Ah pointers...I never missed them when I switched to Java, or Ada for that
matter. One weird thing when doing C is how to handle error conditions that
you want to return to the calling function. Do I declare my function like:
Err ToUpper(char **Str)
or
char *ToUpper(char *Str)
The latter is preferred since it can be used in expressions directly:
if (StrCmp(ToUpper(str), "HELLO"))
However, sometimes a NULL pointer value is used to signify an error has
occurred. There's no 1 way things are done, but APIs sometimes make sense
by convention; you'll see both. Then there's all the cleaning up you have
to do...sigh.
One tip. Use an IDE that highlights keyword, variables, functions, etc.
One that also helps you fill in parameters with the right arguments is good
too. That might help you get the feeling while learning the syntax.
Is there a reason you want to write in C instead of something like Java and
compiling it into Palm code? Or using KVM?
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Chris
> Tutty
> Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 3:20 PM
> To: Palm Developer Forum
> Subject: Re: newbie
>
>
> From: "PalmNuB" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Evryone keeps mentioning useing C / C++ for Palm development. How hard
> would
> > C /C++ be to learn just for Palm Developement?
> >
> I've taken an experienced VB programmer through the C/PalmOS
> learning curve and also someone with a business programming
> degree from virtually no programming experience to (at this
> point) beginning to make sense of PalmOS and pointers.
>
> If you have a good handle on PalmOS concepts (via NSBasic
> or AppForge) then it's a matter of getting some good C books
> and working your way carefully through them. This took
> about three months to initial understanding and six months
> to confortable. You *really* want someone experienced to
> call on. This group has some patience with dumb-ass C
> questions but you're best bet is someone you can sit down
> with for an hour or two a week and go over the things you're
> stuck on.
>
> If you don't understand PalmOS then you'll be trying to learn
> both at once and since even simple PalmOS processes involve
> pointers to structures you're going to get lost in the syntax
> fairly quickly. It's easy to hit brick walls frustratingly often.
> Again, an experienced person who can lean over your shoulder
> periodicly will make an enormous difference. Get a couple
> of good books and read them carefully more than once. Do
> the exercises.
>
> I spent some time looking for a C learning environment that
> would let people pick up the syntax and function of C without
> having to fight with the environment (both the PalmOS and
> VisualC 'Hello world' examples require a reasonable amount
> of C understanding to modify) but couldn't find anything good.
> Anyone got any ideas?
>
> Chris Tutty
>
>
>
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