TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Jul 93 Editorial
Volume Number:9
Issue Number:7
Column Tag:The Editor's Page

Interview with Symantec’s Gene Wang

By Neil Ticktin, Editor-in-Chief

As you’ve probably figured out already, this issue is focused on Bedrock. Bedrock is being developed through the joint effort of Apple and Symantec. Recently, at Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference, I had a chance to sit down with Gene Wang, Symantec’s Executive Vice President of Applications and Development Tools and ask a few questions about Bedrock, Symantec and their relationship with Apple.

What is Bedrock?

Bedrock is an object-oriented application framework enabling developers to build a product that targets both Macintosh and Windows machines in a single development effort. It provides a higher level foundation for developers to work on top of. And, it is a second generation framework because it looked at first generation frameworks like MacApp.

Bedrock takes a more modern approach. The architecture is based on layers and components where you can build an application using the component instead of inheriting everything. There are four main layers in Bedrock: Applications framework (top), Graphical User Interface, Operating System, and Foundation. Bedrock is specifically architected to be performance oriented.

The framework is meant for real world solutions. For example, Symantec’s Q&A product is built on top of the GUI layer with some use of the frameworks. This kind of modularity is going to allow for growth of the Bedrock foundation without compromising features.

The Bedrock Architecture CD

Symantec has now released the Bedrock Architecture CD. This CD is meant for developers to start familiarizing themselves with the Bedrock architecture. The CD includes header files, sample code and demonstrations (with executables for both Windows and Macintosh). One example shows a QuickTime movie on both platforms. There are no libraries that you can compile with on the CD. For those eligible to receive the CD, it is free of charge.

Bedrock schedule

The CD is shipping today. The first developer release of Bedrock will be by the end of 1993. This will be a fully functional release, but not final code quality. Developers will be able to start building applications, but they wouldn’t want to ship a product at that time. The second developer release will be in the first quarter of 1994. At that point, developers could start to ship their product. The final release will be some time in 1994.

MacApp’s Future?

What is the future of MacApp now that Apple is working closely with Symantec on Bedrock? Both of Apple and Symantec have stated that Bedrock is the successor to MacApp [and TCL for that matter]. You will want to move to Bedrock when it comes time. Until then, you should continue to use MacApp and continue to learn about object-oriented programming and frameworks.

Bedrock Source?

Will source code be provided with Bedrock as it is with MacApp? Yes, full source code will be provided for everything in Bedrock.

Which Compilers?

Which compilers and environments will work with Bedrock? Obviously, Bedrock will compile under the new Symantec environments (THINK). Symantec will be supporting all major compilers given that they can support Bedrock technologically (i.e., do they support templates, etc ). At this time, compilers like Microsoft C do not support templates, so they can’t be supported.

What about PowerPC, will it be supported? With the recent announcement of an extended relationship with Apple to deliver the next generation development environment for PowerPC, that would make a lot of sense. We should expect to see something here maybe as early as next year.

Training and Macapp Transition

Symantec does not have any type of developer courses, but Apple will be working on Developer University sessions for developers. Of course, MacTech Magazine will also coverBedrock to add additional support in for the framework.

There will not be any “fully automated” transition tools to go from MacApp (or TCL for that matter) to Bedrock. There will be courses from Developer University. In addition, there will be some utilities to aid the transition and there will be documentation on making the move.

How do I prepare for Bedrock?

We’ve spoken about this before in the magazine, but we’ll go over it again. The biggest obstacle to using Bedrock or any other framework is understanding object-oriented programming. The best way to prepare for Bedrock is to learn C++. If you want to work with a framework, the things that you learn while using TCL or MacApp will not go to waste.

How does Bedrock handle Resources?

Specifically, how does it handle Windows resources? Basically, Bedrock will have a resource compiler that will either generate native resources, or it will generate source for a native resource compiler to generate resources. Either way, the end result will be native resources from your Bedrock work.

It’s premature to talk about resource editors for Bedrock. Obviously, libraries are an important part to developing the Bedrock framework. If it is possible to develop resource tools without infringing on the class library development efforts, it will probably happen. Symantec definitely will have an effort to build visual tools, but it is premature for them to talk about it now.

The Typical Bedrock App

How big is the typical Bedrock application? Obviously, this is a tough question to answer. The good news is that with Bedrock’s layer and component architecture, your application will be as small as possible. What does this mean? It means that your application will only contain the code that it needs. Think of it as “smart linking” for a framework.

