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From: bs@alice.UucP (Bjarne Stroustrup)
Newsgroups: net.lang
Subject: C++
Message-ID: <4584@alice.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 19-Nov-85 11:25:56 EST
Article-I.D.: alice.4584
Posted: Tue Nov 19 11:25:56 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 20-Nov-85 08:22:18 EST
Organization: Bell Labs, Murray Hill
Lines: 51

> From allegra!ulysses!gamma!epsilon!mb2c!umich!cosivax!mts Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969
> From: mts@cosivax.UUCP (Michael Stolarchuk)
> Subject: data type preprocessors
> Organization: COSI, Ann Arbor, MI

> I am interested in data type preprocessors for C.  The two
> I would like information on are objective C, and C++.

> Any information is useful, including information about how to
> get the products, experience with the products, and any
> problems.

> Thanks.

C++ is available educationally & commercially in source form
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
	- 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.

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.

C++ is a complete language, not just a set of constructs to be expanded by a
preprocessor. The released compiler fron-end produces C as an intermediate form
instead of generating assembly code or binary. All error messages comes from
the C++ front end and you can use a symbolic debugger on C++ programs.

	- Bjarne Stroustrup (AT&T Bell Labs, Murray Hill)