Tcl/Tk Programmer's Reference [Paperback]

Book Description

Series: Programmers Reference | Publication Date: October 12, 1999

Tcl is key to many programmers because of its ability to glue pieces of programs together. This text covers all the basic Tcl language elements, along with Tk commands, widgets and options. The author also provides details of free Tcl products, what extensions do, and how best to use them.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Create Dynamic Applications and GUIs with This Handy Resource! Inclues Tcl/Tk 8.2. Develop cross-platform applications, GUIs, and CGI scripts using the essential information on Tcl contained in this quick reference. You'll find everything you need to know abut Tcl, including cross-referenced descriptions of all Tcl and Tk commands, and pointers to many free Tcl extensions and resources. Loaded with expert advice and clear examples, the Tcl/Tk Programmer's Reference fully explains all of Tcl's powerful commands and features.

Keep it handy while you program and you will: Find all of the information you need on Tcl scripting elements; Master all of Tk's commands, wqidgets, and options; Learn fast, inexpensive, and flexible ways to create powerful GUI applications for Microsoft Windows, UNIX, and Mac OS environments; Get expert advice in unique "Programmer's Tip" elements scattered throughout.

About the Author

Christopher Nelson is a Senior Software Engineer at Pinebush Technologies, Inc., where he uses Tcl/Tk to help create HyperPlot and HyperXpress high-performance raster image processing software. He has over 15 years experience in developing software on systems from personal computers to mainframes. He first became interested in computers and electronics as the next best thing to magic, and holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. in Computer Science from Renesselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Chris is a member of Interex (the International Association of Hewlett-Packard Computing Professionals) and a former member of its board of directors. He ahs been recognized for outstanding contributions to the HP 1000 Contributed Software Library. A frequent contributor to PC Techniques, HP Professional, TC Interface, and Interact magazines, Chris has also written for The Office and Paradox Informant. He lives with his two daughters near Albany, New York, where he enjoys reading, refinishing furniture, biking, and all aspects of community theatre.

Product Details

• Paperback: 858 pages
• Publisher: Computing Mcgraw-Hill (October 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072120045
• ISBN-13: 978-0072120042
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #553,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last - a reference that provides more than the man pages, February 2, 2000

By 

Larry W. Virden (Reynoldsburg, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tcl/Tk Programmer's Reference (Paperback)

This reference is incredible. All of the Tcl and Tk commands are covered. Examples and tips for many of the commands are presented. And then, the price - almost 1/2 of most computer books. This is a book I carry to work with me almost every day - and when I forget, I always regret it. This book fills a need that many Tcl programmers have expressed - an encyclopedia of Tcl commands.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good companion reference, December 1, 1999

By 

Jeffrey Hobbs - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tcl/Tk Programmer's Reference (Paperback)

The Programmer's Reference is a useful reference guide for the user that wants to quickly look up how a function can be used. Dubbed 'man pages on steroids', it is true to the claim, providing the full set of man pages together in alphabetical order, enhanced for better effect. Enhancements include helpful examples and tips for the programmer, as well as caveats to watch out for.

All in all, I would recommend this as a good second book. It is easier to refer to when you know more precisely what you want, but is not intended to be a book that you read from cover to cover (although if you did, you'd know all the commands there are in Tcl/Tk). It is written for Tcl/Tk 8.2.

Minor nits (that last star) are that I'd like to see even more real world examples, as well as better indication for each command/variable header on whether it is for Tcl or Tk (an icon is used, but it could be improved), whether it is Mac/Win/Unix specific, as well as if it is a command or variable. Having everything in alphabetical order is handy, but these header boxes could be a little more helpful.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Much needed book but sloppy proofreading, March 30, 2000

By 

Robert Anderson (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tcl/Tk Programmer's Reference (Paperback)

This book fills the niche for a complete collection of TCL/TK man pages. However, I was suprised at the many typos and misordered items that I found unintentionally. There are references in the index to pages beyond the last page in the book. The order of commands is almost alphabetical but not quite exactly so. There are grammatical mistakes. The cover page proudly lampoons that it is covers through version 8.2 while the introduction meekly says that it was not tested on 8.2. I also found it officious that an authors name appears on the book since the book is essentially a digested man page document with notes. This book is useful to me but not of lasting historical value.