BeOS Programming Tutorials

In order to help out with your programming endeavors, our Developer Support folks have been assembling a series of BeOS programming tutorials. They aren't meant as introductions to C++, but are meant as introductions to (and the progressive advancement of) BeOS programming. What the tutorials will also hopefully provide are insights into specific dimensions of programming the BeOS.

Every so often, a new tutorial will be released. If you'd like to see a certain part of the BeOS highlighted in a tutorial, please send us a note via the online form in the Registered Developer Area. In the meantime, if you'd like more source code examples, the Engineering Insights articles in the Be Newsletter have some helpful tips, the "Samples" directory of the FTP site is a must-see, and many of the other applications on the Be FTP site include source code.

If you're new to BeOS programming, the Approaching Be tutorial is the best possible place to start. It offers insight into how BeOS programs are structured and how applications intereact with the Servers and Kits of the BeOS.

• Approaching Be -- source can be found at ftp://ftp.be.com/pub/samples/preview/intro/HelloWorld.zip

• Networking -- covers the basics of TCP client/server applications. Includes a basic client-server collaborative whiteboard program. Source can be found at ftp://ftp.be.com/pub/samples/preview/network_kit/net_tutorial.tgz

• January -- a calendar application which covers many basic windows/graphics procedures. Source can be found at ftp://ftp.be.com/pub/samples/dr8/interface_kit/jan_tutorial.tar.gz

• BeMail -- the actual e-mail program distributed with the BeOS. Source can be found at ftp://ftp.be.com/pub/samples/dr8/network_kit/BeMail.tgz

• The Joystick -- how to use joystick input on BeBoxes. Source can be found at ftp://ftp.be.com/pub/samples/dr8/device_kit/Gamestick.tgz

• Application Icons & Resources -- A walkthrough on how to set up icons for an application.

• Quick Introduction to Menubars and Menus -- How to create and use standard menus on the BeOS. (PDF document)

Third-Party Tutorials

Recently, some developers have begun creating their own tutorials. Two of the more prominent offerings are:

• BeGeek.com: Offers a wide array of tutorials and BeOS programming advice. Covers everything from BApplications to malloc() to device drivers. Once you're a master programmer, send along your own advice for others; BeGeek takes contributions.

• BeOS Replicants Tutorial: A nicely done tutorial which walks through turning the Approaching Be "Hello World" application into a replicant.