Database Reference
In-Depth Information
20.2.1 The Database Development Environment
The available tools for manipulating databases are as follows:
•
Database Desktop:
A simple interface for creating and managing
local databases.
•
Database Explorer:
An intuitive interface to the different
databases, allowing the user to view all the different settings,
as well as performing SQL queries and data manipulation.
•
Borland Database Engine (BDE):
A subsystem that allows
programmatic access and modification of databases and the
data contained in them. It is the engine between the application
and the data, and facilitates access to various databases. It also
provides access to non-native databases using ODBC, and other
vendor products using their respective drivers.
Through the database development environment, the user can carry out the
following functions:
•
Create a database alias
•
Create tables
•
Modify table structures
•
Create and modify indexes
•
Create and modify logical views
•
Create and modify queries, which include graphic interpretation
of data
•
Create and modify reports which include graphic interpretation
of data
Additionally, the developer has the option of writing original SQL statements and
storing these in files for later use. In summary, the main database object types facilitated
are database aliases, tables, indexes, views and query files.
20.2.2 Interactive Development Environment
The Interactive Development Environment (IDE) is the Delphi component that is used
for application development for Delphi, Delphi for .NET, or C++. It provides a number of
useful features:
•
A GUI with a number of predefined application building blocks,
located on over 30 tool palettes. More commonly used tool
palettes include Standard, Additional, Data Access, Data Controls,
dbExpress, BDE, ActiveX, COM+, and ADO (ActiveX Data Objects).
•
Context sensitive prompts to guide the application
development process.
