steve@endor.UUCP (Kaufer - Lopez - Pratap) (12/22/87)
Saber Software has announced the release of Saber-C, an integrated development environment for the C language that helps users quickly prototype and debug software. The software is immediately available for both UNIX and Ultrix operating systems on Sun and DEC computers. Saber-C brings to the C language the most useful features found in sophisticated Lisp programming systems. The Saber-C environment incorporates several tools: * a full-strength C interpreter with ANSI extensions * a static and run-time program checker * a source language debugger (not just source level) * a dynamic linker * a window-based interface that works with X and Suntools (Saber-C can also be used on an ascii terminal) Users can selectively interpret the portions of a program that are being actively debugged; the remaining parts of a program and system libraries can be loaded and executed as compiled object code. Program files do not have to be modified for use with Saber-C. Saber-C offers several advantages over existing UNIX development tools: * Faster Load Times Saber-C loads files at 18,000 lines per minute - five times faster than the C compiler. * Instant Turnaround Times The edit-to-execute cycle for most changes is less than 5 seconds, regardless of the size of the program. This is because a file does not have to be relinked when it is modified and reloaded. * Complete Program Checking Saber-C provides complete static checking, including inter-module consistency checking. When a program is executed, Saber-C checks for dangling pointers, incorrect array indices, bad memory usage and many other subtle errors. * Better Debugging Capability Saber-C provides access to all source information during debugging, including macros. In addition, conditional debugging actions are constructed by combining Saber-C debugging commands with simple C statements. * A Run-time Environment All input to the interpreter is in the form of C expressions or statements that are immediately parsed and evaluated. It is possible to experiment with the entire language, including the preprocessor. * Support for Prototyping Users can execute individual functions and incomplete programs. Algorithms can be tested in the environment before inserting them into a program. * Integrated Editing When an error is reported, the editor (either vi or emacs) can be invoked at the location of the error with a single keystroke. A make-like facility automatically reloads all modified files when a change is made. * Window-based Interface When used with X Windows or Suntools, Saber-C supports multiple edit windows and a separate window for program input and output. Saber has been used successfully with large programming projects, including SunView and X-window applications. For information about FREE evaluation kits and pricing, contact Saber Software at: Saber Software, Inc. 30 J.F.K. Street Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 876-7636 {ihnp4,decvax}!harvard!saber saber@harvard.harvard.edu