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Delphi Developer Days 2013 - Cary Jensen and Bob Swart
Cary Jensen announced at CodeRage 7 and on his blog that as of the 2013 edition of the Delphi Developer Days, I, Bob Swart will be joining Cary Jensen in presenting these days. I'm thrilled to work together with Cary Jensen on Delphi Developer Days; we've worked together in the past on magazine articles and Delphi conferences, and I've been a guest speaker at Delphi Developer Days for a few years already, so we're confident that the upcoming Delphi Developer Days 2013 will be as good and enjoyable as ever.
2012/11/07 - Delphi Product Manager Marco Cantù
Marco Cantù is the new Delphi Product Manager at Embarcadero.
Marco will be based in Europe (working from his home in Italy, when not on the road), where there are some of the R&D teams and a large number of Delphi customers.
2010/02/01 - New Embarcadero Upgrade Rules
As of February 1st, 2010, there are new upgrade rules from Embarcadero.
Until this date, you can upgrade from any previous version of Delphi to a newer version of Delphi (i.e. from Delphi 7 to Delphi 2010).
As of now, you can only upgrade to Delphi 2010 if the version you upgrade from is no more than three versions older than the version you're upgrading to.
So from Delphi 2006 you can still go to Delphi 2010, but you cannot get an upgrade to Delphi 2010 if you have a version which is older than Delphi 2006.
2010/01/06 - Delphi 7 Enhanced System Run Time
An Enhanced Run Time library for Delphi 7 is made available on Synopse Informatique in a New Distribution.
The original source files are needed: the installation package only contains the diffs made to the original Delphi 7 files, asks for the original source code files, and create the modified version from it.
2009/04/01 - Reasons to Migrate from Delphi 7 to Delphi 2009
This article gives a few good reasons to migrate, along with an overview of all the new features added to Delphi since version 7.
2008/12/01 - Delphi 7 De-Supported
Delphi 7 is now officially de-supported, and is no longer eligible for Technical Support.
2008/01/19 - Delphi 7 and Apache 2.0.63
Delphi 7 includes support for Apache version 2.0.39, and won't work "out-of-the-box" with Apache 2.0.40 or higher due to interface changes done by Apache.
You need to make a few changes in HTTPD2.pas to make it work again.
The latest release of Apache version 2.0.63 is now also covered.
2008/05/04 - IntraWeb and ActiveForms
In this Dr.Bob Examines article, I'll demonstrate how Delphi 7 and IntraWeb 5.x (a server-side web application framework) can work together with ActiveForms (a IE-specific browser side solution) in order to get the best of both worlds: native access and server side control.
2007/03/29 - New IDE features since Delphi 7
See some of the major new features in the Delphi IDE that came after the Delphi 7 release.
2007/03/29 - New Delphi language features since Delphi 7
See many of the major new language features in Delphi released after the Delphi 7 version.
2007/03/29 - New VCL features since Delphi 7
See many of the major new VCL features available in releases after Delphi 7.
2007/03/15 - Delphi 7 Vista Compatibility Update
Delphi 7 Professional is part of the Vista March 2007 Compatibility Update (a package of software updates that address common application compatibility issues in Windows Vista).
2006/12/11 - Free InterBase 2007 Developer Edition
InterBase 2007 Developer Edition (for Windows, Linux and Solaris) and InterBase 2007 Server Edition (trial) as well as InterBase 7.5 Server trial are now available for download from the CodeGear website.
2006/12/04 - Delphi 7 on Vista
MSDN Subscribers can already download and install Windows Vista (I've put Vista Business on my laptop).
Since I mainly use Delphi 7 (for Win32) and Delphi 2006 (for both Win32 and .NET applications), I have started the process of installing and using these versions of Delphi on the final version of Windows Vista to examine the compatibility of Delphi as well as Delphi Win32 (and .NET) applications running on Windows Vista.
In this Dr.Bob Examines paper, I describe my first experiences with running Delphi on Windows Vista, including a helpful workaround for the compatibility issues which are reported.
2006/09/04 - Turbo Delphi FAQ
The Turbo Editions FAQ with Frequently asked questions (and answers) for Turbo Delphi, Turbo Delphi for .NET, Turbo C++, and Turbo C# is now available.
2005/10/24 - The 24 Hours of DeXter
On October 24th, 2005, Borland Developer Relations organised the second 24 hours marathon, this time with the focus on DeXter.
During the 24 Hours of DeXter event, I spoke about upcoming Magazine articles, User Groups, DeXter courseware, and Conference Sessions.
You can now listen to the replays or download the recordings from the BDN website, including my 25 minutes.
2005/07/14 - The 24 Hours of Delphi as mp3
It was great fun to be part of the 24 Hours of Delphi event!
If you missed it (or want to hear it again) you can already download and listen to the interviews in mp3 format.
One of the things that was mentioned was Highlander, the codename for the Delphi release that will support .NET 2.0.
Nick Hodges alsos mention Highlander in his blog.
2005/07/13 - The 24 Hours of Delphi
On July 13th, I participated in The 24 hours of Delphi BDN radio event from 07:00am (GMT) to July 14, 2005 at 06:59am (GMT).
There were 24 contiguous hours of live BDN radio interviews with Delphi R&D engineers, Borland partners, book authors, and community members such as myself and Brian Long.
2005/05/17 - Delphi 7.1 Database Supplemental Update
Borland has just released a Delphi 7.1 Database Supplemental Update.
This update contains updated database runtime and source files for Delphi 7 to address defects that were introduced in the Delphi 7.1 update (it's the official version of the Code Central 22051 item).
You should install the Delphi 7.1 update before installing these files.
2005/04/17 - BorCon 2004 Papers
The Borland Developer Network site now also contains the session papers from BorCon 2003 and 2004.
The 2003 papers were available earlier, but the 2004 papers are new.
My four BorCon 2004 session papers are as follows:
2004/10/12 - Borland Delphi 2005 Announced
Borland has announced Delphi 2005, the latest version of Borland Delphi with support for Delphi Win32, Delphi for .NET and C# personalities.
Borland Delphi 2005 will be available in several editions: Architect, Enterprise and Professional.
A white paper with an Overview of Delphi 2005 is available now, and will be followed by a detailed white paper covering What's New in Delphi 2005 shortly.
