The real power of frameworks is that they transform programming into an expressive, adaptable, and affordable endeavor for today's productivity-conscious workplace." --Mike Potel, Vice President, Technology Development, Taligent, Inc.Recent activity in object technology has extended beyond class libraries to focus on frameworks. Frameworks represent the next level of abstraction in programming and offer proof of the promises of reuse and increased productivity. PC programmers are beginning to use application frameworks such as Microsoft foundation Classes, and Macintosh programmers have been using MacApp for years. Because frameworks are used frequently in creating GUI-based applications, many programmers believe that framework use is limited to this type of application coding. However, frameworks can be used to solve virtually any design problem if programmers understand exactly what frameworks are and how to use them.Taligent, Inc., bases its CommonPoint application environment architecture on frameworks. This architecture exercises the full power of frameworks programming and is unique in that it allows for straightforward, cross-platform implementation. For readers who are familiar with the basic principles of object-oriented design and C++ programming, The Power of Frameworks book and CD/ROM provide: * insight into what frameworks are, how to use them, and how to design them * preconstructed frameworks and an interactive presentation of class hierarchies, as well as source code for executable samples * an opportunity for Windows and OS/2 developers to experience the benefits of working with frameworks as they modify, enhance, and extend the samples The Taligent Reference Library is the official documentation for developers working in the CommonPoint application environment.