Symantec Think Class Library Tutorial

This set of pages contails tutorial material relating to the THINK framework class library that comes with the Symantec C++ system for Macintosh (PowerPC) computers. The THINK framework facilitates the construction of standard "Macintosh Applications" using windows, menus, etc. The examples show how to use Visual Architect to create the GUI interface to a program and how to code the program specific member functions and classes.

The notes are intended for programmers with a reasonable background in C++ and a basic understanding of the role of frameworks. (Related teaching materials provide the background required.) It is also assumed that users have all the standard Symantec reference materials that come with the Symantec-8 development package and that they have programmed some simple examples using just iostream and the "console" input output facilities of Symantec-8.

Currently only three programming examples are available. Other material explaining the basics of event handling and giving more details of the framework will follow.

Dice This very simple example illustrates the basics. It covers things like starting the Visual Architect program and creating a "dialog" composed of standard radio-button and action button controls. It then explains how Visual Architect generates some skeletal code that must be filled out. The next part illustrates the editing steps that add effective definitions for the stub functions generated by Visual Architect. The compilation and linking steps are covered and there is a little bit on the class browser.
Listmaker This example adds features like data entry and storage of data to files. A simple approach to file storage is illustrated first. Then the slightly more complex mechanisms exploiting the framework's object i/o mechanisms are illustrated. Examples include use of the debugger.
Kids Paint This example illustrates features such as reversible (undo-able) menu based commands and mouse-based drawing actions.

Last modified April 1996. Please email questions to nabg@cs.uow.edu.au