Turbo C++ is an upgraded and optimized version of the famous DOS-based Borland Turbo C++ integrated development environment that can now be run on modern versions of Windows such as Vista, 7, 8, 10 and 11.

1. How to install Turbo C++

It carries with it all the previously praised features and toolsets found in Borland Turbo C++ for PC but has managed to completely eliminate nearly all of the previously present incompatibility issues that prevented the use of the native version of this IDE tool on modern Windows editions. To make compatibility even better, the latest versions of the app fully support both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

Before the arrival of modern graphically-based software development environments, all the major applications were created inside DOS-based environments. Even though such old IDE platforms were surpassed over the years by more capable software development tools, the Borland app still has its uses today. That fact has pushed modern developers to find a way to make this old IDE accessible on modern Windows systems. Specifically, the program version 3, which has garnered a reputation for being the most stable version out of them all.

Turbo C++ is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) specifically developed for C++ programming. It provides a comprehensive set of tools and features to facilitate coding, debugging, and compiling C++ programs. Originally introduced by Borland, Turbo C++ gained widespread popularity among programmers due to its simplicity and ease of use. The latest version of Turbo C++ includes several enhancements and updates to keep up with modern programming requirements.

Features

Code Editor
It offers a user-friendly code editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion, enhancing productivity and reducing errors.

Compiler
The software comes equipped with a powerful compiler that efficiently converts C++ code into machine-readable language for execution.

Debugger
It provides a robust debugger that enables programmers to identify and fix errors in their code, facilitating smooth troubleshooting.

Integrated Development Environment
The IDE combines all essential tools in one interface, ensuring a seamless coding experience without the need for external programs.

Libraries and APIs
It includes a collection of libraries and APIs that can be leveraged to enhance program functionality and save development time.

Installation and Use

Turbo C++ comes in a very small installation package that will copy all the necessary files to your local storage in mere seconds. Because of the age of the original software (which was developed and actively used all around the world in the late 80s and early 90s), the tool will not strain your PC configuration, no matter how old or resource-starved is. It requires a true minimum of resources and will not slow down the rest of your Windows applications a bit.

The biggest addition to the Windows version of this app is its enhanced stability. This compatibility is achieved using an emulation of the old DOS environment, thus enabling the program to operate without accessing any of the present features of modern Windows OS. By using this approach, the app can be run without any issues on many modern versions of Windows and requires just a couple of code adjustments to manage the successful launch and proper functioning of this software development program.

TurboC++ is equipped with all the features of the old IDE – a fully-featured compiler for the creation of DOS apps, a powerful debugger, the DOS shell, support for breakpoints, code inspection, tracing, watches, and more. The app can be run both in windowed and full-screen mode.

If you are a fan of the old Turbo C for Windows from the early 1990s, or you require to create, modify or test DOS apps, this modern IDE package represents the most streamlined, stable, and easy-to-access way you can achieve that on modern Windows OS.

Important Notes

Custom Installation Directory
Starting from version 3.7.8.9m_r, users can choose their own installation directory. However, the default directory is still “C:\TurboC++”. You have the flexibility to install it on drives such as D, E, F, or any other drive of your choice. It is also possible to install it as a limited or guest user.

Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 8
Please note that if you are running TurboC++ on Windows 8 with a keyboard layout other than English (US), the keyboard shortcuts will not work as expected.

Floating Point Number Processing Issues
If you are experiencing problems with processing floating point numbers or encountering garbage values, we recommend using the beta-3 or beta-4 update patch.

Reinstallation Procedure
During the reinstallation process, it is important to properly uninstall TurboC++. Before uninstalling, ensure that you back up all your source code files from the “C:\turboc++\disk” folder. After uninstalling, delete the “C:\turboc++” folder, reboot your computer, and then proceed with the reinstallation.