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
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