How long does it take to build a Bedrock application? Symantec’s experience has been that the design time is 2-3 times longer than without Bedrock. The good news is that the development time and quality assurance cycle both get reduced. One thing that has been consistent in Symantec’s message has been the quality of the libraries. Since they are internally using the product extensively, they have a lot of confidence in the classes and the framework. The way they figure it, the more of their classes that you use in your product, the less debugging you’ll have to do. If they’re right and if you can make good use of the objects, they will have helped the development community to realize a the benefit to object-oriented programming.

Class count and Cross-Platform files

Currently, Bedrock has about 400 classes built in to it. That means that a lot of things are already taken care of for you. One of the benefits to working with a product that the company uses for internal development.

How does Bedrock handle multi-platform files? We all know that the Macintosh file system is different from Windows’. For one, Macintosh has real file names, Windows has some cryptic abbreviated format. Bedrock has a file component in the Operating System layer which will inherit functionality handle cross platforms in the native look and feel of the platform.

OLE Support and Shared libraries

For those of you wondering about support for Microsoft’s Object Linking and Embedding (OLE 2.0), Symantec is planning to support OLE 2.0, but possibly not a ship date. It may happen in a later release of the product.

As far as shared library support, Bedrock will be delivered as a set of Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) on Windows. Apple really hasn’t stabilized the shared library approach on the Macintosh, but Bedrock will support whatever Apple decides on (remember, Apple is collaborating on this project).

Why Bedrock?

Why should a developer use Bedrock over other products in the industry? According to Gene, Bedrock’s strength lies in several areas. First, it’s layer and component approach allows for a rich framework without the overhead that comes with most products. Second, this product is endorsed by Apple - so it’s a safe bet for Macintosh developers. Third, it supports unicode to handle multi-language support in a cleaner fashion. Fourth, Bedrock is used extensively internally and therefore is a very solid product. Fifth, when compared with other frameworks, Symantec has made a number of improvements, such as C++ templates, by learning from the first generation frameworks. They’ve provided some standard, tested quality building blocks such as the Booch components. Finally, Symantec is the only tools vendor that has their feet firmly in both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. As a result, Symantec is the company that can most credibly build the bridge between the two platforms.

C++ - Here to stay?

Gene thinks that C++ is not only a formidable force today, but that it will be here for the next decade and maybe beyond. His vision of what development systems is very close to what they’ve delivered with Symantec C++ for Macintosh. The one thing that it lacks is something that is currently unattainable - instant compiling and linking. As fast as it is, it’s not instantaneous. Symantec will be targeting their development tools towards novice and professional programmers.

Gene thinks that there will be continuing evolution in compiler technology, environments and team programming tools, and finally frameworks. Specifically, compilers will help more and be faster. Environments and team programming tools will help developers organize themselves and work collaboratively. Finally, frameworks will have more features and have more classes to help create vertical solutions (vertical widget sets). And, as the market demands it, broader platform support.

New Symantec Products

In addition to Bedrock, Symantec is now shipping three new development tools. There is an upcoming product review on these products, but here are some details for now.

Symantec C++ for Macintosh is the first development environment for the Macintosh with an integrated, native C++ compiler. The company also announced the availability of THINK C 6.0 and Symantec C++ 6.0 for MPW. THINK C is a complete package of tools and libraries for programmers, students and hobbyists. Symantec C++ for MPW is a native C++ compiler for users of Apple's Macintosh Programmer's Workshop (MPW).

Symantec C++ for Macintosh:

This is the fastest C++ development environment available for Macintosh. Symantec C++ for Macintosh gives developers access to all of the benefits of object-oriented programming through a fast, native C++ compiler in a tightly integrated environment. Symantec C++ for Macintosh is based on the THINK environment and includes all of THINK C 6.0.

Fast C++: Symantec C++ for Macintosh is the only development environment available with an integrated native C++ compiler and incremental linker. According to company benchmarks, the compiler is 50 % faster than the Apple MPW CFront implementation. The incremental linker significantly reduces development time by only linking new or modified code. Also supported are the latest C++ features such as templates, multiple inheritance and nested classes.

Open Environment:

The environment includes an editor, a source code browser and a C++ source code debugger. An open development environment means that during the development process, programmers can use their favorite tools, such as code editors and resource tools. Symantec C++ for Macintosh is AppleEvent- and AppleScript-aware, and can execute Macintosh MPW scripts from within the Symantec environment.

Automatic Project Management:

The THINK Project Manager is how Symantec C++ for Macintosh keeps track of the relationships between all files and libraries. It tracks all the new or modified code and upon request, recompiles the appropriate files and rebuilds the program. The THINK Project Manager eliminates routine hassles and is one of the unique features that makes the product line so popular with programmers.

Team Programming:

Symantec C++ for Macintosh includes Apple’s SourceServer, which supports team development. SourceServer tracks which programming modules have been “checked out,” and provides a source code control system that coordinates the efforts of multiple programmers working simultaneously on the same program.

