The Lattice C++ compiler package now includes new documentation for the standard Lattice C library. The separate volume describes the more than 300 Lattice C functions that are also available to C++.
Lattice C++ translates C++ source code into C programs that are then compiled by the Lattice C compiler. The new volume of documentation gives users a synopsis of each C function's use, a description of the function's purpose, the return value provided by the function, and a cross reference. The reference manual also provides application examples.
C++ programmers can call a Lattice C function for math, file I/O, memory allocation, and system functions; write complete program modules in C when the programs do not require C++ features; and build C++ objects utilizing C functions.
Lattice's C++ package uses the AT&T translator kit. A driver, similar to the LC driver in the Lattice AmigaDOS C compiler, is provided for translating, compiling, and linking.
The price of Lattice C++ is $500. Registered users of Lattice C++ will receive a copy of the new Lattice C Library manual at no charge. Lattice C++ requires 1.5-Mbyte memory and two floppy drives; a hard disk is recommended. Reader Service No. 21.
Lattice Inc. 2500 S Highland Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 312-916-1600
Cortex Computing Corp.'s Enhance! adds several features to DOS 2.0 and greater. Accessed from the command line and/or batch files, Enhance! coexists with, not replaces, DOS and COMMAND.COM.
According to Cortex, Enhance! adds symbol/alias defining and processing, file management (move, copy, remove, append, list, locate, and change files/ groups/attributes), retrieval and reissuing of previously entered commands, the ability to issue several commands at one DOS prompt, command line editing, and simplified DOS directory/ drive maneuvering. Enhance! is RAM resident and can load and run in expanded memory.
Symbol (alias) processing allows the user to use symbols (words) at the DOS command line for which Enhance! will substitute one or more other words. Symbols may be defined to represent commands, parts of commands, several commands, and other symbols. In some instances, symbol processing replaces batch files with symbols and exact commands with abbreviations. For instance, entering any of DIR through DIRECTORY could perform as though DIR were entered.
With Enhance!'s file management, the user can perform the following from the command line: list, copy, move, remove, protect, hide, and change the date and time values of disk files. Another feature is the ability to specify and/or exclude files with names and/ or extensions that begin with one or more sets of letters, end with a certain letter or letters, or have a certain letter or letters somewhere in between.
Retrieval and reissuing of previously entered commands allows the user to recall and optionally modify and resend commands that have already been entered. Several commands can be entered at once, and command line editing supports lines longer than 80 characters.
This product sells for $79.95 and supports the IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, and compatibles with at least 256K RAM and DOS 2.0 or greater. Reader Service No. 20.
Cortex Computing Corp. P.O. Box 116788 Carrollton, TX 75011 214-492-5124
Quadram has released Version 1.1 of its program development toolkit for the JT Fax 9600 PC facsimile board. The toolkit contains instructions that enable programmers to write to the JT Fax 9600's shared RAM interface, as well as working programs for operations supported by the board.
The code necessary to transmit a facsimile resides on the board. In addition, the board's facsimile capabilities can be accessed without Quadram code being resident with the PC's main memory. The JT Fax 9600 can also be adapted to PC bus systems running operating systems other than MS-DOS, such as Unix or Xenix.
This product is a three-quarter size 9600 baud background board with an on-board 80188 processor. It installs in an IBM PC, XT, AT, and most compatibles, plus PS/2 Models 25 and 30. A unit retails for $795. The toolkit is available free to registered JT Fax 9600 users by contacting Tom McElroy at 404-564-2353, ext. 2135.
Quadram produces three other PC facsimile products. JT Fax Internal, which sells for $395, is a 4800 baud half card for the IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 Models 25 and 30, as well as most compatibles. JT Fax Portable sells for $495 and is a 4800 baud external version, which plugs into a computer's serial port. Selling for $595, JT Fax PS/Q is a 4800 baud full-length card that installs inside the IBM PS/2 Models 50, 5OZ, 60, 70, 80, and most compatibles. Reader Service No. 22.
Quadram One Quad Way Norcross, GA 30093-2919 404-923-6666
Formation, Version 1.1, by Aspen Scientific supports various application interfaces, such as overlapping windows, different menu styles, and dialog boxes. Formation in source code form is transported to several operating systems. The source code is compatible with MS-DOS, OS/2, and Unix System V, as well as Unix System look-a-likes, such as SCO Xenix System V/386.
Formation not only supports menu interfaces, such as drop-down menus, pop-up menus, and Lotus-style menus, but it also provides dialog boxes for user-to-application input. Formation dialog boxes support scrolling text prompters, option buttons, check boxes, command buttons, and scrolling list boxes. Additionally, Formation supports line borders, shadowing, and exploding window refreshes.
