. Yes. Borland C++ for OS/2 provides a complete toolset for building OS/2
2.0 applications, including a compiler, debugger, assembler, resource
editor and resource compiler. Developers will get everything they need
to develop OS/2 2.0 applications in C or C++.
Q. What version of C++ does Borland C++ for OS/2 support?
A. Borland C++ for OS/2 supports the C++ language implemented in AT&T's
cfront 3.0. This includes nested classes and templates.
Q. Does that mean Borland C++ for OS/2 is a port of AT&T's cfront?
A. No. The compiler in Borland C++ for OS/2 is a native-code compiler
built for OS/2. AT&T's cfront is a translator that converts C++ code to
C, and requires a C compiler for further processing.
Q. Does Borland C++ for OS/2 include Turbo Debugger?
A. Yes. Borland C++ for OS/2 includes both an integrated debugger in the
Integrated Development Environment (IDE), as well as a standalone Turbo
Debugger. This is a graphical debugger that provides ease of use and
offers high productivity, and includes support for debugging
multithreaded applications.
Q. Does Borland C++ for OS/2 come with class libraries?
A. Yes. Borland C++ for OS/2 comes with both ordinary and template-based
sets of container class libraries. The product also comes with the
class libraries specified in the AT&T C++ 2.1 specification for streams
and complex numbers.
Q. Will Borland C++ for OS/2 include ObjectWindows?
A. Borland is committed to the 32-bit future. As part of Borland C++ for
Win32, we are creating a 32-bit version of ObjectWindows. ObjectWindows
for OS/2 will follow the OWL/32 release.
Q. Does Borland C++ for OS/2 support exceptions?
A. Borland C++ for OS/2 does not support exceptions. It does, however,
offer the ability to watch OS/2 operating system exception messages.
Turbo Debugger GX also allows developers to set breakpoints on operating
system exceptions.
Q. Does Borland C++ for OS/2 support OS/2 1.x?
A. No. Borland C++ for OS/2 targets OS/2 2.0.
Q. Does Borland plan to support upcoming versions of OS/2? Will there be
other versions of Borland C++ for OS/2?
A. Yes. Borland is committed to OS/2.
Q. Will code developed for OS/2 1.x be compatible with Borland C++ for OS/2?
A. Borland C++ for OS/2 can call 16-bit DLLs.
Q. Does Borland C++ for OS/2 support Borland Custom Controls?
A. No. This release of the product does not support Borland Custom Controls.
Q. Does Borland C++ for OS/2 include a profiler?
A. No. This release of the product does not include a profiler.
Q. Can Windows resources be easily ported to OS/2?
A. There are third party tools, such as ResourceShield from Stirling, that
make this easier.
Q. Does the compiler have a built-in assembler?
A. The compiler in Borland C++ for OS/2 does not have a built-in assembler.
However, the product does come with a complete 32-bit Turbo Assembler that
will handle the needs of developers who insert inline assembler
instructions in their C or C++ code.
Q. Is there an OS/2 version of Turbo Vision available?
A. No. There is no OS/2 version of Turbo Vision available.
Q. Why did Borland decide to do a C++ compiler for OS/2?
Isn't support for OS/2 a new direction for Borland?
A. Our position has always been a commitment to DOS, Windows and OS/2.
Borland actually shipped the first bundled Presentation Manager
application, Sidekick for PM, and has years of experience in OS/2
development. In addition, our customers have told us they want our
languages and tools on OS/2, and we already have ObjectVision and the
Brief editor available for OS/2.
Q. Will I be able to create and compile help information for my programs?
A. Yes, users of Borland C++ for OS/2 will be able to create programs with
help. Borland is committed to providing developers everything they need
to create OS/2 applications.
Q. What is a global optimizer?
A. An optimizer takes code produced by a compiler and makes it run faster,
or take up less space. Some optimizers are called 'Local' because their
effect is limited to a single block of code. 'Global' optimizations
affect entire modules, resulting in better overall performance.
Q. What is object-oriented assembler?
A. The addition of object-oriented data structures gives Turbo Assembler the
ability to use objects in programs while retaining the speed and
flexibility of assembler.
Q. Why did Borland add OOP extensions to Turbo Assembler?
A. Assembly-language programmers have always sought ways to make their work
easier with extensions such as macros and directives. Object-oriented
features allow data structures to be encapsulated and inherited. This
removes dependencies that hinder maintenance, saves work, and in general
makes assembly-language programming more effective.
Q. Is the Runtime Library Source Code Available?
A. Yes. The Runtime Library Source Code is available from Borland for $49.95.
Q. What types of applications does Borland C++ for OS/2 allow you to write?
A. Developers using Borland C++ for OS/2 can target Presentation Manager
and OS/2 executables, OS/2 DLLs and libraries, as well as text-mode
applications.
Q. Can I use Borland C++ from IBM's Workframe/2?
A. Yes. Borland C++ for OS/2 comes with a complete set of command line
tools, as well as the requisite DLLs and language profile to be able to
work with the Workframe.
Q. Does Borland C++ for OS/2 target DOS or Windows?
A. No. Borland C++ for OS/2 targets OS/2 2.0 only.
Q. Are command-line tools included in Borland C++ for OS/2?
A. Yes. A complete set of command-line tools are included with the package.
Q. What is the price for Borland C++ for OS/2?
A. For a limited time, Borland C++ for OS/2 will be available to all
customers for a suggested retail price of $149.95. This offer will
elapse after 90 days. Thereafter, the price will be $495.
Q. What is the upgrade pricing for current Borland C++ users?
A. Current users of Borland C++ may upgrade to Borland C++ for OS/2 for
$149.95.
Q. When will Borland C++ for OS/2 ship?
A. Borland C++ for OS/2 will ship in March 1993. The product will be
available through Borland and major Borland resellers.
BORLAND
POWER MADE EASY