THINK C 6.0

THINK C has long been the best selling Macintosh developer product. With THINK C 6.0, developers can build any kind of Macintosh application, desk accessory, device driver or code resource. A new, open development environment allows developers to use the tools included in THINK C, or a compiler, debugger or editor from another vendor. THINK C also features an improved project manager with increased performance for faster development. An improved debugger enables developers to debug larger pieces of code and, as a result, build superior applications.

Symantec C++ for MPW

For users of Apple’s MPW, Symantec C++ for MPW delivers a native C++ compiler that, according to company tests, is 50 percent faster than the CFront alternative. It is the same C++ compiler that comes in Symantec C++ for Macintosh, and supports the latest C++ features, including templates, nested classes and multiple inheritance.

Pricing and Upgrades

Symantec C++ 6.0 for Macintosh retails for $499 and cross-grades for THINK C 5.0 users are $149.95. THINK C 6.0 retails for $299 and upgrades for THINK C 5.0 users are $89.95. Symantec C++ 6.0 for MPW retails for $499. For more information call Symantec at 800/441-7234 or 408/252-3570.

Neil Ticktin, Editor-in-Chief

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Hazel 5.3 - Create rules for organizing...
Hazel is your personal housekeeper, organizing and cleaning folders based on rules you define. Hazel can also manage your trash and uninstall your applications. Organize your files using a familiar... Read more
Duet 3.15.0.0 - Use your iPad as an exte...
Duet is the first app that allows you to use your iDevice as an extra display for your Mac using the Lightning or 30-pin cable. Note: This app requires a iOS companion app. Release notes were... Read more
DiskCatalogMaker 9.0.3 - Catalog your di...
DiskCatalogMaker is a simple disk management tool which catalogs disks. Simple, light-weight, and fast Finder-like intuitive look and feel Super-fast search algorithm Can compress catalog data for... Read more
Maintenance 3.1.2 - System maintenance u...
Maintenance is a system maintenance and cleaning utility. It allows you to run miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance: Check the the structure of the disk Repair permissions Run periodic scripts... Read more
Final Cut Pro 10.7 - Professional video...
Redesigned from the ground up, Final Cut Pro combines revolutionary video editing with a powerful media organization and incredible performance to let you create at the speed of thought.... Read more
Pro Video Formats 2.3 - Updates for prof...
The Pro Video Formats package provides support for the following codecs that are used in professional video workflows: Apple ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ Apple Intermediate Codec Avid DNxHD® / Avid... Read more
Apple Safari 17.1.2 - Apple's Web b...
Apple Safari is Apple's web browser that comes bundled with the most recent macOS. Safari is faster and more energy efficient than other browsers, so sites are more responsive and your notebook... Read more
LaunchBar 6.18.5 - Powerful file/URL/ema...
LaunchBar is an award-winning productivity utility that offers an amazingly intuitive and efficient way to search and access any kind of information stored on your computer or on the Web. It provides... Read more
Affinity Designer 2.3.0 - Vector graphic...
Affinity Designer is an incredibly accurate vector illustrator that feels fast and at home in the hands of creative professionals. It intuitively combines rock solid and crisp vector art with... Read more
Affinity Photo 2.3.0 - Digital editing f...
Affinity Photo - redefines the boundaries for professional photo editing software for the Mac. With a meticulous focus on workflow it offers sophisticated tools for enhancing, editing and retouching... Read more

