NEXTSTEP

Title: C++ Libraries 

Entry Number: 1424
Last Updated: 31 August 1994
Document Revision: 894A
Procedure Valid for Release: 2.0-3.1

Keywords: c++, libg++, headers

Overview

In releases 2.0 through 3.1, NEXTSTEP shipped with a compiler capable of handling C++ code but without any libraries. This meant that C++ developers did not have access to some of the standard C++ functions or header files, such as the "complex" data type or the C++ streams functions. An implementation of the C++ library is available on the internet and can be used with NEXTSTEP.

In releases 3.2 and later, libg++ ships with the system; see the release note in /NextLibrary/Documentation/NextDev/ReleaseNotes/C++.rtf. 

Procedure

The Free Software Foundation (which is responsible for the GNU project) has written a large library of routines for C++ called libg++.  Under FSF rules in effect when NEXTSTEP 2.0-3.0 shipped, libg++ could only be used by programs which were not distributed commercially. For further information, the Free Software Foundation can be contacted at:

Free Software Foundation, Inc.
675 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA  02139   USA

Telephone:  (617) 876-3296
Electronic mail:  gnu@prep.ai.mit.edu

Other third parties offer C++ libraries as well. AT&T offers a library which is a subset of libg++ for a fee. Some developers have chosen to develop their own C++ libraries.

The GNU C++  [libg++] Class Library includes support of the following [often requested] features:

Streams and other I/O
Complex numbers
String support

See Also:
1431_compiling_C++_libraries