The Borland C++ Builder product was launched in Cape Town today (6th March 1997) where about 100 C++ developers turned up and about 4 Delphi developers turned up. What does C++ Builder mean for Delphi developers and what does this mean for C++ developers?
Borland are promoting C++ Builder (CB) as a complementary product to Delphi built into a line of complementary client products called: C++ Builder, Delphi, JBuilder (JAVA), IntraBuilder and Entera. But I hear you ask; how can C be complementary to Pascal? After all doesn't every Pascal developer want every C developer to become a Pascal developer and vice-versa? After all, we (be we Pascal or C) developers must protect our right to exist. We don't want Pascal developers to switch to C and vice-versa.
Well don't worry! CB will use every component developed by Delphi developers AND VICE-VERSA. The CB integrated development environment (menu structure and commands) is exactly the same as the Delphi environment. The forms look exactly the same. All that is different is: that C code is generated instead of Pascal code (and therefore you must code in C in CB) and C code is compiled and linked at the usual C compile and link speed; slower than Delphi.
Borland recognise that not all C developers will convert to Pascal, but that some don't want to use Microsoft and other C++ development products or environments and also that if C developers could only get their hands on Delphi components their lives would be so much easier. I know a number of companies who have had small, very successful, project teams developing in Delphi over the past year or so, but which also have a large installed base of C developers. Well now we can all work happily together. It doesn't matter if you have C or Pascal experience. All experience gained by one party is immediately available to the other.
But I hear you ask: Isn't C++ more powerful and faster than Delphi? The answer is an emphatic no. Delphi is the most powerful language I have ever seen. I am able to write complex serial communications interfaces with ease (using the Async Professional component) and also do every imaginable type of operation in Delphi (I am currently developing a production management system for a textile factory). Delphi compiles a lot faster than CB and Delphi generates the same size executables as CB; why? because they both use the same optimisation technology! A further point is that because of its strict typing rules and no need to learn how to use pointers, Delphi (Pascal) is easier to learn, develop in and MAINTAIN than C++. I have seen some horrendous C code in my time because of C's famous flexibility; e.g. the ability to embed statements in a for(;;) C loop. In fact I once saw one of these brackets extend over two pages! The developer thought he was doing a wonderful job, but in fact he created a maintainance nightmare.
The main points again (Note when I use the word C++ I mean C++ Builder and when I use the word Pascal I mean Delphi Pascal):
My experience. Pascal: 12 years; C: 3 years; Informix (4GL and DBMS):
6 years; Oracle: 1 year; Interbase: 2 years. More.