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

New ‘Sonic Dream Team’ Performance Analy...
Sonic Dream Team (), the brand new Apple Arcade exclusive 3D Sonic action-platformer releases tomorrow. Read my in-depth interview with SEGA HARDLight here covering the game, future plans, potential 120fps, playable characters, the narrative, and... | Read more »
New ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ Trailer Showcase...
I missed this late last week, but HoYoverse released another playable character trailer for the upcoming urban fantasy action RPG Zenless Zone Zero. We’ve had a few trailers so far for playable characters, but the newest one focuses on Nicole... | Read more »
Get your heart pounding quicker as Autom...
When it comes to mobile battle royales, it wouldn’t be disrespectful to say the first ones to pop to mind would be PUBG Mobile, but there is one that perhaps doesn’t get the worldwide recognition it should and that's Garena’s Free Fire. Now,... | Read more »
‘Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition...
Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition () launches beginning Tuesday worldwide on Apple Arcade bringing a new version of the game without any passes or microtransactions. While that itself is a huge bonus for Apple Arcade, the fact that Disney... | Read more »
Adventure Game ‘Urban Legend Hunters 2:...
Over the weekend, publisher Playism announced a localization of the Toii Games-developed adventure game Urban Legend Hunters 2: Double for iOS, Android, and Steam. Urban Legend Hunters 2: Double is available on mobile already without English and... | Read more »
‘Stardew Valley’ Creator Has Made a Ton...
Stardew Valley ($4.99) game creator Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) has been posting about the upcoming major Stardew Valley 1.6 update on Twitter with reveals for new features, content, and more. Over the weekend, Eric Tweeted that a ton of progress... | Read more »
Pour One Out for Black Friday – The Touc...
After taking Thanksgiving week off we’re back with another action-packed episode of The TouchArcade Show! Well, maybe not quite action-packed, but certainly discussion-packed! The topics might sound familiar to you: The new Steam Deck OLED, the... | Read more »
TouchArcade Game of the Week: ‘Hitman: B...
Nowadays, with where I’m at in my life with a family and plenty of responsibilities outside of gaming, I kind of appreciate the smaller-scale mobile games a bit more since more of my “serious" gaming is now done on a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.... | Read more »
SwitchArcade Round-Up: ‘Batman: Arkham T...
Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for December 1st, 2023. We’ve got a lot of big games hitting today, new DLC For Samba de Amigo, and this is probably going to be the last day this year with so many heavy hitters. I... | Read more »
Steam Deck Weekly: Tales of Arise Beyond...
Last week, there was a ton of Steam Deck coverage over here focused on the Steam Deck OLED. | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Apple has Certified Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro...
Apple has unlocked Certified Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro models in stock starting at $589 and ranging up to $350 off original MSRP. Apple includes a standard one-year warranty and new outer shell with... Read more
Holiday Sale: Take $50 off every 10th-generat...
Amazon has Apple’s 10th-generation iPads on sale for $50 off MSRP, starting at $399, as part of their Holiday Sale. Their discount applies to all models and all colors. With the discount, Amazon’s... Read more
The latest Mac mini Holiday sales, get one to...
Apple retailers are offering Apple’s M2 Mac minis for $100 off MSRP as part of their Holiday sales. Prices start at only $499. Here are the lowest prices available: (1): Amazon has Apple’s M2-powered... Read more
Save $300 on a 24-inch iMac with these Certif...
With the recent introduction of new M3-powered 24″ iMacs, Apple dropped prices on clearance M1 iMacs in their Certified Refurbished store. Models are available starting at $1049 and range up to $300... Read more
Apple M1-powered iPad Airs are back on Holida...
Amazon has 10.9″ M1 WiFi iPad Airs back on Holiday sale for $100 off Apple’s MSRP, with prices starting at $499. Each includes free shipping. Their prices are the lowest available among the Apple... Read more
Sunday Sale: Apple 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro on...
B&H Photo has new 14″ M3 MacBook Pros, in Space Gray, on Holiday sale for $150 off MSRP, only $1449. B&H offers free 1-2 day delivery to most US addresses: – 14″ 8-Core M3 MacBook Pro (8GB... Read more
Blue 10th-generation Apple iPad on Holiday sa...
Amazon has Apple’s 10th-generation WiFi iPad (in Blue) on Holiday sale for $349 including free shipping. Their discount applies to WiFi models only and includes a $50 instant discount + $50 clippable... Read more
All Apple Pencils are on Holiday sale for $79...
Amazon has all Apple Pencils on Holiday sale this weekend for $79, ranging up to 39% off MSRP for some models. Shipping is free: – Apple Pencil 1: $79 $20 off MSRP (20%) – Apple Pencil 2: $79 $50 off... Read more
Deal Alert! Apple Smart Folio Keyboard for iP...
Apple iPad Smart Keyboard Folio prices are on Holiday sale for only $79 at Amazon, or 50% off MSRP: – iPad Smart Folio Keyboard for iPad (7th-9th gen)/iPad Air (3rd gen): $79 $79 (50%) off MSRP This... Read more
Apple Watch Series 9 models are now on Holida...
Walmart has Apple Watch Series 9 models now on Holiday sale for $70 off MSRP on their online store. Sale prices available for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online, and choose... Read more

Jobs Board

Omnichannel Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mal...
Omnichannel Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Senior Product Manager - *Apple* - DISH Net...
…Responsibilities** We are seeking an ambitious, data-driven thinker to assist the Apple Product Development team as our Wireless Product division continues to grow Read more
Senior Product Manager - *Apple* - DISH Net...
…Responsibilities** We are seeking an ambitious, data-driven thinker to assist the Apple Product Development team as our Wireless Product division continues to grow Read more
Senior Software Engineer - *Apple* Fundamen...
…center of Microsoft's efforts to empower our users to do more. The Apple Fundamentals team focused on defining and improving the end-to-end developer experience in Read more
Omnichannel Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mal...
Omnichannel Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.