2004/09/30 - Using Janeva to Connect CORBA and .NET
In this Dr.Bob Examines paper, I will demonstrate how Microsoft .NET Framework developers can use Borland Janeva to connect to CORBA servers written in Delphi 7 Enterprise and VisiBroker for Delphi.
2004/09/11-15: Borland Conference 2004 Report
Like previous years, I have written a "live" Conference Report on this website including details of all major events, Borland and 3rd-party announcements and session details.
2004/09/03 - Use dbExpress to create/drop Tables
This article for the IBM DB2-Borland web portal illustrates the design and implementation of a Delphi application you can use to create or drop DB2 UDB tables.
The article provides several examples of sending SQL DDL to the DB2 DBMS using Delphi and the cross-platform dbExpress data access technologies.
2004/08/09 - Dynamic Data-Aware Forms for Delphi
My next article at the IBM DB2-Borland web portal examines IBM DB2 Universal Database metadata in order to dynamically build views and forms, including how to dynamically generate a new CLX form and stream the form as a Delphi .pas and .xfm file, ready to be added to Kylix and Delphi CLX projects.
2004/08/04 - Delphi 7.1 Update - Database supplemental
This public beta contains updated database runtime and source files for Delphi 7.
The files in this update are intended only to address defects that were introduced in the Delphi 7.1 update.
You should install the Delphi 7.1 update before installing these files.
See the readme_db_upd1.txt file included for additional information.
2004/07/31 - Delphi 7 and Apache 2.0.4x
An unofficial workaround has been published for Delphi 7 to work with Apache 2.0.40 and higher (up to version 2.0.50 which was released last month).
2004/07/29 - XML Data Binding Wizard Fixes
Mark Edington has uploaded an update to Code Central which fixes a couple of problems you may run into if you are using moderately complex XML schema ocuments with the XML Data Binding Wizard.
Relative paths were not being handled correctly for "includes" and there was also a problem with resolving types.
2004/07/11 - Delphi 7 Update #1 DataSnap Fixes
Mark Edington has posted a message in the borland.public.datasnap newsgroup about DataSnap issues that were introduced by Delphi 7 Update #1.
Here is a list of the DB/DataSnap issues (regressions), that were introduced by Update #1 that have subsequently been fixed:
2004/06/23 - RemObjects Software Data Abstract 3
RemObjects Software has announced Data Abstract 3.0 for Delphi, which is available for preorder now.
RemObjects’ Data Abstract is a data access framework which allows you to work with databases in a DBMS- and driver-independent way, creating multi-tier applications with the professional editions of Delphi (and Kylix), and no need for those DataSnap licence fees.
I've reviewed the first version of Data Abstract (for The Delphi Magazine) and was impressed by the way in which it allows you to separate the data access layer from your business logic.
In fact, Data Abstract allows you to write the business rules completely independent of the actual database, and enables you to switch from one data access technology to another, with support for dbExpress, IBExpress, IBObjects, SDAC, ODAC, DOA, and more.
So you do not only have the choice between different databases that are supported (like SQL Server, InterBase, DB2, Oracle, MySQL, etc.) but also the actual data access technologies!
2004/06/11 - Delphi 7.1 Update Fix
The Delphi 7.1 Update download has been updated to address the persistent field issue in the original release of the Delphi 7.1 Update.
The latest version of the patch will enforce data integrity without raising an exception.
You can download and install this update either in place of or on top of the previous Delphi 7.1 General Update.
2004/05/22 - Public Beta: Delphi 7 dbRTL "size mismatch" fix
A public beta has been made available on the Borland Developer Network, in order to test a new fix for size mismatch issues in persistent database fields for Delphi 7.
The public beta contains an updated dbrtl.dll for Delphi 7.
For further information on this issue, read resolving size mismatch exceptions with the Delphi 7.1 update.
2004/05/13 - Delphi 7 Update #1 and Persistent Fields
Delphi 7 Update #1 enforces a more strict check on (matching) persistent field sizes.
John Kaster has written a BDN-article about size mismatch exceptions in Delphi 7 applications after applying Delphi 7 Update #1, and Allen Bauer quotes a message from Mark Edington (time to get your own blog, Mark!).
With regards to the Update #1 and any potential updates to the update, John mentioned the following:
"This is the plan: The 7.01 patch will remain in place until the new one is available, and there will be a short blurb above or below it (it hasn't been posted yet) pointing to my article on BDN for more information, for as long as the 7.01 patch is available for download.
When the new patch is done, we'll replace the existing patch because the new one (whatever # it is) will "roll up" both 7.x releases."
Another effect of this strict(er) persistent field check is the fact that the XML Mapper will raise an exception at startup (see QC report #8139, which also presents a workaround).
2004/05/09 - Delphi 7 Update #1
Registered users of Delphi 7 can now download Delphi 7 Update #1 from the Delphi 7 download site.
This update fixes well over 100 issues.
Borland fixed a lot of issues reported in Quality Central as you can see from the README on BDN that has hyperlinks to all fixed issues logged in QC.
Dave Rowntree made a list of the DataSnap/MIDAS fixes, which are presented in Dan Miser's blog.
Note that unfortunately, the Delphi 7 update does not include the fixes addressed in the unofficial ActionBands patch, according to Steve Trefethen's blog. Additionally, you may need to reinstall this patch after applying the Delphi 7 update.
2004/04/20 - RemObjects SDK 3.0
The RemObjects SDK is the award winning remoting framework for Delphi and Kylix.
It allows you to remotely access objects residing on a server from clients inside the LAN or across the Internet.
It supports object pooling, asynchronous invocation, compression, encryption, and a variety of protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, UDP, POP3/SMTP, NamedPipes, etc.
It includes the RemObjects Service Builder and allows you to expose your services as SOAP web-services.
RemObjects SDK 3.0 is available for Borland Delphi 7, Borland Delphi 6, and Borland Kylix 3.
2004/04/09 - Delphi VCL data-aware controls and DB2
This article on the IBM DB2-Borland portal uses Delphi 8 for .NET, dbExpress and the data-aware controls from the Visual Component Library (VCL) to connect to and work with IBM DB2 UDB tables.
The same project is also compiled with Delphi 7 to a Win32 executable with minimal changes.
