For existing Programmer Studio users (those running versions 2.x or 3.x) Programmer Studio version 4 presents an exciting advance in features. However it is important for existing users to be aware of differences and possible conflicts between the existing versions and version 4.

The majority of our existing users will have noticed that recent versions of Programmer Studio have built upon the feature set of the very first version without changing the concept or IDE in any major form. Version 4 however is a completely new product, presenting a new concept in accessing files with a more modern IDE.

• What's Missing
• What's Coming
• What's New

What's Missing

Unfortunately this new version comes at the expense of familiar features which do not fit into the new IDE. The following section deals with this issue and also provides an explanation of our decision.

The following features have been dropped from version 4.

• Add files to folder wizard.
• Support for 'Connections'.

The command window (activated via F12) has been replaced by a Session Prompt menu which allows the user to open a session to each defined server profile.

What's Coming

Not all the features planned for version 4 have been included in the current version. The following features will be incorporated in version 4 in the near future.

• Debugging 'Redirect program output' options.

What's New

Finally, details of just some of the exciting new features in version 4. The majority of these have come from existing users in the form of suggestions and comments so please send us any feedback you may have.

• New user-interface. [screen shot]
• Seamlessly edit both Windows and server based files - Server connection information is now defined outside of a project resulting in a greatly simplified interface. [screen shot] [screen shot]
• Include files from multiple locations (servers) in a single project.
• Supports TELNET and FTP for transferring and compiling files as an alternative to WTRSH on non HPe3000 platforms.
• Compile files without a project.
• Now includes support for Sun Workshop DBX and Perl debuggers.
• Integrated hex file editor (Windows / FTP binary files only). [screen shot]
• Project based ClassView incorporates definitions from multiple project files.
• Syntax (structure) view displayed alongside code editor.
• New 'tabbed' MDI interface to quickly switch between open files.
• Improved tool-tips. [Screen shot] [screen shot] [screen shot]
• Reload and auto-reload existing open files.
• Compiler errors highlighted using regular expressions.
• Split-screen editing. [Screen shot]
• Block mode select (via Shift+Drag). [screen shot]
• Improved code parsers for C/C++, Java and COBOL include variable definitions.
• Color quoted strings and regular expressions.
• Guide lines.
• Improved bracket/brace highlight.
• Auto-complete (Ctrl+Space) to complete known syntax items. [Screen shot]
• Print in color.
• Improved support for existing tabs and tab stops.
• Improved COBOL line tag support.
• Editable navigator drop-down intelligently filters matching items. [Screen shot]
• Support for embedded languages such as HTML in PHP.
• Caret (current line) highlight option quickly identifies the insertion point.
• Auto (background) syntax-update.
• Improved function parameter tool-tips. [Screen shot]
• Auto list members for recognized variable types (C/C++ and Java).
• Wheel-mouse support.