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From: ts@uwasa.fi (Timo Salmi)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.pascal
Subject: Doubts on TP 6.0 updatating being worth the while
Message-ID: <1991Jan8.215108.24559@uwasa.fi>
Date: 8 Jan 91 21:51:08 GMT
Sender: ts@uwasa.fi (Timo Salmi)
Organization: University of Vaasa
Lines: 69

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

 A1: 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/tspa2340.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 rational reasons to
upgrade are needing objects, and a better overlay manager. 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. (This is a false
statement from me, since it turned out that I had made a mistake
myself. My thanks are due to bj_stedm@gould2.bristol-poly.ac.uk
(Bruce Stedman) for questioning this item). Anyway, I don't use nor
need OOP 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 procedures and
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 first writing this Turbo Pascal 6.0 version had
been announced. I didn't have it yet myself, but I had been
(correctly) informed that its units are not compatible with the
earlier versions. I now have Turbo Pascal 6.0, and I must say that
my first reactions have been inclined to disappointment and
frustration. This is probably partly my own fault, since Turbo
Pascal seems to be headed from a common programming language into a
full professional's specialized tool, with many features I don't
know how to utilize. The only advancement from my point of view
really is the multiple file editing, but I have long had alternative
programs for that.
   I think a pattern is emerging here. Rather than being different
versions of the same product, the consequtive Turbo Pascals are
really different products for different purposes. Version 3.0 was a
simple programming language. Version 4.0 extended it into a full
scale programming modular pratform. Version 5.0 introduced the
debugger. And there an advanced hobbyist's path ended. Version 5.5
introduced object oriented programming, which I'm sure is important
for the initiated, but personally I just dont't need it even if I
write a lot of programs. And with the 6.0 we go completely out of
the realm of conventional programming into Turbo Pascal visions.

...................................................................
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