2004/03/11 - Delphi 8 for .NET Update #2 & Doc Update
We can now download Delphi 8 Update 2 as well as a Rave Reports Update, InterBase 7.1 SP2 Update, and a special Documentation Update from the Delphi for .NET download site.
Also, Michael Swindell has posted a new message regarding future updates (including an upcoming Delphi 7 update).
2004/03/04 - IntraWeb and ActiveForms
In this article about IntraWeb and ActiveForms, I show how to use IntraWeb and ActiveForms together to create some innovative solutions for your intranet/extranet needs: the sum is definitely greater than the parts when used standalone!
2004/02/17 - Migrating to Delphi 8 for .NET
A white paper that I wrote about Migrating Borland Delphi applications to the .NET Framework with Delphi 8, has been published on the Borland website (in PDF format).
The difference between Windows Forms and VCL for .NET is covered, as well as several example migrations from existing Delphi Win32 VCL applications to Delphi 8 native .NET applications.
2004/02/06 - The 2004 Delphi Survey
Borland is looking forward to receiving your feedback in the new 2004 Delphi Survey.
This is your chance to provide valuable input to the Delphi team on a variety of Delphi topics.
The survey should take approximately 10 minutes on average to complete.
Your feedback has a direct influence on future versions of Delphi.
2004/01/30 - Michael Swindell on Delphi 8 Updates
Michael Swindell has posted a message on the borland.public.delphi.non-technical newsgroup about Delphi 8 Updates - including the fact that at the beginning of March, Borland will provide additional information on related plans around Delphi Win32 technology.
2004/01/18 - EWF vs. IntraWeb vs. ASP.NET
A comparative review, written by Lauchlan Mackinnon, comparing ExpressWeb Frameworks from Developer Express, IntraWeb from AtoZed software, and ASP.NET from Microsoft, has just been published on the Borland Developer Network website.
2003/12/31 - Delphi 7 and IntraWeb 5.1
My two articles in Hardcore Delphi about IntraWeb 5.1.28 in combination with Delphi 7 are now republished as my December Dr.Bob Examines column.
The first part covers IntraWeb Page Mode with Delphi 7 Professional, the second part covers IntraWeb Application Mode with Delphi 7 Enterprise.
2003/12/22 - Delphi 8 for .NET shipping
Just before Christmas: Delphi 8 for .NET is now shipping, and available in three editions: Professional, Enterprise and Architect (see also the Feature Matrix).
A Personal edition will most likely also become available (just like trial versions), so stay tuned.
The Borland Developer Network already has some articles on Delphi 8 for .NET, and my first Delphi for .NET Training Days will be held on January 22nd and February 19th (on ASP.NET).
2003/12/15 - Migrating SQL Links to dbExpress
In this article, I will demonstrate two different data access technologies available to Delphi (and C++Builder) developers when they want to connect to IBM DB2 Universal Database (UDB) tables, and need to work with the data inside those DB2 tables.
The BDE's SQL Links is Win32-specific and deprecated, and in this article an SQL Links application is migrated to the alternative, called dbExpress (a cross-platform technology that works in Windows and Linux as well as the Microsoft .NET Framework - with Delphi 8 for .NET).
2003/11/24 - Delphi for .NET Sneak Peek
This 5 minute sneak peek, presented by John Kaster and Anders Ohlsson, shows some of the features of Delphi 8 for the Microsoft .NET Framework, including VCL for .NET, Windows Forms, Borland Data Providers, and the DB Web Controls for ASP.NET (that I demonstrated for the Delphi for .NET launch at BorCon Europe in Amsterdam).
2003/11/14 - What's New in Delphi for .NET
The Borland Delphi website now contains information about the three Delphi 8 for the Microsoft .NET Framework editions: Architect, Enterprise and Professional (no Personal, yet) as well as links to PDF files with the Data Sheet, the Tech Overview, the System Requirements and FAQ.
2003/11/11 - Delphi for .NET Launch
On Tuesday evening, 11th November 2003, Delphi 8 for the Micrsoft .NET Framework was launched in The Netherlands at the European Borland Conference in Amsterdam.
I had the priviledge to be allowed to demonstrate the ASP.NET functionality during this launch event, by building and consuming an ASP.NET Web Service, and showing how to make ASP.NET Web Forms with the Borland Data Providers and some very cool DB Web components.
2003/11/1-5: Borland Conference 2003
The 14th annual Borland Conference (and Borland's 20th Anniversary) was held from Saturday (Nov 1st) until Wednesday (Nov 5th), in San Jose, CA (USA).
I've done a pre-conference tutorial (on XML & SOAP), a session about dbExpress, and a Birds-of-a-Feather session on RemObjects SDK.
The latest Delphi (for .NET) news and updates were reported "live" from BorCon in San Jose and can be read in my special BorCon Report at http://www.drbob42.com/BorCon.
2003/11/01 - RemObjects Software, Inc. 2004 ROadmap
RemObjects Software, Inc. presents its new 2004 ROadmap, planning to add many new products to the current offering.
RemObjects now also offers a new Subscription Program, through which customers will be able to purchase all current and upcoming products at a greatly discounted rate.
2003/10/15 - C# and Delphi 7 Web Services Interoperability
The last two Dr.Bob Examines columns are about Web Services and interoperability between Delphi and C#.
In the first article, I'll show how web services written in C# can be consumed and used by Borland's Delphi 7 Professional.
Using a simple echo web service, I'll demonstrate how the Delphi and Kylix clients can connect to and interact with the C# web service.
In the second article, I'll show how web services written in Delphi can be consumed and used by C# on the .NET Framework.
Extending the simple echo web service, I'll demonstrate how the C# client can connect to and interact with the Delphi web service.
2003/10/14 - Octane Preview Teaser #1
John Kaster and Anders Ohlsson demonstrate how quickly and easily you can build .NET WinForms applications with Delphi for .NET.
Delphi for .NET is a complete solution for Microsoft .NET application development, for WinForms applications, ASP.NET applications, Web Services, servers, or any other kind of software you can build for .NET.
The Delphi for .NET compiler produces fully managed .NET applications.
For more information on Octane, see my Octane or Delphi for .NET sections.
2003/10/02 - Octane: (only) Delphi for .NET
Simon Thornhill has just published a revised Open Letter on the Borland Developer Network in which he addresses a change in plan for Octane, which will now include Delphi for .NET, but no Delphi 8 for Win32.
