Starting questions

[TipGiver]

Hello !

1. Why should i use Borland as my developing tool? ( Do you blame Microsoft for anything? )

2. Delphi.NET uses Microsoft's .NET controls?? They look (icons) exactly the same.

Thank you.

 

[schu]

1. It is just a preference. If you are used to Microsoft tools e.g. C++,C# etc you will find the Microsoft software easier to use. If you have used Borland C++, Delphi then Borland IDE will be easier to use. Remember the IDE is meant to save you development time not hinder it.

There are those who say Borland is better because you get a lot more free controls (e.g. components and VCLs), whilst Microsoft ActiveX controls tend more to be shareware.
Also Delphi is the best (IMHO) object pascal development and less prone to programming crashes than C/C++. It is more structured and easier to debug (was).

2. Yes, it is .NET integration into Delphi.

 

[Stretchwickster]

I've programmed in many programming languages and because Delphi (Pascal) is a strongly typed language, it is much easier and quicker to debug errors - thus speeding development time.

I love the fact that Delphi is fully object-oriented and its structure is such that you can extend and enhance any component you have the source for, to create your very own custom components.

I've always been more efficient programming with Delphi rather than Visual Basic (and I learnt VB first!) which I suppose is a testament to a great product.

Clive

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"To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer." (Paul Ehrlich)
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[earthandfire]

I learnt Pascal first, VB later.

I find VB encourages bad programming practices (no need to declare variables / function types; as just a simple example) - although using both Option Strict and Explicit helps improve things.

Unfortunately, where I work it is VB (and some C#) only. So I haven't used Delphi for some and haven't upgraded since 7.

From choice I would use Delphi every time.


Hope this helps.

 

[TipGiver]

> Delphi is fully object-oriented
! And VB.NET too (at last!)

> bad programming practices / strongly typed language
! They can be avoided as E&F said.

I stared with pascal, then some fortan and C, along with shell programming. Then vb5 and vb6 came. When migrating from vb6 to .NET platform ...the errors where more that my lines of code. I enjoy using VB.NET and although i hate 'c based' languages.. i like C too. I don't know how love and hate can be together but it happens to be true.

I find Delphi interesting language and more interesting its IDE.

 

[svanels]

I started with Fortran, switched to Turbo Pascal 3.1 due to the transition from mainframe to PC, started with OOP in TP 5.5 (1989) and finally re-started programming with Delphi 3 more in 1997.
Once you learn the the power of Object Oriented Programming it is very difficult to go back to a lower level. Maybe I was lucky to have a programming break for almost 5 years.

Steven

 

[whosrdaddy]

Hi TipGiver, welcome to this forum!

Answers:

1)
I started with (turbo)pascal 3.0, jumped on the Delphi2 bandwagon and used every subsequent version till today.
I simply love the pascal language. Though I learned VBa nd C++ too (mainly for professional reasons), I still prefer Delphi. The strongest point of delphi is the fact you can find loads of components who are freeware/opensource. This is not true for VB/C++, these tend to be shareware most of the time. I have one rule that I'll never break : I'll never make a project with third party components without having the source of these components. I've had too many issues with this in the past, having to wait to let the others fix their bugs.

2) Yes Delphi8/2005/2006 includes MS.NET but it gets better! Borland also included VCL.NET controls and data adapters. If you want to go the .NET route, I can recommend Delphi2006 (my personal experience, I'm not a borland vendor )

Cheers,
Daddy

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[poksal]

I started with Paschal, took and did some C++, then purchase a Delphi 6 package... since I had aced my Pascal in school I found Delphi a natural. There is something about the structure that clicks im my brain better. .. nuff said... Being that I've been out a while, you can bet the barn that I'm going straight beck to Delphi... with some catch-up to do. ... I'm looking forward to the challenge.. and for those moments that drive us all... the joy of finally solving a tough problem.