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Borland C++ For Linux

Posted by timothy on from the no-gnu-logo-though dept.

Ardax writes: "Looks like Borland is going to be releasing C++ for Linux, according to this InfoWorld article. We'll be seeing more details at LinuxWorld in NY next week. The article doesn't mention whether this will be C++ Builder for Linux, or 'just' a command line compiler. No matter what, this is a sweet thing. I wonder how it will compare to gcc? (I wonder if it will be able to compile the kernel? :-) ) If it's the whole C++ Builder shebang, I wonder if there will be an Open Edition? Borland's Community site has a blurb about this. There's no comments at the Borland community yet, but some interesting commentary might pop up there."

4 of 457 comments (clear)

  1. Oh man... by pb · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Borland has always put out wonderful tools, and really worked hard on making their compilers optimized on their platforms, but I think they've missed the boat here. This is most likely for easy porting of other applications written with Borland tools to Linux, because Linux already has a solid toolchain of its own. Regardless, I hope they get back on track.

    What I miss most is the old text-based Borland IDE. That was the most productive development environment ever. RHIDE is close, but wasn't stable on Linux when last I checked.

    --
    pb Reply or e-mail; don't vaguely moderate.
    1. Re:Oh man... by ipfwadm · · Score: 5, Insightful

      What, we can't use another compiler (which may or may not be better than gcc) and possibly an IDE?

      Us: "We need more companies to release products for Linux!"
      Borland: "OK, we'll release our C++ development environment!"
      Us: "No, not you, we don't need your product, we've already got that."

      Even if you never use it, it helps raise the visibility of the Linux platform when big-name companies like Borland are releasing Linux products.

    2. Re:Oh man... by pb · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I agree that there's nothing wrong with having more tools out there. However, I sincerely doubt that many Linux users would pay to install a third-party C++ compiler suite when they already have the standard C++ compiler for Unix (g++) free and already bundled with the system. This fact alone significantly narrows Borland's potential audience on Linux.

      Factors that might change this:

      (1) Borland releases it free of charge or under some open source license; this is a possibility, but isn't clearly stated in the article--perhaps the command-line compiler will be available free of charge, which would encourage many Linux enthusiasts to try it out.

      (2) Borland's C++ compiler supports advanced features not in gcc, such as compatibility with Borland's existing C++ compiler for Windows, better support for templates, better optimization, you name it. I already mentioned that this product might be aimed at people porting applications already written for Borland's compiler.

      However, the main problem I have with your point is your imaginary conversation; you neglected to date those statements. That first statement was made years ago! At the time, Linux was not very well known and companies were just starting to take notice of it. Borland took a survey and started work on Linux products. Then other companies actually wrote and marketed Linux versions of their products whilst Borland was busy having an identity crisis (remember Inprise?). This also caused Borland to lose credibility with some of their long-time supporters, who likely ported their applications to Linux with some other product (like g++) and forgot about Borland/Inprise. Only now are they waking up and marketing this product again!

      Therefore, I sincerely hope that this is a sign that the old Borland is back, and I hope they release a wonderful product, and gain massive support on Linux, and kick the gcc/g++ development crew into high gear to keep up. But understand if I fear the worst, especially from the vague tone of that Infoworld article, where they pretend that Linux doesn't already have a decent C++ compiler. :)

      --
      pb Reply or e-mail; don't vaguely moderate.
  2. Not necessarily.... by Micah · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Actually this was discussed on the borland.kylix.non-technical newsgroup a while ago. The aim is apparently to be able to compile ANY C/C++ Linux application, in fact the complete system, including the kernel. Thus it will need to emulate gcc's extensions.

    We'll see if this turns out or not. That's just what I recall reading in discussions.

    But if so it would be pretty sweet, assuming you're not a Free Software zealot (which I am, kind of, but I can see some coolness factor in this). If the pull it off, someone will be able to build an ENTIRE Linux distribution with their optimized compiler. Everything could run faster.