In his Open Letter, Simon mentions Octane - the codename for the new version of Delphi - which will "include a complete Delphi language implementation for .NET, a full .NET implementation of the VCL framework and designers, full support for Windows Forms and ASP.NET Web Forms, Web Services, ADO.NET, ECO Model Driven development and much more."
For more information, see also the Octane and Delphi Q&A.
2003/09/26 - Octane Preview: Delphi for .NET
Anders Ohlsson and David I have shown previews of Octane at EKon 7 as well as the special Borland day in The Netherlands (yesterday).
An article on Borland Developer Network covers in some more detail what was shown.
2003/09/01 - Borland Conference Europe
The 2003 European Borland Conference, has been rescheduled to November 10-12 in Amsterdam.
I'm part of the Advisory Board, and we've selected good sessions from well-known and respected Speakers, for Borland Developers from all over Europe, enabling access to the latest information on .NET and Borland.
2003/09/01 - Delphi wallpaper
This wallpaper image shows the Delphi C#Builder, the Borland logo and images in the background representing the steps of the application lifecycle.
Available in 1600x1200, 1280x1024, and 1024x768 format.
2003/08/22 - The Delphi Magazine Collection 2003
The Delphi Magazine Collection 2003 CD-ROM contains issues 1 to 96 (April 1995 to August 2003) in the convenient Adobe PDf-format, plus all source code for the articles, additional trial software, shareware and freeware.
The CD comes complete with an easy-to-use browser which allows you to search and view articles, source code, companion disk contents and the bonus material, all from one place.
Even if you subscribe to The Delphi Magazine, I can highly recommend this CD-ROM (which is a much easier way to search for an article or topic than the big stack of 96 issues).
2003/08/21 - IntraWeb 5.1.30 Test Release
IntraWeb version 6 is released, but is no longer a free update for Delphi 7 users.
IntraWeb version 5.1.30 is the latest free "official" release.
2003/08/18 - Delphi 7 dbExpress updates
Available now in CodeCentral (as unsupported updates to Delphi 7), two updated dbExpress drivers.
The first one contains updated DB2 V8 support, fixing metadata issues (querying a table with unique fields would return the error "Could not convert variant of type (Null) into type (String)" and fetching Stored Procedure parameters would fail).
This update is also available in the Registered Delphi Users download page.
The other is a MySQL 4.0.x beta driver.
2003/07/17 - Data Abstract
RemObjects Software Inc, the makers of RemObjects SDK (among others), have just announced a new data access framework called Data Abstract.
Read my analysis and comments, or check their website if you want to know more (a more detailed review will be available later).
2003/07/14 - Dr.Bob Examines C#Builder
In my latest Dr.Bob Examines article, I'll cover Borland C#Builder, the C# development environment from Borland to build native .NET Framework 1.1 applications.
I'll tell you where to find more information (like some articles I wrote earlier), and refer you to helpful resources like user groups, journals, training, and more.
2003/07/12 - RemObjects SDK 2.0
RemObjects Software, Inc. has announced the immediate availability of the RemObjects SDK 2.0 for Borland Delphi and Kylix.
This is the second version of the RemObjects SDK remoting framework, and includes many enhancements and new Enterprise-level features such as advanced new channels, session management, server discovery, asynchronous communication, and more.
RemObjects Client SDK for .NET is also available (as well as on the C#Builder Partner CD), allowing developers to take the step to .NET and build native RemObjects clients for the .NET Framework and the Compact Framework, now.
RemObjects Client SDK for .NET is the first step in providing a seamless cross-platform solution for both Delphi/Kylix and .NET, client-and server-side.
For more information of the previous version of RemObjects, you can read my review of RemObjects SDK 1.0
2003/06/30 - TurboPower OfficePartner at SourceForge
TurboPower's OfficePartner is now available from SourceForge.
OfficePartner is the easy way to integrate your projects with Microsoft Office; you can access COM services in Microsoft Office with easy to use VCL components.
2003/06/03 - Dr.Bob Examines VCL for .NET
In this latest Dr.Bob Examines article, I'll show how to migrate a VCL application (the game of Memory) to VCL for .NET, and finally to WinForms on .NET, all using the Delphi for .NET Preview command-line compiler (including a special section on the Dfm2Pas migration utility).
2003/05/17 - Mark Miller and Developer Express
All Eagle Software products have been acquired by Developer Express Inc and Mark Miller has joined Developer Express as Chief Architect IDE Tools Division.
2003/05/09 - DB2 UDB and SOAP: Database Web Services Follow-up with DataSnap
This new article shows how to add authentication to DataSnap applications using a special Login method; points out that the importance of combining this with SSL certificates for increased security; and describes how to deploy the DataSnap server application on a Web server machine.
2003/05/06 - Borland C#Builder announced
Borland has just announced C#Builder for the Microsoft .NET Framework, to be available June 6th, 2003 in four editions: Personal, Professional, Enterprise, and Architect.
A special upgrade price is available for current Delphi, C++Builder, JBuilder or Kylix users: $499 for C#Builder Professional (upgrade) and $999 for C#Builder Enterprise (upgrade).
For more information about C#Builder, see the C#Builder Visions section of this website.
2003/05/05 - Hardcore Web Services
You know Web Services will cross tools and platforms, but have you actually done it?
In this article for Hardcore Web Services, I show how Web Services written in C# can be consumed and used by Borland's Delphi (on Windows) or even Kylix (on Linux).
Using a simple Echo Web Service, I show how the Delphi and Kylix clients can connect and interact with the C# Web Service.
2003/04/25 - Drill into DB2 UDB Tables for Decision Support
This new DB2 article on the IBM-Borland portal demonstrates how you can build decision-support functionality by drilling into IBM DB2 Universal Database tables using the Decision Cube component of Borland Delphi.
2003/04/22 - official name of SideWinder is C#Builder
C#Builder will be the official name of SideWinder, according to C!Net that writes: "The first fruit of Borland's .Net efforts is C#Builder, a programming tool that use Microsoft's C# language. C#Builder, code-named Sidewinder, will be available this summer in a few different editions, according to Borland executives."
"The company will follow the completion of C#Builder with a bundled suite of .Net tools that Borland gained during a series of acquisitions last year. The .Net-specific tools will address the process of defining application requirements, the design phase, programming, testing, deployment and management."
