From: Bob Weiner
Subject: Description of OO-Browser and query of interest levels
Date:
Message-ID: <1828@novavax.UUCP>
* Description
The OO-Browser is a multi-windowed, interactive object-oriented class browser
similar in use to the well-known Smalltalk browsers. It is unique in a
number of respects foremost of which is that it works well with a
multiplicity of object-oriented languages. Support is presently available
for Eiffel, C++, and Objective-C. I believe that this tool can benefit
a great number of today's object-oriented software development projects,
hence the wide distribution of this message.
* Features
The browser is adaptable to any OO language that does not make extensive
use of dynamic (runtime) class creation, this would include languages such
as Simula and Smalltalk but would exclude CLOS and its cousins.
Immediate switching among languages is allowed. One can switch from Eiffel
browsing to C++ browsing in an instant, if so desired. Or simply run two
browsers side by side.
Multiple inheritance support is built-in (where applicable).
The browser uses class source code solely, hence no compiler is necessary for
proper browser operation.
Library (stable) and System (in development) classes may be maintained and
listed separately or together. Any number of Libraries and Systems may be
combined for listing.
Virtually an unlimited number of classes are supported. Multiple classes per
file (language specific).
Storage of virtually an unlimited number of environments are supported, an
environment being a listing of Library and System classes.
The number of class listing windows is limited only by the screen width.
The user need not know the location of class source; the browser will display
or edit a class source based solely upon its class name.
Class inheritance networks may be displayed. Either a single inheritance
level (parents or children) or the entire inheritance network (heirs) of a
set of classes may be shown.
Language-specific class summaries may be shown. Presently this feature is
supported only for Eiffel. A listing of class parents, attributes,
routines and best guess (highly accurate) list of routine calls may be
displayed.
The OO-Browser is integrated with the powerful GNU Emacs editor; it works on
any UNIX system display supported by Emacs (a few lines of changes would be
necessary for proper VMS operation).
Machine-independent mouse support is included along with an easy to use
interface.
Startup is fast along with the display of selected classes. (Feature or
method browsing is not supported beyond the browsing of the entire class
text. Such a feature is being considered for addition.) Testing has been
done on a library of over 400 classes on a 68030-based workstation;
response times have not been a problem.
All browser outputs are ASCII text which may be edited as desired.
Browser functions may be used standalone within the editor without using the
multi-windowed browser interface.
* Availability
Availability has not yet been determined, which is the reason for this
posting. Broad interest in this browser will provide motivation for broad
distribution.
The browser will run on any UNIX platform presently running GNU Emacs version
18. The browser will probably run under VMS with only a few lines of
changes.
To register your interest, send a rolodex entry of the exact form below
(replace the <> bracketed fields with literal values, include all other literals):
* <Last-Name>, <First-Name> <Phone-Number1> <Phone-Number2>
<Title>
<Institution-Name>
<Institution-Address>
<UUCP/Internet-Email-Address>
FAX: <FAX-number>
Potential Users: <Estimated number of potential users at your site>
Date: <date of your mailing, e.g. 03/10/90>
<brief summary of specific interests, include machine/OS versions of
interest>
send via E-mail to:
··············@uunet.uu.net
Please do not send lengthy replies as I will not be able to read them
all. The same goes for calls. I appreciate all interest but
support for distribution of this tool is strictly a part time effort.
--
Bob Weiner, Motorola, Inc., USENET: ...!gatech!uflorida!novavax!weiner
(407) 364-2087