Overview

CodeWarrior is an integrated software development environment (IDE) for developing applications for multiple target platforms, such as Windows, Mac OS, Unix, and Palm OS. It is based on a single-user-interface software program that integrates an editor, project manager, compiler, linker, and other utilities useful for developing applications. The version reviewed can develop applications for Windows, Mac OS, and Java platforms. There are other versions for developing applications for Palm OS, Sony PlayStation, and others.

How Long Did It Take to Learn to Use It Productively?

Since I have used both the Borland IDE and Microsoft Visual Studio, it took me a relatively short period of time to get used to the CodeWarrior IDE and begin working on simple applications. I am not what I consider a hard-core programmer, but I did find the interface simple to understand. Installation was relatively straightforward, although there was little information provided on some of the installation options. There is also no interactive help or information in the QuickStart Guide that provides enough information on the custom options. Once installed, the program group and icons displayed some errors when starting up, although everything worked properly.

Product Quality

Customizability

Similar to other programming environments, the software allows the customization of interface properties such as color schemes. Various audible alerts are available, plug-ins can be added, and third-party editors can be used.

Ability to Program in Scripts, Add Extension Modules, etc.

I did not test these features, but according to MetroWerks, "The tools provide a plug-in API that lets you build your own compilers, linkers, preference panels, and virtually anything that you want to call from the CodeWarrior IDE."

Ability to Import and Export in Different File Formats

CodeWarrior can import makefiles from other programming environments. For instance, I tried to load a Microsoft Visual C makefile from a National Instruments example program for their data-acquisition product line. The makefile imported correctly, but there were many other errors that I had to work through to get the application to compile. I could load the same makefile into Visual Studio, and compile and run the application without problems. The reason for this could be differences between the ANSI standard and Microsoft's code.

Useful or Unusual Features

CodeWarrior can create applications for different target platforms such as Mac OS, Unix, and Palm OS. I did not use this feature because of my limited system access and the software edition I had, but it should be a very useful feature.

The main application window and various "view" windows provide a nice interface for software programming. There is easy access to many of the common functions and settings that are required to edit, compile, and build applications.

Also, the generous pricing for academic use makes it a good buy compared to a product such as Visual Studio, which is priced from more than $400 for a competitive upgrade to more than $900 for new users.

Limitations

As I mentioned, I do not consider myself a hard-core programmer. My primary experience is in single-device-driver projects and not in larger applications. CodeWarrior's features are geared more toward larger projects integrating many utilities different from the ones I use. I did experience numerous application crashes ranging from program shutdown to various dialog lockups.

I have some knowledge of similar programming environments and navigating through the many screens and tabs was easy. However, the software definitely requires a good amount of programming knowledge.

Comparisons with Similar Software

In the context of my personal experience and for the development work I do, I find Visual Studio a little more intuitive. The online help available for Visual Studio is more useful because of context sensitivity. Navigating to various utilities is also easier.

Technical Support and Documentation

Technical support provided some very useful explanations for some of the initial problems I had. The printed documentation is limited to a QuickStart guide. I found the online help fairly useful, but navigating to the appropriate topic was cumbersome. I am not sure if this situation can be improved by changing application defaults or if it's a limitation of the software. The software did include documentation such as a C reference guide and Windows API help for developing applications. Users also receive 30 days of free technical support with software registration.

Target Users

I do not think this software is geared toward a beginner. A fairly large knowledge base is assumed for navigation through the many application dialogs. I do not think a naïve programmer would start out using this product. Such a person would more likely choose something like Visual Basic. MetroWerks does offer a "Discover Programming" edition, but I did not review that package. CodeWarrior is much more useful for someone developing a complete software package integrating various hardware and software components. For instance, someone interested in writing a simple custom image-processing algorithm would not use this product.