MPW C++ is based on AT&T C++ Release 2.0 and includes a number of enhancements to provide smooth integration of C++ into the Macintosh environment. Support for the Macintosh toolbox, SANE, SADE, and more has been implemented in MPW C++. The ability to debug C++ applications at the C++ source level (rather than trying to debug the output of CFront) makes programming with C++ much easier.
C++ opens the doors to the benefits of object-oriented programming (OOP) to C programmers. An object-oriented language alone is only a beginning, a mature application class library is also needed. MPW C++ can be used with Apple's third-generation application class library (MacApp) by using the special headers included with MacApp 2.0.1 itself. The combination of MacApp and MPW C++ provides a robust development system that delivers a key competitive advantage to our developers.
MPW C++ v.3.1 addresses the speed issues surrounding CFront by providing support for "pre-compiled headers" (often known as "load/dump"). When compared to the initial release of MPW C++ (v.3.1B1), pre-compiled headers provides a 2x-3x speed improvement. The speed differences is very noticeable when using MPW C++ with MacApp because of the large header files used to provide access to MacApp from C++.
BENEFITS:
• Provides object-oriented programming to developers using C
• Supports MacApp, Apple's application class library for the Macintosh
• Faster build times reduce overall development cycle
FEATURES:
• Supports precompiled headers for faster build times
• Support for object-oriented programming
• Extensions for the Macintosh Toolbox and operating system
• Can be used with MacApp
C COMPILER
We recommend using MPW C 3.1B3 with MPW C++ 3.1. For more information, see the MPW C++ E.T.O. Note.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
A Macintosh Plus, Macintosh SE, Macintosh Classic, Macintosh Portable, Macintosh LC, or Macintosh II personal computer (or later model) with at least 2MB RAM. Also required are a hard disk, Macintosh System Software v. 6.0.2 or later, Macintosh Programmer’s Workshop Development Environment v. 3.1 or later, and MPW C v. 3.1 or later. Highly recommended are at least 4MB of RAM and a 68020- or 68030-based Macintosh.
IN THE FUTURE
MPW C++ v.3.1 is based on AT&T C++ Release 2.0. AT&T has released C++ Release 2.1 which is primarily a maintenance release. We’re in the process of integrating CFront 2.1 with our Macintosh-specific enhancements and hope to have an experimental version of this on a future edition of E.T.O.