For more information about C#Builder, see Borland's C#Builder page (featuring a sneak preview) or my own C#Builder section.
2003/04/14 - Dr.Bob Examines ASP.NET Web Services
Two months ago, we explored the Delphi for .NET as scripting language for ASP.NET applications.
This time, in my April 2003 Dr.Bob Examines column, I'll show that apart from producing server side scripted web pages, Delphi for .NET and ASP.NET can also play an important role when it comes to .NET web services.
2003/04/11 - Delphi 6 Runtime Library Update 3
Registered users of purchased versions of Delphi 6 can download the Delphi 6 RTL Update Pack 3 (containing a fix for frame streaming) right now from the Delphi 6 Updates link in the Registered Users section.
Note: although the readme mentions installing Delphi 6 Update 2, you should install both the "General Update" and "RTL Update 2" (which are both available from the same web page) before installing this update.
2003/03/28 - Data Entry Input Validation
This new DB2 article from me, published on the new IBM-Borland portal shows you how to build data entry forms on top of IBM DB2 Universal Database as database tables and records, and how to perform data entry input validation using Delphi, Kylix, and C++Builder.
2003/03/06 - Update Bold for Delphi 7
Registered users of purchased versions of Delphi 7 Architect can now download Bold for Delphi Architect R4.0-D7 by using the Updates link on the Registered Users Page.
2003/02/28 - Delphi 7 Companion CD on-line
The companion CD submissions for Borland's IDE products are now available for download - you can now browse the Delphi 7 Companion CD disk 1 and disk 2 (with four submissions from me on the first disk).
2003/02/22 - Delphi 8: Multiple Inheritance for Interfaces
The first public news item from the Borland Developer Network mentioning Delphi 8 is the article about Multiple Inheritance for Interfaces, a new feature first introduced in update 3 of the Delphi for .NET preview command-line compiler.
2003/02/21 - Mastering Delphi 7
Marco Cantù's highly recommended new edition of Mastering Delphi 7 is now available (with a discount from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk).
Covering topics like creating visual web applications with IntraWeb, writing sockets-based applications with Indy, creating data-aware controls and custom dataset components, creating database applications using ClientDataSet and dbExpress, building client-server applications using InterBase, interfacing with Microsoft's ADO Programming for a multi-tiered application architecture, taking advantage of Delphi's support for COM, OLE Automation, and COM+, taking advantage of Delphi's XML and SOAP support, implementing Internet protocols in your Delphi app, creating UML class diagrams using ModelMaker, visually preparing reports using RAVE, and using the Delphi language to create your first .NET programs.
2003/02/20 - Delphi for Microsoft .NET Preview Update
The Borland Developer Network features information and a link to the Delphi 7 Registered Users page from where we can download the new Delphi for Microsoft .NET Preview Update.
This 14.6 Mb update includes additional new Delphi RTL and VCL units, a dfm2pas.exe that enables you to convert dfm files to pas files for the .NET framework, as well as a "GUI" interface (plug-in) for a more convenient approach to .NET application development.
This accumulative update to Delphi for .NET Preview includes the previous update that was available in November of 2002.
I'm preparing some new articles about the new Dfm2Pas tool as well as more advanced ASP.NET stuff like Code Behind etc.
2003/02/07 - First SideWinder Screenshots
Jason Vokes from Borland EMEA has sent me the first two screenshots of SideWinder, which can now be seen at http://www.drbob42.net/SideWinder.
2003/02/04 - Borland SideWinder: a C# IDE for .NET
According to InfoWorld and CNet News.com, Borland is getting ready to go up against Microsoft's Visual Studio .NET with an IDE (integrated development environment) for the Microsoft .NET Framework.
The IDE with codename Sidewinder does not yet have a formal product name and will not ship until this summer.
Sidewinder is a C#-based development environment for building applications on the .NET Framework, including ASP.NET, ADO.NET, and WinForms, according to Borland.
2003/02/03 - Dr.Bob Examines ASP.NET I've written a number of articles about the Delphi for .NET Preview command-line compiler. While it's currently still a preview version, you'll be surprised at how functional it is already! In this article, I show you how to use Delphi as the language for your ASP.NET Web applications.
2003/01/29 - WebSnap Tips and Tricks
Nick Hodges's latest article about WebSnap Tips and Tricks has just been published on the Borland Developer Network
Nick Hodges shares some of his tips and tricks to make WebSnap do the things you need it to do.
For more of Nick's great WebSnap articles, check out the WebSnap page at the Lemanix website.
2003/01/28 - Borland licenses Microsoft's .NET Framework SDK
Interesting articles on InfoWorld and CNET News.com/ZDNet News describes that Borland has licensed a key piece of Microsoft's .NET software (the .NET Framework SDK) and will release a new line of programming tools for .NET later this year.
Last year, Borland acquired TogetherSoft, which makes application modeling and design tools.
The forthcoming Borland products that incorporates the .NET Framework SDK will include an enhancement to TogetherSoft's current .NET product.
The official press release from Borland is also available now.
2003/01/24 - Lino Tadros: .NET Remoting
Lino Tadros has written a new article for the Borland Developer Network that will explain and demonstrate the .NET Remoting framework and build Remotable Objects, Hosting servers and Clients to exercise the different activation models.
2003/01/20 - Maximize DataSnap efficiency in Delphi
Delphi's DataSnap technology, formerly known as MIDAS, enables you to construct multitier applications.
In this article on CNET TechRepublic's Builder.com I explain how to get the DataSnap Server and the DataSetProvider components to work together.
2003/01/29 - Delphi 7 Update: Rave Reports and IntraWeb
At the official Delphi 7 Downloads page, registered Delphi 7 Users can download a new update for Delphi 7, containing Nevrona Rave Reports Borland Edition 5.66 download (although the filename says rave_be_5_0_8.exe).
For English, French, and German customers, this update includes changes to rendering, data handling, TRvProject, preview, and Rave Visual Report Designer.
The update also includes an IntraWeb download with updates to Kylix, license keys, the HTML Editor, cookie tracking, and other miscellaneous changes.
The download provides fixes up to and including version 5.0.58
2003/01/15 - Borland ponders strategy for 2003 and 2004
An interesting article by ComputerWire on The Register writes that Borland executives will spend the next three months evaluating the impact of recent acquisitions (TogetherSoft Corp, Starbase Corp and BoldSoft MDE AB) and plot strategic goals for the next two years.
