From: hbj@engr.uark.edu (Bernard Johnson)
Subject: C++ text mode windowing packages (Summary)
Summary: slim pickings
Keywords: C++ test mode windowing packages summary
Organization: University of Arkansas
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1993 03:01:19 GMT

A few weeks ago I asked if someone could recommend a good C++ text windowing
package for DOS that was either free or shareware.  As I had suspected
(since I was unable to come up with much), there were not an overwhelming
number of responses from people.

Thanks to the following people for their responses:

	ph12hucg@sbusol.rz.uni-sb.de (Carsten Grammes)
	michel@unomain.teaser.com
	cs.umr.edu!mcastle 
	lf.hp.com!griffith 
	Jeff Griffith <griffith@lf.hp.com>
	TGhost.GBData.COM!pgan 
	pgan@tghost.gbdata.com (Peter Gan)
	nobody@Kodak.COM 
	jjmhome!schunix!sonix@transfer.stratus.com
	schunix!sonix@transfer.stratus.com (Duane Morin)

Here are the various packages that they either named or I found.  Hopefully
if you were looking for the same, one of these will help you.  This is
in no way a full review of the packages.  I'll just make some comments as
to what I thought was nice or strange about any given package.  Maybe I'll
even throw in a feature or two I noticed.

In addition to this short summary, I have placed any file that has a
filename listed after "File:" at uafstl.uark.edu:/incoming for anonymous
ftp.  Since our router crashes on a daily basis and especially when people ftp,
you may not be able to get to this machine right away.  Keep trying, we reboot
the router whenever we can.  I'll try to keep the packages on this machine for
at least thirty days.  Because I know this machine will have trouble, I'll also
place the package on wuarchive.wustl.edu:/pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/... somewhere under
that directory.  Look around to find it.  I have no idea how long it will
remain there.  If you miss it or do not have access to ftp, contact me and we
can probably work something out.

I have "flagged" some of the features.  Here is what the flags mean:

        * general information
        + nice addition
        - detracts from package
        ? an oversight, maybe
        ! a terrible oversight

If you see that I have left out any package, PLEASE let me know.  Out of the
twelve packages below, I didn't really find a package that I liked enough
to use for various reasons.  Any comments are welcome.  Flames are welcome
also, but they go straight to /dev/null!


Allen Eldrige Windows (GNU)
---------------------------
   File:        AEWIN101.ZIP
Version:        1.01
  Price:        FREE (GNU)

+ real C++ feel to classes
+ full source
- demo didn't work on my machine
- had to be ported to compile under Borland C++
! no documentation
! no comments

Applications Development Library
--------------------------------
   File:        ADL100.ZIP
Version:        1.00? (version number not mentioned in docs)
  Price:        $49.95  69.95 w/src (Canadian)

+ database handling functions
+ report generation functions
+ form input capabilities
* hungarian naming convention for variables
? can't change the colors of UI (I couldn't find it anyway)
? UI is not very configurable
- has annoying "flashing key" when pushed
- very little documentation

DFlat++
-------
   File:        None
Version:        ??
  Price:        FREE (from Dr. Dobbs Journal)

* I think I would like this package if I could get my hands on enough of it
  to evaluate.  I like the DFlat package so I assume this code will be as
  well written.  From reading the articles, it seem that there is just enough
  this month to build a simple program.  I was unfortunately unable to find
  it at an archive site.  I would like it if someone could put it up for ftp
  for me somewhere.

Doug Rogers Window Library
--------------------------
   File:        DRWIN101.ZIP
Version:        1.01? (version number not mentioned in docs)
  Price:        FREE

* windowing functions
+ full source code
+ fair/good comments
! no documentation
* hacker code

EasyVision
----------
   File:        EVISION1.ZIP
Version:        1.00
  Price:        $25     $35 w/manual (Canadian)

+ interface line TurboVision but much easier
+ looks nice / standard UI
+ simple field input
- invalid library type for Borland C++ 2.0
- no source available
- loses a LOT of TurboVision functionality
- no updates or enhancements planned

Lake View Systems
-----------------
   File:        LVSWIN24.ZIP
Version:        2.4
  Price:        $50 includes source

+ very impressive demo
+ able to use VGA fonts and extended modes
+ wide variety of window, pick list, etc
+ form entry
+ nice C++ feel to code
+ Paradox entry

Lake View Systems
-----------------
   File:        LVSWIN31.ZIP
Version:        3.1
  Price:        $50 includes source

* Same as above except updated version.  I had problems with compiles with
  the library with Borland C++ 2.0.  I contacted LVS and they said that I
  was using a 3.1 library.  I then took the library to work and compiled it
  and it worked fine with Borland C++ 3.1.

Object Ease
-----------
   File:        OBJEAS2A.ZIP, OBJEAS2B.ZIP
Version:        2.0
  Price:        $34.95          source extra:   TUI             $15
                                                GUI             $15
                                                VIDBIOS         $10
                                                ICONEDIT        $15
                                                VGAEDIT         $15
                                                16IMAGE         $15
                                                256IMAGE        $15

+ nice C++ feel
+ source code available
+ good documentation
* some sample code
+ mouse interfaces
+ string classes
+ input classes
* text/graphics classes
* great video bios functions
* nice demos
+ sound functions
- somewhat unstable
? can't create a non-bordered window
- when I compile the demo it locks up
- too many goto's in code
! box titles limited to fifteen characters (why??)

Omega Windowing Library
-----------------------
   File:        OMEGA2.ZIP
Version:        2? (not in documentation)
  Price:        FREE (public domain)

+ nice looking demo
+ nice C++ feel to code
+ full source code
? can't create borderless windows
! no documentation
- very few comments
+ simple form entry

Swan's "Learning C++" book
--------------------------
	File:			none
Version:			??
  Price:			$40 for book

* not reviewed

Turbo Vision (Borland)
----------------------
   File:        Commercial
Version:        ??
  Price:        ?? (usually acquired with Borland Application FrameWorks)

+ very good interface
+ can do anything
+ good form entry
! too damn hard to learn
- documentation is terrible

Zortech C++ Window Library
--------------------------
   File:        Commercial
Version:        ??
  Price:        ?? (comes with Zortech C++)

* I only compiled the sample source code for a couple of program.  It had
  very simple looking windows.


Xref: sparky comp.os.msdos.programmer:12352 comp.msdos.programmer:122 comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.misc:5287 comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.tools:2206