From: Kenneth Jamieson Organization: The Amiga Online Review Column - ed. Jason L. Tibbitts III Subject: REVIEW: Comeau C++ v2.1 Keywords: programming, language, c++, compiler, commercial Path: karazm.math.uh.edu!amiga-reviews Distribution: world Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.reviews Followup-To: comp.sys.amiga.programmer Reply-To: Kenneth Jamieson Comeau C++ is a stable, functional port of the industry standard C++ language to the Amiga. I have been consistently and pleasantly surprised by the level of support Greg has given the Amiga. ["Greg" is Greg Comeau of Comeau Computing. - JLT3] Copyright (c) 1991,1992 Kenneth Jamieson The following is a review of the Comeau Computing C++ compiler. Info on how to order and where to contact the company are at the end. The following article is a updated review of the Comeau Computing C++ compiler. The version reviewed now is 2.1. Much of the original review has been rendered obsolete as the folks at Comeau have dealt with most of the complaints I had at the time! NOTE: By the time you read this, this compiler should be up to 3.0 ======================== *************** SYNOPSIS *************** Comeau C++ is a stable, functional port of the industry standard C++ language to the Amiga. I have been consistently and pleasantly surprised by the level of support Greg has given the Amiga. *************** REQUIREMENTS *************** * Amiga computer. * 2 megabytes would be recommended but could probably run in 1. * Hard drive or HUGE ram disk STRONGLY recommended * A working, installed C compiler (Aztec, SAS/C, DICE) * Arexx * Language reference manuals (none really with the compiler) *************** OVERVIEW *************** Well, as anyone who has worked with C++ in any form knows, this language and the Amiga were meant for each other. The Amiga's GUI interface is very clean to start with in most cases, and all GUIs are perfect candidates for the object features in C++. Comeau C++ is NOT a complete development system. The ~=250$ price gives you the Amiga binary for "Cfront 2.1", AT&T's C++ -> C translator and related libraries and utilities. One of the great strengths of this system is being a direct port of the AT&T product. As compatibility with Unix becomes a major problem in the world of professional programming, this is a great help. Most major implementations of C++ on all platforms are C++ based - so if you are using this to learn C++ or develop production code it should be portable to a different C++. To my knowledge, this is the only true Cfront port for the Amiga. Because Cfront generates C, you need a working C compiler to use this product. It will also generate ANSI style C, so any good ANSI compiler should be ok. Direct support is in for Aztec and SAS/C, with dice support almost complete. In addition, it should be noted that if you have the Lattice C++ product, the "cpp" pre-processor can be used to enhance your productivity. Comeau has stated that they will be releasing their own pre-processor soon, and that you can also use the one that comes with your compiler in most cases. Speaking of the need for a C compiler, I would like to take this chance to STRONGLY applaud the efforts of Greg Comeau to support all the various Amiga C compilers. Special kudos for his efforts to support Matt Dillon's DICE compiler. The distribution is on floppy disk, and is no real problem to install. The process is simple and fast. The packaging of the product is adequate. There is a binder that has the product specs and language information, and a insert with the Amiga instructions. ************ DRIVER ************ NOTE !! NOTE !! NOTE !! This portion of the review applies ONLY to the Arexx driver, and so should NOT be taken as a reflection on the "Cfront" port. The "como" command is the hub of the compiler. Those using C++ can equate this to a "CC". And there is problem number one. It doesn't act ANYTHING like CC. This will make it difficult for anyone who is new from the UNIX world. On the plus side - all of the problems I had with the utility of "como" have been fixed! ************ LANGUAGE ************ This is a 100% complete AT&T 2.1 port. Multiple inheritance and all the other features of "real" C++ are supported. There are no new bugs that aren't also in the UNIX world, and this compiler is a good way to gain experience in a language that will make you a valuable employee at a new job and look good on your resume. I ported and compiled a complicated Unix program I had written, that compiles 6 mixed C and C++ files into two libraries, compiles two more test C++ programs and links them with the libraries. There are by the way, no Amiga specific classes in the compiler. This is straight C++. You can use the Amiga with the normal C calls and interface, or write your own class library for it. ************ OVERVIEW ************ This is a good product on the whole, and we desperately need a full C++ 2.1 on the Amiga. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest or need for C++. I would DEFINITELY tell anyone with Lattice C++ to get it. The compiler is mature and stable, and well tested. Well worth the money! I'll give it a 90 out of 100. The company is nice, and UPS Blue shipping is free. COD or pre pay check are needed for ordering. The technical support is fantastic when I needed details on the como.rexx driver, they listened well to my suggestions, and kept me informed about my order status. Have fun! Comeau Computing 91-34 120th St. Richmond Hill, NY 11418 (718)-945-0009 BIX: comeau Compuserve: 72331,3421 Usenet: uunet!attmail!csanta!c++ -- +--[ Xanadu Enterprises Inc. Lingerie, Consulting, RPG's and ANIME ]-+.sign | Please send email for detailed product or catalogue information! |ature | Ken Jamieson: uunet!tronsbox.xei.com!tron1 |Virus |---NONE of the opinions represented here are endorsed by anybody!---|V3.2 | Original contents are Copyright (c)1992 |1992! +--------------------------------------------------------------------+