[PowerBub]

I am new to the world of programming and need to learn C++ for a MS in telecom program I will be starting in the fall...my only computer is a powermac 6500 running OS 8.6

is there any C++ compiler available free of charge for this OS?

[Chuckit]

Apple's MPW can compile C++. You may want to look into getting a better computer with a better OS, though, because I'm told Mac OS <X is a bitch to program with. (Haven't done much programming in OS 9, but I certainly believe it.)

[Arkham_c]

Originally posted by Chuckit:
Apple's MPW can compile C++. You may want to look into getting a better computer with a better OS, though, because I'm told Mac OS <X is a bitch to program with. (Haven't done much programming in OS 9, but I certainly believe it.)

The biggest issue is that classic MacOS doesn't have memory protection. The bottom line is if you're not careful how you handle memory and pointers, you can crash the whole system.

That said, you could probably get the education version of CodeWarrior for $50-$100. If not, I'll smail-mail you my original CodeWarrior CDs -- I haven't used CodeWarrior since I moved to OS X.

In all honesty, if all you're looking to do is C++, I'd consider installing Linux on the machine and using gcc/g++.

Or, you could always get an eMac for $799 and run OSX on it.

[theolein]

I second the idea of getting Yellow Dog Linux, which runs beautifully on older Macs and using emacs, vim and gcc for your c++ needs. I have the whole MPW on a CD here but it's really complex to use and OS8 is slightly out of date.