The acquisitions are designed to make Borland's Java and .NET development environments more appealing to developers.
According to the article, Borland will launch its long-awaited .NET Development Environment this summer.
2003/01/13 - www.DrBob42.net
It's been up-and-running for two weeks now, but for those of you who didn't notice yet: apart from www.DrBob42.com (this website), I also have a .NET specific entrance at www.DrBob42.net - with subtopics about C#, ASP.NET, SOAP and Delphi for .NET.
All Delphi for .NET related news will now be published mainly on the special Delphi for .NET page.
2003/01/09 - Delphi 7 ActionBands Update
A new unofficial (read unsupported) update of ActionBands feature of Delphi is available on CodeCentral for both Delphi 7 and Delphi 6.
This patch effects both end user applications and the Delphi IDE since it uses ActionBand menus.
2003/01/07 - TurboPower discontinues retail business
It is my sad duty to report that - as stated in the press release at http://www.turbopower.com - TurboPower Software Company is immediately withdrawing from the retail component and developer tools market, after almost 18 years!
TurboPower Software intends to open source our VCL and CLX component libraries to the maximum extent possible.
The resulting open source projects will be hosted at http://sourceforge.net and the SourceForge forums associated with those projects will replace the functionality of newsgroups hosted at news://news.turbopower.com.
2003/01/02 - Dr.Bob Examines COM in .NET
In this new article about Delphi, COM and .NET, I show you how to make the final move to .NET and see if - and if so how - you can take your COM knowledge (and, more important, objects) with you to the .NET world.
2002/12/31 - IBM's DB2 and DataSnap
I've written a new article on the IBM DB2 - Borland portal: Create distributed DB2 apps with DataSnap.
This article shows you how to create distributed applications with thin clients and a database server tier using Borland Delphi, Kylix, C++Builder and DB2.
A follow-up article is about DB2 and Delphi/Kylix — SOAP and Database Web Services.
This article shows you how to create a cross-platform Web service with SOAP using IBM DB2 and Borland Delphi & Kylix.
2002/12/10 - Memory: from VCL via VCL for .NET to .NET
In this article, I'll show how to migrate a VCL application (the game of Memory) to VCL for .NET, and finally to WinForms on .NET, all using the Delphi for .NET Preview command-line compiler (Update 1).
You can download the complete source code from the Delphi for .NET Samples page, with the complete implementation of the VCL, VCL for .NET, and WinForms editions of Memory.
2002/12/09 - Delphi for .NET Web Service
My first Delphi for .NET (preview command-line compiler) "Euro Conversion" web service is up and running using ASP.NET.
You can see the simple source code, and import the WSDL with Delphi, C++Builder, JBuilder, C# or any other SOAP-enabled development environment.
2002/12/08 - Delphi for .NET Web Forms
My first Delphi for .NET (preview command-line compiler) "Temperature Conversion" web form is up and running using ASP.NET.
You can see the simple source code and try it for yourself in the ASP.NET web form.
A more detailed article will be printed in an upcoming issue of Hardcore Delphi (previously known as Delphi Developer).
2002/12/02 - Dr.Bob Examines NET as COM
This is the first of a number of articles about Delphi and .NET, starting off with a demonstration of how to use .NET assemblies in "old" Win32 applications by importing them as COM Objects using Delphi 7 Studio.
2002/11/24 - Lino Tadros: CLR, startup your engines!
The Common Language Runtime is the solid rock on which the .NET Framework was built.
From it's many features, Lino's latest .NET article starts with one that defines the way CLR starts .NET applications.
2002/11/22 - Delphi for .NET Update
The VCL for .NET update to the Delphi for .NET Preview Edition has now been posted for public availability.
Developers can get access to this through the Delphi Registered users site.
This update to the RTL compiler also includes core VCL technology!
An article on the Borland Developer Network contains more details (and the readme).
2002/11/13 - Delphi 7 Architect/Enterprise CORBA Update
There's a Delphi 7 Enterprise/Architect CORBA Update available for download for registered Delphi 7 users only.
This update resolves the following VisiBroker issues:
2002/11/11 - Lino Tadros: Caught in the .NET
A new column called Caught in the .NET written by Alain "Lino" Tadros has appeared on the Borland Developer's Network.
Lino will write about several .NET topics, such as:
What is the CLR? And how does it work?
* What is the CTS? How important is unified Type systems?
* What is IL and how is it different from Assembly?
* IL is Compiled, only ONE linker to do the job for everyone.
* Delphi Vs C# Vs Visual Basic Vs VC++ in the .NET arena.
* Reflection, Run Time Type Information, WOW!
* Remoting, Bye Bye DCOM.
* Globalization, built in? Oui!
* Component Writing in .NET.
* Design time functionality for Components.
* ASP.NET, Fly baby Fly!
This promises to be an interesting series indeed!
2002/11/01 - IBM DB2 and Borland Zone
A new portal has been created to support the cooperation between IBM's DB2 and Borland's RAD development environments such as Delphi, C++Builder and Kylix.
Three articles written by me have been published there already, including one that shows how to Display and Modify DB2 Master-Detail Data in Delphi 7 Studio Apps.
2002/10/23 - Delphi 7 - Update 1
Delphi 7 Update 1 contains an updated MSSQL dbExpress driver dbexpmss.dll that fixes the problem with empty user names and passwords.
It also fixes an issue with extra NULL characters being added to VARCHAR columns.
Apart from the updated MySQL driver, the Delphi 7 Update 1 also contains documentation updates, including fixed helpfiles for the Professional and Personal version!
2002/10/21 - Delphi 7 Registration Wizard
For those experiencing the blank registration problem with Delphi 7, there is now a fix available at Delphi Developer Support containing a new Delphi 7 Registration Wizard.
2002/10/19 - Connect Delphi 7 to DB2 with dbExpress
This article from me, published on the new IBM-Borland portal shows you how to use IBM DB2 as the database for applications written with Borland Delphi 7 Studio and dbExpress.
Specific topics include how to connect the seven dbExpress components to DB2 and use them to build visual forms on top of database tables.
2002/10/18 - Web Services Development with Delphi
A new book has been published about Web Services Development with Delphi, written by Peter Darakhvelidze, and Eugene Markov.
