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).