When the BeOS was first released it was obvious to me and many others that it would be a platform that suited both the GUI lover, and the Unix style command line interface geek. Developing for the former requires you to learn the BeOS API, including the client/server system, BMessages and the objects and classes that make up the BeOS interface.

But if you want to take advantage of the POSIX support included with the BeOS and use the wide range of open source software such as that from GNU and many others. However, there are problems with the BeOS when it comes to porting Unix applications. Not all of the features, functions and programs are supported, and those that are have bugs, gaps, or just plain dont work.

The idea behind BeOS: Porting Unix Applications was therefore to guide the reader from downloading the source code to using the application. This involves how to extract the archives you've downloaded, how to use the configuration systems, including how to make them work with the BeOS, and how to plug the gaps and missing areas of the BeOS functionality.

You can view the contents page of the book here.

• Supports BeOS Release 3.
• Provides a step-by-step guide to the porting process, from download the source to installing the application.
• Explains how to port off the shelf utilities like Emacs and Perl as well as your own programs and tools to the BeOS.
• Offers a comprehensive Unix/POSIX vs. BeOS reference for anyone who is porting or writing software for the BeOS.
• Furnishes a simple catalog of tools and features available on the BeOS.

Although the book was written at a time when PPC was the main version of the BeOS, much of the content is still relevant both to the older Intel implementations using Metrowerks development tools, and the newer GNU based development toolkit. This is because the development tool differences make very little difference to the core OS libraries and functions provided by the BeOS.

If you have any queries about the compatibility and contents of the book against the current features and abilities of the OS please do not hesitate to contact me using the book query and errata form.

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Thinking about porting a Unix application to the BeOS? Want to know how much of the BeOS is POSIX compliant? Want to know how to start working with all that Open Source' software? Then you need BeOS: Porting Unix Applications!

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Want to learn Perl by example? Need a working example of how to build your latest CGI with Perl? Want to get line by line descriptions of real world Perl scripts? Then check the details on the Perl Annotated Archives book!

Most recent first:

• Scripts from Perl: The Complete Reference 2ed released.
  
• CD Recordable Solutions on its way - the only guide you'll ever need for writing CDs under Windows, Unix and Mac OS.
  
• Perl: The Complete Reference 2ed released with more 50% of the content updated.
  
• Perl: I Didn't Know You Could Do That makes it to the bookshelves.
  
• New Debugging Perl title providing tips on avoiding, finding and fixing bugs in Perl has gone to the printers.
  
• The latest Perl offering is ActivePerl Developer's Guide.
  
• The new iMac FYI is released, and getting rave reviews.