I have ordered my own copy, and should be able to publish a review here soon, but in the meantime, here's some information from Amazon.com about this book:
"Intended for professional developers working in Delphi who are looking for a way to move into the sphere of new programming technology for e-business, this guide discusses specific Delphi tools and technologies and enables developers to take advantage of the RAD technique with the new version of Delphi for creating Web services.
Emphasis is given to the development of data processing using the XML and SOAP protocol and to the creation of Web services based on its capabilities.
Also covered are all aspects of working with databases-data presentation; local, client-server, and distributed systems; and technologies of accessing data, from BDE to dbExpress and dbGO."
2002/10/06 - Dionysus is Shipping
The member companies of Project Dionysus are happy to announce Dionysus - the most comprehensive collection of Delphi tools and component libraries ever assembled for Borland's award winning development platform.
Project Dionysus represents the combined efforts of 11 leading software companies guided by a simple principle: To offer superior tools at an affordable price with unmatched service and support.
2002/10/01 - Delphi for .NET in the Delphi 7 IDE
An Open Tool binary package (Wizard) is provided on CodeCentral for Delphi 7 developers to use the Delphi for .NET preview compiler inside the Delphi 7 IDE.
John Kaster has written an article about it on the Borland Developer Network.
The readme contains extensive information on installing, uninstalling, customizing, and using the OTA.
2002/09/26 - Public Beta: ActionBand Popup Menu Component
Delphi 7.0 did not ship with popup menu support for ActionBands, and this component (available as public beta from CodeCentral) serves to compliment the menu functionality by implementing ActionBand style popup menus. TActionPopupMenu can be used as a replacement for TPopupMenu when a consistent menu style is desired.
With this component and using ActionBands in Delphi 7 it is possible to develop applications that have a complete Microsoft Office XP menu style.
2002/09/22 - Delphi for .NET Preview newsgroups
Five newsgroups have been created for the Delphi for .NET preview command-line compiler:
2002/09/13 - First Delphi 7 eToy
Registers Delphi 7 Users can now login to download the first Delphi 7 eToy: ComAddinWiz-10.zip, the Microsoft Office COM Add-In Wizard that generates a skeleton project for Borland Delphi versions 5, 6, and 7 implementing Microsoft Office COM Add-Ins.
The wizard supports Microsoft Office appplications of versions 2000 and XP.
2002/09/11 - Delphi 7 Launch in The Netherlands
Delphi 7 Studio was launched today in the Isala Theater at Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands on September 11th, 2002.
Right after the launch, I published the latest issue of the Dutch Delphi OplossingsCourant with articles on Delphi 7 Studio and the Delphi for .NET Preview command-line compiler.
2002/08/30 - Delphi 7 Architect 30-Day Trial Edition
A 30-day Trial Edition of Delphi 7 Studio Architect is available as a download now (at 169MB).
Note that his trial edition does not contain the Delphi for .NET Preview command-line compiler!
2002/08/29 - Delphi 7 Studio Now Shipping
Delphi 7 Studio is shipping now, and available in four editions: Architect, Enterprise, Professional, and Personal.
A full Delphi language version of Kylix 3 ships with Delphi 7 Studio Architect, Enterprise, and Professional editions.
Delphi 7 Studio Architect is priced at $3,499, Delphi 7 Studio Enterprise at $2,999, Delphi 7 Studio Professional at $999 and Delphi 7 Personal at $99 (but check your local Borland websites for promotional pricing for Delphi 7 Studio).
2002/08/27 - Delphi for .NET preview website
http://dotnet.borland.com is now available as a resource for Delphi for .NET Preview samples.
This will be an ever-increasing repository of sample applications, code, components, and utilities to use with Delphi for .NET, and other areas of .NET development supported by Borland.
2002/08/24 - Borland Galileo
Tech News on CNET.com mentions the upcoming Borland Galileo - a new IDE that will host multiple development languages, including Delphi (for .NET).
2002/08/22 - Public Beta: Delphi 7 Type Library Importer
Available on CodeCentral: a Public Beta for the Delphi 7 Type Library Importer (tlib70.bpl).
This beta fixes the type library importer when dealing with interfaces that contain sparce v-tables and generating GhostMethods.
2002/08/20 - Delphi-dotNet mailing list
eLists.org is pleased to announce the availability of a new moderated list: Delphi-dotNet.
This new list is designed for Borland Developers to discuss Microsoft .NET Framework and SDK, and how it will effect their use of Borland products.
Major emphasis is currently on the dccil compiler bundled with Delphi 7 and the up coming Delphi for .NET.
Discussion on the latter will be restricted to publicly available information.
Whilst this list is not designed to be a support forum for C# and other .NET Languages, discussions on how they differ from current Borland Languages are appropriate.
2002/08/19 - IBM's DB2 with Borland's RAD Tools
IBM and Borland will team-up and bundle trial editions of Borland's RAD tools with IBM's DB2 and vice versa.
IBM will bundle Borland's Delphi 7 Studio Architect, C++Builder Enterprise and Kylix Enterprise 30-day trial versions with the most current version of DB2 Universal Developer's Edition and Personal Edition.
Borland will offer DB2 Universal Developer's Edition with Delphi 7 Studio Architect and Enterprise, C++Builder Enterprise and Kylix.
Borland said bundling would begin "later this summer".
2002/08/11 - Delphi 7 Companion Tools CD
The Delphi 7 Companion Tools CD will contain four of my utilities for Delphi, now also available on CodeCentral:
2002/08/07 - Delphi for .NET compiler preview
The Borland Developer Network now features an article with a first look at the Delphi for .NET compiler features and new language syntax by John Kaster and Danny Thorpe,
as well as an article about using Delphi for .NET as a script language for ASP.NET.
2002/08/06 - Borland Delphi 7 Studio Announced
The official press release with the announcement is now published by Borland, and the Delphi 7 Studio information is available on the Borland website.
Kylix News: Kylix 3 Enterprise (only the Delphi language) will be included in the Architect and Enterprise box, while Kylix 3 Pro (again only the Delphi language) will be included with Delphi 7 Pro.
