Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!verifone!jimmy_t
From: jimmy_t@verifone.com
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.apps
Subject: Re: Text-based Window libraries - opinions?
Message-ID: <2476.2770c63e@verifone.com>
Date: 21 Dec 90 04:06:00 GMT
References: <680@riegel.prosys.se>
Organization: VeriFone Inc., Honolulu HI
Lines: 71

In article <680@riegel.prosys.se>, ath@prosys.se (Anders Thulin) writes:
> I'm looking for text-based window libraries for a database project.
> Any suggestions for things to look out for, or things to avoid?
> 
> The libraries that are currently on my list as 'probably good' are:
> 
> 	C-Scape
> 	C-Worthy
> 	Vitamin C
> 

There are lots more out there. One of the things that seems important
to me the the degree of CASE support in the product.  I know C-SCAPE
and C-Worthy both have interactive screen design tools available.

Some packages also include bultin database support.  Probably the most complete
in this regard is JAM from JYACC - using their screen designer you can build a
complete application including the database interface without writing any code
if you don't have really unique processing requirements - if you do you can
write C functions to provide for it.  JAM is available for PC's, UNIX, and
VAX VMS.

The last Compuserve thread on this subject concluded that Vermont Views
was the best library - They have a unique guarantee - try it as
long as you wish and if you ever become unhappy just send it
back for a full refund.  They also support several systems
in addition to PC's, VAX VMS for sure and maybe UNIX.
Their documentation must be seen to be believed - its nice.

There are also some packages that are starting to take a more
object oriented approach.

	MEWEL from Magma is a text based implementation of MicroSoft Windows
	has the same calls and supposed to support easy migration
	of applications to/from MicroSoft Windows.  The author,
	Marc Adler written several article in the Microsoft Journal
	recently - No real CASE support in this package.

        Instant Windows from WINSOFT is package with a  interactive
        prototyper/screen designer that will generate the C source code for a
        program implementing the your screen and data validation.  You just add
        any unique logic.  The Library interface and generated program are done
        with a object oriented-message passing style - It supports MS-DOS Text
        mode applications as well as being able to generate real MicroSoft
        Windows applications, UNIX support is promised in the future.

	Formation Desktop from Aspen Scientific is a 
	package similar to WINSOFT but that 
	in addition to PC's also runs on UNIX and VAX VMS systems.

If you are using C++ there are a number of packages starting to
appear as class libaries for C++.  The ZINC library is been
getting a lot of good press in this regard.

Good sources of information:

	Dr. Dobbs Journal
	The C Users Journal
	The C Gazette



None of the packages I've mentioned have any runtime royalaties.


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