HB++ FAQ

They will run on any Palm OS® 3.0 powered device to to Palm OS® 6.1 (Cobalt) powered device . It includes Palm™ III, Palm IIIx, V, VII, m series,Tungsten™ and Zire™ families, Tréo devices, Handspring® devices, IBM Workpad, Sony Clié series, Qualcomm 1900, Symbol Technologies® SPT15XX / 17XX / 18XX series. HB++ has been designed in such a way that you do not have to wonder about compatibility issues.

Yes. Enjoy color menus, icons, bitmaps, and graphics!

Yes. However, some Palm OS® 6.1 specific functions are only available through direct calls to the Palm OS® API functions.

Our vision: instead of marketing a cross-platform tool just featuring the (poor) common denominator to all the mobile platforms - we prefer offering you the best of one platform.

Of course! The HB++ conduit generator allows you to easily create tailor-made conduits.

Yes, classes implementing the HTTP, FTP, POP, and SMTP protocols are provided. HB++ supports standard and secured (SSL) sockets, and an optional client-server development framework (PalmServer) is available.

HB++ tables are stored as standard Palm databases. A conversion tool is provided to import data from Access tables, .dbf, XML or CSV files. Samples are also provided to read and write the database of other PalmOS RAD tools - perfect if you plan to migrate from another RAD tool!

There was no runtime, there is no runtime, there won't be any runtime. HB++ is a compiler.

Since other development tools use interpreted languages, they produce .prc files that cannott do anything without "interpreters", often deployed as a bunch of .prc files or linked to your.prc. HB++ programs include whatever they need to run, and nothing else: you only have to deploy a single file, the size of which is optimal.

It is simply because many other development tools use interpreted languages. It means that when your handheld device runs a program written in these languages, its CPU spends more time translating statements into machine code than running it. HB++ programs are compiled: they need no translation while running.

Moreover, HB++ controls are not emulated: they draw and capture events faster. Users won't have to wait for responses - in time-critical applications such as inventories or surveys, it is an asset.

HB++ uses a dynamic query compiler: when you want to perform a query, a specific block of customized and optimized code is generated in memory, then ran.

HB++ is a Rapid Application Development tool. It means that complex applications can be created in a few days, sometimes in a few hours. Try HB++ and experience how many days of development time you can save!

The HB++ language has the same syntax as Visual Basic®, and most of VB functions are featured. You will only have to deal with our Palm OS® specific objects. It is just a question of days: your development teams will be rapidly able to create complex applications without a steep learning curve.

HB++ is compatible with the newest version of Palm OS®. Moreover, since HB++ apps do not need a runtime engine or virtual machine, you just have to install your application on any new device without worrying about compatibility issues.

The HB++ IDE is a stand-alone program which does not require external components or third party software. By purchasing HB++, you don't take the risk of buying a compiler that will become obsolete because the IDE or framework on which it is based is outdated!

HB++ is used by thousands of professional application developers, students from various universities, and shareware developers. All seduced by the versatility, ease of use and power of our language.

Try HB++, and see how you can write applications featuring IR transfers, Bluetooth, telephony features, networking, advanced database access or user-friendly UI without knowing anything about the SDK intrinsics.

You can declare and continue using Palm OS® API functions in your HB++ programs.

This site provides numerous forums where you will be able to browse knwoledge bases or to post your own questions and get answers from other developers. The HB++ development team is active on these forums and will also be there to answer your questions.

Registered user can send us email at support@handheld-basic.com for custom e-mail support.

Ask it at info@handheld-basic.com, or browse the users forum.

You can also read the reference manual for more information.