Programming with GNU Software: Tools from Cygnus Support (Nutshell Handbooks)

One of the great benefits of Unix is the vast array of free and inexpensive software tools that are available for the platform. Programming with GNU Software provides an overview of how C and C++ programmers can use some of these tools: the source-code editor Emacs, the gcc compiler, gdb debugger, gprof profiler, and the RCS version-control system. The book offers a quick-paced tutorial that, unlike some introductions to Unix tools, is particularly focused on the needs of C programmers.

The promise of having control over their environment draws programmers to UNIX. It offers powerful tools for the initiated within an operating system that can be customized and tuned in almost unlimited ways. Programmers use UNIX because it lets them do what they want. And they like to see the source code for the software they work with.

So it's no surprise the most popular programming tools on UNIX are free. They're easy to get, easy to customize, and better than many tools put out by vendors. They also offer a great deal of power. And the source code is publicly available.

This book and CD combination is a complete package for programmers who are new to UNIX or who would like to make better use of the system. The tools come from Cygnus Support, Inc., and Cyclic Software, companies that provide support for free software. The tools on the CD include:

• GNU Emacs, the legendary text editor
• gcc, the C and C++ compiler that immediately established itself as the best UNIX compiler for robustness and optimization
• GNU libraries (including C++ libraries)
• The gdb debugger
• RCS, a tool for backing up and maintaining multiple versions of source files
• GNU make, the most powerful version of that utility for managing builds

The book provides an introduction to all these tools for a C programmer. Previous experience with UNIX is not required.

The CD-ROM in this book contains binaries for several popular UNIX systems, including Sun SPARC4 running SunOS 4.1.3, Sun SPARC4 running Solaris 2.4, HP 9000/700 running HPUX, IBM RS/6000 running AIX 3, SGI Iris/Indigo running Irix 5.3, and Alpha running Digital UNIX. Complete source code and scripts for configuration, building, and installation are also included.

Here is a complete package for programmers who are new to UNIX or who would like to make better use of the system. The book provides an introduction to all the tools needed for a C programmer. The CD contains sources and binaries for the most popular GNU tools, including their C/C++ compiler.

This package is intended for programmers who are new to UNIX or who would like to make better use of the system. The tools come from the Free Software Foundation, which directs the GNU project, and from Cygnus Support, a company that provides support for free software.