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From: jsv@hpsad.HP.COM (Jeff Vetter)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.smalltalk
Subject: Questions from a novice on development environments...
Message-ID: <520002@hpsad.HP.COM>
Date: 27 Sep 89 15:09:31 GMT
Organization: HP Signal Analysis Division - Rohnert Park, CA
Lines: 27


  I am new to the Smalltalk language and I am interested in purchasing a
Smalltalk development environment for my PC AT.  I have a few questions
about the current offerings.

	1. The current offerings seem to be Digitalk and ParcPlace;
	   however, ParcPlace is quite expensive for learning's sake.  Are
	   there student discounts on any products that I could check on at
	   college?

	2. Does anyone offer a Smalltalk "compiler" to develop
	   stand-alone applications?

	3. Since this is my first attempt at object-oriented
	   programming, which book(s) should I obtain?

	4. Should I forget Smalltalk and try C++ instead?  There seems
	   to be a little more support (ie. books and development
	   environments) for C++.

  I welcome all suggestions from novice through expert.  Thanks for your
help.  Also, Unix mail responses are encouraged.


Jeffrey S. Vetter
HP Signal Analysis Division
Rohnert Park, CA