Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site alice.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!alice!bs
From: bs@alice.UucP (Bjarne Stroustrup)
Newsgroups: net.lang
Subject: C++ available
Message-ID: <4478@alice.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-Oct-85 22:00:50 EDT
Article-I.D.: alice.4478
Posted: Wed Oct 23 22:00:50 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 24-Oct-85 20:17:06 EDT
Organization: Bell Labs, Murray Hill
Lines: 41

> From: markl@vecpyr.UUCP (Mark Patrick)
> Subject: Information on C++/Object Oriented Programming
> I would be most grateful if someone could provide me with information
> on the availability of documentation/source for C++.  Does it support
> any form of dynamic typing at runtime? 


C++ is available educationally & commercially & source & cheap
(see mod.newprod for an official announcement).
In the US try, AT&T Software Sales and Marketing, PO Box 25000,
Greensboro, North Carolina 27420, (800) 828-UNIX or (919) 279-3666.
In Europe, try contacting UNIX Europe.

They have documentation. You can also try the C++ book:
Bjarne Stroustrup: The C++ Programming Language.
Addison Wesley, ISBN 0-201-12078-X. Just published.

C++ is C with a few problems fixed:
	- function argument type checking and type conversion
	- scoped & typed constants (alternative to #define)
	- inline functions (alternative to #define)
	- etc.
C++ provides a facility for user-defined types:
	- Simula-like single-inheritance class concept
	- data hiding
	- operator overloading
	- (optional) guaranteed user-defined initialization and cleanup
	- user-defined type conversion
It does indeed support a form of dynamic typing (virtual functions).

All the usual claims about data abstraction, object based programming,
code re-usability, programmer productivity, maintainability, efficiency,
etc. has been made for C++. Some are undoubtedly true. See for yourself.
	
C++ has been in use for about 3 years now. The official announcement
refers to a new version where most known problems/bugs are fixed.
(No, it is not called ``release F'').

It runs on most UNIX boxes (AT&T 3Bs, VAXs, M68Ks, Ahmdals, Pyramids, etc.).
You typically need access to a 3B or a VAX to get started.

	- Bjarne Stroustrup (AT&T Bell Labs)