2002/08/05 - Delphi 7 Pre-Announced
CRN.com is the first to state that Borland will announce Delphi 7 this week, in four different editions: Delphi 7 Architect (that's a new one), Delphi 7 Enterprise, Delphi 7 Professional, and Delphi 7 Personal (the free one).
More news will follow shortly, that's for sure, so stay tuned.
2002/08/02 - Delphi 7 DataSnap License
Great News: John Kaster (Borland DevRel) has posted a message in the borland.public.delphi.non-technical newsgroup about the upcoming Delphi 7 DataSnap License.
In short: Delphi 7 Enterprise will include an unlimited deployment license for DataSnap servers.
Delphi 7 Pro users get permission to use ClientDatasets as a local database (as long as that data is only stored locally and does not get resolved back to a persistent store on another machine).
According to another message from John, this new license is also valid for Kylix 3 Enterprise developers!
2002/07/24 - Borland Kylix 3 Announced
Borland has announced Kylix 3 - the Delphi and C++ IDE for Linux.
Apart from the press release, there's now also Kylix 3 information available in PDF-format, such as the Data Sheet, the FAQ, the System Requirements, the Features & Benefits, and the Feature Matrix itself.
Also available now is a PDF-file with information about What's new in Kylix 3
2002/07/22 - .NET FrameWork version 2
According to eWeek Microsoft is working on version 2.0 of its .NET Framework (codename Whidbey), with features to make it easier to deploy .NET applications and Web services.
Coding on .NET Framework 2.0 starts this month, with a first beta targeted for January 2003, a second beta set for August 2003, and the final version can be expected around December 2003.
In the meantime, Microsoft will release an interim .NET Framework, version 1.1 (codename Everett) later this year.
2002 July - The Delphi Magazine #83
My Under Construction column in the July issue of The Delphi Magazine is about Translating WebSnap.
In this article I continue my examination of some real-world WebSnap techniques, this month creating localisation options: the ability to dynamically switch display languages within your WebSnap applications.
NOTE: The complete source files from my previous Under Construction columns are now available.
2002/06/24 - Borland demonstrates .NET Technology
At the Visual Studio Developer Conference (VS Live) in New York City last week, the Borland Developer Relations team demoed Borland's upcoming support for Microsoft.NET, using Delphi for .NET.
2002/06/11 - Results of Borland Web Services Survey
Borland has released the results of the customer survey conducted at BorCon 2002 last month.
No less than 80% of respondents are either currently using Web Services or are planning to use them in the very near future.
Borland customers are using Web Services across many industries, but of those surveyed, a surprising 24% are in healthcare, 14% are in finance, and 14% are in government.
These customers use Web Services for image retrieval, online tax preparation, e-filing for tax returns, 401K administration, medical record retrieval, e-learning, human resources facilitation, e-commerce, and financial aid, among others.
Contrary to what other reports have indicated; only 19% said that security was a main barrier to using Web Services.
Of the survey respondents, 36% were from large enterprises, 24% were individual developers and 24% claimed "other." Small to medium enterprises and value added resellers comprised 10% and 7% respectively.
2002 June - The Delphi Magazine #82
My Under Construction column in the June issue of The Delphi Magazine is about Real-World WebSnap Techniques.
This month, I discuss some real-world WebSnap techniques I've discovered in his web application development, including user logins, DataSetAdapter naming conventions, BDE hints and using Amazon's XML support.
NOTE: The complete source files from my previous Under Construction columns are now available.
2002/05/26 - BorCon 2002 Delphi News
Summary: Kylix 3 (codename Cortez) will ship in 2002, and will contain a Delphi as well as C++ IDE.
Delphi 7 (codename Aurora) will ship in (the second half of) 2002 (and will contain a preview edition of Delphi for .NET, consisting of DCCIL command-line compiler and VCL for .NET).
A .NET Development Studio (codename Galileo) will ship in 2003 - supporting multiple populair .NET languages (including Delphi for .NET).
Finally, Borland previewed a programming language for Web Services creation & scripting (codename Charlotte).
2002/05/18-22: Borland Conference 2002
The 13th annual Borland Conference is held this week from Saturday (May 18th) until Wednesday (May 22nd), in Anaheim, CA (USA).
I'm doing four sessions myself, with potentially an additional two bird-of-a-feather sessions, so stay tuned.
The latest news and updates will be reported "live" from BorCon in Anaheim and can be read in my special BorCon Report.
2002/05/15 - Future of BDE and SQL Links
An article is published on the Borland Community website in which the Borland RAD Team reveals the plans for future database access in Delphi and C++Builder.
Basically, dbExpress will replace SQL Links (which won't be included after 2002), and the BDE is 'frozen' (dBASE and Paradox tables are recommended to be migrated to InterBase 6).
2002/05/14 - Borland's .NET command-line compiler
At the CttM in The Netherlands, Jason Vokes of Borland EMEA talked about the .NET command-line compiler (that was also shown at TechEd in April 2002).
Jason even showed how to use the command-line compiler to produce a .NET Windows Forms application that can convert temperatures.
According to Jason Vokes, "the .NET compiler will be productised and made available in the second half of this year" (or when its ready).
For those who can read Dutch, I have written a more detailed report (which also mentions Kylix 3 with C++Builder for Linux) on my eBob42 website.
2002/05/03 - Using the Web App Debugger
Debugging Web applications has long frustrated Delphi developers (and prompted me to write IntraBob in the past).
However, these troubled days were over with the release of Delphi Professional and Enterprise editions, which include Web App Debugger!
My latest article for TechRepublic (at Builder.com) shows how this tool will make your life easier.
2002/05/02 - Preview screenshot of Delphi.NET
Delphi.NET was previewed at SD West (where Borland received the Jolt Hall of Fame award), and we can now take a look at a screenshot of some Delphi.NET source code (using namespaces it would seem), the command-line compiler (called dccil), and a Delphi.NET compiled application ConvertIt.
More news will be made available at the Borland Conference, and will presented in my BorCon 2002 report (for those of you who will not be in Anaheim themselves).
Stay tuned for more news.
2002/04/30 - Experience Delphi at BorCon
According to the Borland website, there should be a lot of Delphi news at BorCon 2002, including "the first look at the future of Delphi for the Microsoft .NET platform and get a sneak peek at what's coming in Delphi 7".
For those of you who cannot make it to BorCon - I'll make sure to have an on-line BorCon Report (with daily updates of the latest news).
