advantage of Delphi

Quite a subjective topic, don't you think?

Here's my take on it.

1- True compilation, resulting in 32-bit executable code.

2- ULTRA-FAST compiler.

3- The language (object Pascal) is easy to read, easy to understand, easy to write in, has powerful object-orientation aspects.

4- Extendable - if the component does not behave like you want, write a new one.  Extending the functionality of existing components is made easy for the most part.

5- The IDE is the best I've ever seen.  Code-completion, code-browsing, integrated debugging, fly-by variable value display when debugging.

6- Ease of delivery - makes it possible to deliver a single-executable for simple apps.

I've used BCB, Delphi, VB, VC++...I have to say that Delphi is by far the BEST Windows development environment that I've ever used.  It's not perfect, though...here are some drawbacks:

1- New revs usually require the purchase of new 3rd party components each time - this can be quite expensive if you use more than a few 3rd party components.

2- Delivering the BDE is a NIGHTMARE!  I know that Delphi does not force anyone to use this, but if you do, it is an absolute nightmare to deliver the app, even using the InstallShield Express.  I know this from experience.  And getting support for this...InstallShield points you to Borland, and Borland points you right back to IS!

3- Source control on the DFM files can be painful, since they are binary forms and Delphi does not have the option to store them as text.

I think that should suffice for now.

Jim Kern

If you just need a GUI tool, VB will do too. Delphi gives much more.

Floris.

Many new revs provide source code which just needs to be rebuilt in a new version.

Among the many BDE replacements, one is Halcyon from Griffin Solutions (www.grifsolu.com)

Version 5 saves DFM as text files.

BTW a Linux version is expected soon.

well I have quite an experience with Powerbuilder.

if you are writing applications where databases holds the central place (like accounting, management software ...) and if you do not plan to write a product for a grat number of users, do not hesitate, choose powerbuilder.

if you want to make more technical things or to deliver a shareware, delphi is what you need.

about Halcyon, there are many BDE replacements including direct links to major databases. Personnally I use FlashFiler, but you can find more there :

http://www.kylecordes.com/bag/index.html


regards, Marc

Delphi is an excellent GUI tool with hundreds of freely available components at sites like 'Delphi Super Page'.
But the BDE is a dog. A super replacement is 'DBISAM' which compiles with your exe (no BDE to install on user's machine) `DBISAM' is very powerful and VERY network aware.

thanks a lot

thanks a lot