Write Portable Code: An Introduction To Developing Software For Multiple Platforms

Write Portable Code: An Introduction to Developing Software for Multiple Platforms

ReviewPacked with specifics which lend... an overall understanding of concepts and the ability to troubleshoot common problems. -- Midwest Book Review, Internet Book Watch, September 2005 (http://www.midwestbookreview.com/ibw/sep_05.htm)This sample chapter examines the issues you'll run into when moving code between processor architectures. -- Tech Republic, August 4, 2005Within the first few chapters, Ive already learned about a new tool. -- GBGames Blog, July 21, 2005Portable software development is writing software that runs on a broad range of computer systems instead of just one (e.g., Windows). Programmers often pick up the idioms, tricks and methodologies for developing cross-platform software through sheer trial and error, as they encounter the same mistakes and patterns of code over time. If you're an intermediate-to advanced-level programmer who'd rather cut to the chase, Write Portable Code contains the lessons, patterns and knowledge you'll need for developing cross-platform software.Write Portable Code explains how to: avoid common portability mistakes when starting out a new project, thereby saving time when a port must occur re-factor existing, non-portable code so that it can be easily transplanted to new platforms find bugs masked by platform specific behaviorsProgrammers who avoid becoming married to a specific development environment or target platform greatly expand the target market for their software products. Whether you design cross-platform software from the ground up or have to move large amounts of code from one platform to another, the information contained in Write Portable Code will help you achieve your goals and grow as a programmer.TOCPrefaceIntroductionChapter 1: Preparing for PortabilityChapter 2: ANSI C/C++Chapter 3: Techniques for PortabilityChapter 4: Editing and Source ControlChapter 5: Processor DifferencesChapter 6: Floating PointChapter 7: PreprocessorChapter 8: Compiler QuirksChapter 9: User InteractionChapter 10: NetworkingChapter 11: Operating SystemsChapter 12: Dynamic LibrariesChapter 13: Security and PermissionsChapter 14: File SystemsChapter 15: Scalability and PortabilityChapter 16: Portability and DataChapter 17: Internationalization and LocalizationChapter 18: Scripting LanguagesChapter 19: Cross-platform Libraries and ToolkitsAppendix A: POSHAppendix B: The Simple Audio LibraryAppendix C: The Rules for PortabilityReferencesAbout the AuthorBrian Hook is a professional software developer and author who has worked primarily in the gaming and entertainment industries. His experience developing cross-platform software at companies such as id software, 3Dfx Interactive, and Pyrogon gives him a unique view into the process of cross-platform software development.