Borland C++ 5.02 Programming Starter Kit

Rating:
Summary: Avoid this -- outdated, expired
Review: The trial version of C++ Builder included on the disk EXPIRED AT THE END OF 1997. The accompanying book is on C, not C++, and there is nothing there remotely like an introductory manual for the Borland C++ programming environment, although the buyer would have a reasonable expectation that a "Starter Kit" would in fact provide someplace to START. The C++ 5.02 portion (which does not produce standalone files -- as the box specifies, so THAT is not a beef here) also seemed unable to run the sample programs I tested, ones included with the product. The registration procedure shows its antiquity because it wants to dial up a registration site, not register via the Web. The C++ Builder portion would register via the Web except that the product has expired. And even then, I am not sure the URL was valid.

No, this is useless. I had sort of hoped for something that would be a useful re-introduction to C++ programming and the Borland environment. No dice. OLD, old, old version, and a pretty sad introduction for novices who stumble across it. I would give it zero stars, but the lowest option is 1.

Rating:
Summary: Works very well
Review: This is the only compiler I could find, and it basically saved my interest in C++. I have been using it for a few weeks, and it is a great working program. BUT, the book I am using, that I bought separate, Sams Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days, has a lot of non-working programs, because my compiler is different. Surprisingly, I managed to fix all the programs that the compiler couldn't translate. That's a miracle (at least it will tell me what the problem is, sometimes it doesn't make sense though). I find this program very useful, overall, I just wish everything worked with success. I suggest this program as a beginners item, and it is really worth the money, and my grandparents offered to give me this expensive one, which was $..., Visual C++.net, and 1, it won't work on my computer, and 2, it has way, way more than what I need. But this one is cheap, useful, and has a book included. I would also suggest the book I have, Sams Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days. That is a very educational book. I suggest you buy this. I would want to give it 4 1/2 stars, but you can't. It is a very good program.