Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview of Delphi
This chapter looks at the second front-end system that we will consider — Delphi.
The chapter provides an overview of the product under the following subheadings:
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Introduction
•
Main Components of the Delphi Suite
•
Shortcomings of Delphi
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Summary and Concluding Remarks
20.1 Introduction
Delphi is an object-oriented RAD tool, which allows the software engineer to develop
applications for Windows platforms. Delphi also provides a simple cross-platform
solution when used in conjunction with Kylix, the equivalent RAD tool for the Linux
platform. Kylix understands most of the code developed under a Delphi environment,
making cross-platform software development more accessible to developers.
Delphi was developed by Borland in the early 1990s. The product evolved from
Borland Turbo Pascal after the company decided to make an object-oriented Pascal version
of the popular product and simplify greatly the software development process. Since
2003, the market has seen several releases including Delphi V7, Delphi V8, Delphi 2005,
Delphi 2007, and Delphi 2009. The rest of the chapter will be based on a review of Delphi
2005 and Delphi 2007. However, since the chapter deliberately avoids implementation
details, you will find that the information provided also applies to earlier versions all the
way back to Delphi V6, as well as more recent versions. Since 2008, the Borland Software
Development Division (responsible for the Delphi product line) has been acquired by
software engineering firm called Embarcadero Technologies. The contemporary version
of the product is called Delphi Delphi XE2, and is marketed by Embarcadero.
Delphi is best described as a front-end RAD tool that interfaces with various
databases through at least one of the following strategies:
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Database drivers for Paradox, Interbase, MS SQL Server, Oracle,
DB2, Informix, MySQL, Sybase, Blackfish SQL, and SQL Anywhere
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Borland Database Engine (BDE) for local database drivers
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Borland Data Provider (BDP) for .NET (this includes Interbase 7.5,
MS SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, Sybase, and MS Access)
