quote:

There are these two little thingies from Borland. One is called Delphi, the other is called C++ Builder. Both of these can be used for creating apps at a rate that will make VB blush... Since they actually produce rather fast code too.

RAD: BCB | Delphi
Generic non-RAD programming: VC++

Wooo hooo!!! There ARE some Borland ppl still around !!

quote:
1. Rapid Application Development
2. No hand-typed code necessary to construct a window
3. Easy access to ActiveX objects
4. Resource repository is generally much smaller
5. Fill-As-You-Go and dropdown lists
6. Now fully supported by DirectX!
7. Supports 99.9 percent of C++ features
8. New features in VB6 are completely bad-ass
9. Immediate compilation and execution with a single keypress
10. Compiles to native code for speed

Yeah.... yeah .... yeah....
That is good. If I didn''t know that this was VB being talked about, I would say BCB / Delphi. They provide the same thing - all of them - at C/C++ SPEEDS! . And the language(s) provide ALL C/C++ features with the BEST of VB features.
Now y''all stop argueing and get BCB or Delphi!

------------------------------
BCB DX Library - RAD C++ Game development for BCB

Technically not true. Delphi doesn''t support (for example) generic programming or references. CBuilder does, but it IS C++, so it obviously supports the features of C++.

quote:
{quote}
As for speed differences - VB is slightly slower in some areas, slightly faster in others.
{/quote}


And where would VB code be faster? Have you ever looked at a disassembly of a VB program? If someone wants to, I could post a couple of disassemblies of the same algorithms in C and VB for you to look at, and the only conclusion one can come to, is that VB code under no circumstances can be faster!
If you do know of such occasions, where VB will be faster, please let me know, and I''ll test it.

Note he didn''t say VB code, how about creating a form? Who can do that quicker? Someone using VB (or delphi =) or someone using C++?


Does DirectX fully support Delphi? Oh wait, I think I''ve found a 3rd party thing that does it I think. (I suppose MS wouldn''t really want to support delphi)


Threads are possible (but admittedly clumsy) using some Windows API calls I believe. But again, couldn''t I structure my program so that threads are unneccesary? (maybe not, but I''m not sure, I''ve never seen a use for threads, but I''ve never used them before so I don''t know what I''m missing)

Trying is the first step towards failure.

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Anyway, I suppose its time for me to investigate delphi (and perhaps teach myself some more C++), does anyone happen to know of a free Delphi compiler (being a high school student, I''m stapped for cash, and no warez thanks) so I can mess around, or is it a proprietory sorta thing? I suppose I should do some research before I go asking all these questions, so perhaps I will be back somewhere else later.

As far as I know, the only Delphi compiler of any sort is Borland''s. It is basically an OO modification of the Pascal language that they''ve dreamed up for their own use. Ask around on the Borland forum for a definitive answer, though.

quote:
Note he didn''t say VB code, how about creating a form? Who can do that quicker? Someone using VB (or delphi =) or someone using C++?

It would be a tie. It takes an equivalent amount of effort to make a form (as in, basically none) in C++, if you''re using Borland C++ Builder. In most other compilers, I imagine VB would win here.

quote:
Does DirectX fully support Delphi? Oh wait, I think I''ve found a 3rd party thing that does it I think. (I suppose MS wouldn''t really want to support delphi)

It''d probably be best to go ask on the Borland forum. I''ve got a copy of Delphi 4 Standard on here, but haven''t yet learned it. I''m learning VB atm.

From my perspective, VB, Delphi, and Borland C++ Builder are all equivalent in terms of ease-of-use for general Windows-related stuff - ya, technical term there . The only major difference between them is the underlying language, which is Basic, Pascal, and C++ respectively. Of course, Delphi and BCB are more portable, with the Linux versions. VB is and probably always will be Windows-only.

*Wondering what the moderators are doing right now*
Shouldn''t threads like this be closed and/or deleted? The people aren''t respecting each others opinions, just flooding c++! vb! delphi! wtf and "I hate VB, and I hate people who "program" in VB and then call themselves programmers. Stick with c++..."
Well that really pissed me off.I hope you didn''t actually mean that. And you must cowardly hide behind the anon nick. You''re separating programmers like the public is doing with the straights/bi/homosexuals. And to be honest, I can''t see the problem with them - they haven''t done anything wrong against me.

I belive that the Free Pascal Compiler (FPC-Pascal) supports the whole delphi language, and can compile Delphi code... try downloading it, but I''m quite sure!

"You see, Lone Star, Evil will always triumph because Good is dum !" - Space Balls

"Please Wait While Loading User" - Windows 98 Operating System

I agree completely with you, Zombie.

This forum is supposed to be about a group of people with a common passion coming together, sharing ideas, exchanging tips and helping one another. The majority of posts are intelligent and respectful of other posters and often contain helpful information. It''s a shame that a minority of posters ruin things by being rude or ignorant.

I too was amazed when I saw someone claim that they "hated" a certain group of people because of the language that use. I worry about the sanity of someone who is so fanatical about a programming language. It''s a language - a tool for doing a job.

It reminds me of a letter I was reading the other day, sent to a computer magazine. The writer said that he wanted to buy a Playstation 2 but was worried that this would mean he was being disloyal to Nintendo. I was astounded by this attitude.

Why do some people feel the need to so vigorously defend their choice of programming language or games console? It''s perfectly acceptable to like and use more than one. Loyalty to a large corporation who have sold you a product, or a certain programming language, is misplaced.

Ok, I''m wandering off topic in what is already a lengthy thread so I''ll shut up.

For the record: VB, C++, Delphi - all three are great!!

Moot

ragonastick, you can trial the full Enterprise version of Delphi 5.0 for 60 days free. And you can download it from Borland''s website. It''s rather large so do it overnight

You can also install components into it. Several Delphi masters have full DirectX and OpenGL libraries going for Delphi (some RAD, some not), with support. And they are quite good. You can try them out with your trial version.

After doing that I bought the Standard edition ($150), which is all I''ve needed so far.

quote: Original post by ragonastick
Threads are possible (but admittedly clumsy) using some Windows API calls I believe. But again, couldn''t I structure my program so that threads are unneccesary? (maybe not, but I''m not sure, I''ve never seen a use for threads, but I''ve never used them before so I don''t know what I''m missing)

In VB 5, threads are possible. But I''ll give a cookie to the one who can make a separate thread in VB6 without involving any other language.

One more thing... Several CD-ROM mags have included full versions of Delphi 3 Professional and even full versions if BCB. Look around... It might pay off

quote: Original post by Moot

It reminds me of a letter I was reading the other day, sent to a computer magazine. The writer said that he wanted to buy a Playstation 2 but was worried that this would mean he was being disloyal to Nintendo. I was astounded by this attitude.

Wow! I thought I was the only one who watched digitiser.