morris@dms.UUCP (Jim Morris) (06/09/90)
Partial review of Borland Turbo c++ Professional.
Overall I am happy with it, the bugs I thought I found turned out to be
strict adherence to the latest AT&T C++ spec. For instance they
enforce the rule against a declaration following a conditional.
The only real bug I have found is the error I get with the following
code:
class test{
.... classy stuff
};
remove_vec(Test **ppt, len)
{
delete [len] *ppt; // This generates an error
// *ppt is reported as a type mismatch
}
the work around is:
delete [len] ppt[0];
which apparently works. (According to Borland Tech support).
I also have a 74 line routine that reports an out of memory error when
compiled under the IDE but works fine when compiled from the DOS
prompt. Other larger routines compile ok. If I split the routine
into two it compiles. There are no complex constructs in the routine
either, very strange.
The IDE (Interactive developement environment??) is great, it is
mouse driven (standard mouse interface). With overlapping windows
etc. Limited debugging and inspection, good editing. You can also
launch or favourite editor, Turbo Debugger, profiler and any app
from a menu!!
The Turbo Debugger is an improved version of the old one, with
the mouse driven interface, (or keyboard). I found two nasty
stack corrupting bugs in my c++ program very quickly with it.
It is a very effective tool, it also knows about c++ for class
browsing etc.
One disappointment is that TD386 (The protected mode version of
the debugger, for hardware watchpoints etc) is not VCPI compliant
and does not work with QEMM or 386^MAX. Although there is a TD286
which will work with the memory managers, and uses EMS to keep the
memory overhead down.
I am also very satisfied with Borlands tech support on compuserve, I
post the message in the evening, and there is a very knowledgeable
reply waiting for me the following afternoon. (Actually usually
the next morning!).
Nice one Borland!!
--
Jim Morris. {motcsd|weitek}!dms!morris or morris@dms.UUCP
Voice (408) 434-3798
Atari Games Corporation, 675 Sycamore Drive, Milpitas CA 95035 USA
(Arcade Video Game Manufacturer, NOT Atari Corp. ST manufacturer).