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From: ts@uwasa.fi (Timo Salmi)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.pascal
Subject: Re: Differencces betweenn TurboPascal 3.0 and 5.*
Message-ID: <1990Nov14.084349.13733@uwasa.fi>
Date: 14 Nov 90 08:43:49 GMT
References: <1089@rcsw21.rcvie@tuvie.uucp>
Organization: University of Vaasa
Lines: 58

In article <1089@rcsw21.rcvie@tuvie.uucp> fs_reise@rcvie.at (Christian Reiser) writes:
... part deleted ...
>Till now he worked whith TurboPascal 3.0 and thinks of upgrading to 5.*,
>but there are rumours of very significant differences even of not being
>upward compatible.
>
>The question is, what are the most important differences, are they realy
>worth changing the version and learning and would you update? (Do not tell
>me it depends on what he wants to do, just answer globaly).
... part deleted ...

From my FAQ:

8. *****
 Q: Should I upgrade my Turbo Pascal version?

 A: Depends on what version you are using, and for what purposes. If
you are using version 3, the answer is a definite yes. There are so
many useful additions in the later version, including the concept of
units, and a great new useful keywords. The only reason that I can
think of for using TP 3 is that it makes .com files (which reside in
one memory segment only) instead of .exe files. As an accounting and
business finance teacher and researcher I've been somewhat surprised
to see postings stating that some users still have to program in TP
3.0 because their employer doesn't want to take the cost of
upgrading. I find this cost argument ridiculous. How about some
consideration for cost effectiveness and productivity?
   If you are currently using version 4.0, the most important point
in considering upgrading is the integrated debugger in the later
versions. It is really good, and useful if you write much code.
There are some minor considerations, as well. Later versions contain
some useful routines which 4.0 does not. (I have programmed some of
them to be available for 4.0 in my /pc/ts/tspas22.arc collection, or
whatever is the latest when you read this). Furthermore, I find
somewhat annoying that the executables will end up in the default
directory.
   If you are currently using version 5.0 the only rational reason
to upgrade is needing objects. I have also version 5.5 myself, but
switched back to version 5.0 after I had some problems with its
linking of object files. But then, I don't use nor need objects
(don't confuse linking object files and object oriented programming
here). One further point for 5.5. It has a better help function than
5.0, and a few more predefined constants.
   The real snag in upgrading (waiving the reasonable cost) is the
fact that the units of the different versions are incompatible. If
you have a large library of units (as I do) you will have to
recompile the lot. This is something that has caused a fair amount
of justifiable flak against an otherwise excellent product.
   A tip.  Don't throw away your Turbo Pascal version 3.0 manual, if
you have one. It is of use if you resort to the Turbo3 and Graph3
compatibility units.
   At the time of writing this Turbo Pascal 6.0 version has been
announced but I have no futher information.

...................................................................
Prof. Timo Salmi        (Moderating at anon. ftp site 128.214.12.3)
School of Business Studies, University of Vaasa, SF-65101, Finland
Internet: ts@chyde.uwasa.fi Funet: gado::salmi Bitnet: salmi@finfun