Under MS-DOS and OS/2, this product supports VGA, EGA, CGA, and MDA displays and C compilers. Formation under Unix supports terminals defined in the terminfo database and exploits line-graphics capabilities where available.
Prices are $399 for the source code bundle supporting MS-DOS, OS/2, and Unix, and $159 for the binary bundle supporting MS-DOS and OS/2. Formation requires Aspen Scientific's Curses, Version 4.0, for MS-DOS and OS/2, and Unix Curses (provided with Unix). Reader Service No. 23.
Aspen Scientific 10580 W 46th Ave. P.O. Box 72 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034-0072 303-423-8088
For writing memory-resident programs in Basic, MicroHelp has released Stay-Res Plus, Version 3.0. One feature of Stay-Res Plus is the ability to specify up to 21 "hot keys" that will pop up the program. Each hot key can be a regular key press or a "shift only" hot key, such as Ctrl-Alt. The SysReq key can also be used as a hot key.
The SRPOKER.COM program can be used to pop up the program from the DOS command prompt or a batch file, or pop the program up after n ticks have occurred. Other features include shelling other programs or batch files from resident programs and removing the program from memory from within the program, or by executing a .COM program from the DOS command line or a batch file.
The system's current environment variables can be accessed even if they have been changed after the program has become resident. This includes PATH, COMSPEC, and LIB. In addition, files can be left open between pop ups.
System requirements include an IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, 80386, or compatible; Microsoft QuickBasic 2 - 4 or Bascom 6 with DOS 3.0 or later; QuickBasic 1 or Bascom 1 - 5 with DOS 2.1 or later; an 80 column monitor; and a 360K floppy disk.
Stay-Res Plus, Version 3.0, sells for $89; upgrades are $60. Reader Service No. 24.
MicroHelp Inc. 4636 Huntridge Dr. Roswell, GA 30075 404-552-0565 800-922-3383
Human Intellect Systems has announced the upgrade of its first expert system shell -- Instant-Expert -- for the Macintosh. Instant-Expert, which sells for $69.95, is a software development tool used to created customized expert systems.
User-entered logic or if/then rules drive the application to produce information offered by the subject-area authority. Users can build a stand-alone expert system based on their knowl dge of a particular field.
Release 2.0 features an inference engine that uses forward and backward chaining, as well as a mixed strategy in which both forward and backward reasoning are used. The product supports true, false, and unknowns, and allows the user to ask "why?" and "how?" Instant-Expert also offers trace functions, interactive deduction, optional search strategies (depth first or breadth first), and uncertainty controls. The more advanced expert system shell Instant-Expert Plus, offers advanced graphics and user-defined variables and sells for $498.
Applications completed in Instant-Expert 2.0 are compatible with Instant-Expert Plus. Registered users may also apply their purchase price toward the purchase of Instant-Expert Plus. Registered Instant-Expert 1.5 owners can upgrade to Instant-Expert 2.0 for $25.
Both instant-Expert and Instant-Expert Plus run on the Apple Macintosh 512KE, SE, and II computers. Instant-Expert Plus also runs on an IBM PC or compatible with 640K. Reader Service No. 25.
Human Intellect Systems 1670 S Amphlett Blvd., Ste. 326 San Mateo, CA 94402 415-571-5939 800-522-5939
ParcPlace Systems will soon release the Smalltalk-80 object-oriented development environment for DECstation 3100 computers. The DECstation 3100 is a MIPS-based system using the Ultrix operating system. Smalltalk-80 features a set of development and information access tools, an object-oriented programming language, tested applications, and portability to a variety of workstation and microcomputer environments.
With this product, users program by selecting code modules from a reusable library and by using built-in applications and simulations. It also allows programmers to move between writing code, debugging, and inspecting levels of system operation. The environment can also link and access subroutines written in other languages, such as C. Smalltalk-80 includes a graphical user interface based on overlapping windows, pop-up menus, multiple fonts, and mouse-oriented control.
Smalltalk-80 is compatible with the X-Window environment and is portable to Unix, Mac OS, and MS-DOS operating systems using Motorola 680X0, Intel 80386, Sun SPARC, or MIPS processors. Software support includes a customer hotline, free upgrades to new releases, an electronic bulletin board, ParcPlace newsletters, Smalltalk-80 books on advanced programming and user interface, and in-house and on-site training covering introductory through advance level programming.
This product sells for $3,995. Reader Service No. 26.
ParcPlace Systems 2400 Geng Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94303 415-859-1000
In the "Of Interest" column (April 1989) the price of Glockenspiel C++ 1.2 by Imagesoft was incorrectly stated on page 146. The correct price of the product is $495.
Copyright © 1989, Dr. Dobb's Journal