Borland®
C++Builder
Client/Server Suite
Visual Productivity with the Power of C++
Reviewer's Guide
January 1997 - Draft 2
Table of Contents
II. Business Critical Development
C++ is Business Critical
Visual Productivity
Real Visual Development, Real C++III. Power, Productivity and Speed
Understanding C++Builder
IV. Challanges of Enterprise Development
Objectives of the Golden Gate Architecture
Bridging to the Future
Premier Value Added Partners Program
The Next Generation of Enterprise Development Tools
V. A Family of Interoperable Tools
Borland C++Builder Product Line
Borland C++Builder, Standard Edition
Borland C++Builder, Professional Edition
Borland C++Builder, Client/Server Suite
VII. Borland C++Builder Features and Benefits
Speed of Visual Development
High productivity visual IDE
Integrated professional C++ development features
Drag-and-drop design
Borland Visual Two-Way Tools
Live data
Properties, Methods, and Events
Visual Form Inheritance
Prototype testing
Extensive online and printed manuals
Installation deployment expert
Complete Source Code for the Visual Component Library
Open Tools API
Installation and deployment Expert *
Productivity of Reusable Components
Borland’s proven Visual Component Library
Complete suite of Windows 95 controls
Object Repository
Powerful, seamless ActiveX / OCX component integration
Sample ActiveX / OCX components
Open Internet solution: Build powerful Web-enabled applications!
Internet Solutions PackPower of C++
32-bit optimizing native code compiler
Best ANSI/ISO C++ implementation with new language features
Incremental/smart linking for fast builds
Clean, accessible code
Support for Industry Standards
Robust debugging
CPU View
Command line tools
Create reusable DLLs, LIBs, and standalone EXEs
Complete access to Win 95 and NT APIs
ActiveX / OCX support
Multi-threading support
OLE Automation Server and controller support
Multi-error compile with hints and warnings
Advanced math libraryVIII. Scalable Database Connectivity
Drag-and-drop database development
Live Data Aware controls
32-bit Borland Database Engine
QuickReports
Data Module Objects
Enhanced DBGrid
Fast Filters and Smart Lookup Fields
Scalable Data Dictionary
Database Explorer
Multi-Object Grid
Automatic Lookup SupportComplete Client/Server Application Development Solution
SQL Links with unlimited deployment
Local InterBase Server NT 4 user license
SQL Explorer
SQL Monitor
Cached Updates
Visual Query Builder
Data Migration Expert
Integrated Version ControlIX. A Quick Tour of Borland C++Builder
A simple application
Real visual development, real C++
Properties, Methods, and Events
Borland Two Way Tools
Borland Family of Tools in Action
Borland C++ and Borland C++Builder
Delphi and C++BuilderX. C++Builder’s Visual Component Library (VCL)
Build, subclass or customize components
Seamless support for ActiveX controls
XI. Client/Server Solutions: Database Architecture
Borland Database Engine
Quick Tour: Database Speed and Scalability
C++Builder's Data Module Objects
Drag and Drop database Development
Comprehensive suite of C/S tools
Scaleable Database Dictionary
Connectivity and Transactions
Cached Updates
SQL Monitor
SQL Database Explorer
Local InterBase ServerInterBase NT - Relational Database
Documentation Overview
Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite is speed, productivity and power for C++ developers. It is the logical choice for business critical client/server development because it combines the true power of C++, the productivity of reusable components and the speed of visual development. Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite for Windows 95 and NT gives you
C++Builder leverages any existing investment in C++ --- C++Builder compiles all ANSI C++ code, and builds fast, productive front ends for existing Visual C++ and Borland C++ code.
Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite combines the speed of visual development, the productivity of reusable components and the power of C++ with a comprehensive suite of scalable database tools.
II. Business Critical Development
Due to user demands and changing business needs, application size is growing - more code, more complexity, and longer development cycles - all while time to market windows are shrinking. Borland C++Builder gives developers all the power to meet these demands, the scalability to deliver from the desktop to the enterprise, and the productivity to do it today. When a corporations viability relies on the rapid and accurate dissemination of information, IT managers rely on the following
C++ is Business Critical
C++ is a logical language choice for corporate development because it provides reliability, performance, power and maintainability. Combine the power and control of C++ with a current investment in training, knowledge and legacy systems, and it becomes clear why over 40% of mission critical C/S development is done in C++.
Visual Productivity
Corporations use visual development environments because of the short learning curve to programmer productivity and reduced prototype to production cycles. To date, the industry lacks a robust visual development environment for C++.
Real Visual Development, Real C++
Borland C++Builder is a breakthrough product that combines the power of C++ with visual productivity. For the first time, corporations can have all the productivity of visual development without sacrificing any of the power or control they expect of C++.
For example, one C++Builder customer, Ericsson, designs mobile radio systems for police departments, emergency response teams, utility companies and other worldwide organizations. These cellular networks consist of complex hybrids of portable radios, mobile radios, dispatch systems, base stations, radio towers, antennas, etc. Ericsson's C++Builder application tracks the various assets of their customers and helps to properly configure and construct a real-time infrastructure for the mobile network. The system's object oriented component architecture can intelligently combine products from various vendors, identify obsolete components, recommend replacement parts and help the field sales engineer price and develop a working, real world solution for Ericsson customers.
Borland C++Builder gives Ericsson the rapid application development they need to turn system changes around in limited timeframes. C++Builder provides the low level power of C++ to handle system complexities, and the object oriented component architecture to reuse and replace modules as necessary.
III. Power, Productivity and Speed
Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite gives corporate developers a competitive advantage by combining the productivity of visual development with the power of industry-standard C++. It creates high-performance, scalable applications that transparently connect users with corporate data. The comprehensive suite of tools for creating Client, Server, Intranet, and Internet applications enables seamless movement from prototype to production.
C++Builder combines the power of C++, the productivity of reusable components and the speed of visual development.
This unique architecture allows C++Builder to:
Understanding C++Builder
The following is a quick look at the distinguishing capabilities of C++Builder.
IV. Challanges of Enterprise Development
Today's Information Technology (IT) departments face a dilemma: How do you create a competitive advantage for your company by developing, deploying and managing distributed applications that scale across the LAN, WAN and Intranet while preserving your investments in systems, applications, information and people? Simply put, IT organizations are asked to build the future without breaking systems that maintain the business today.
A multi-tier distributed computing architecture has the potential to provide better, more timely information across the enterprise at a lower cost than the current combination of PC LAN, two-tier client/server and mainframe applications that have been developed in most organizations. A key part of the improvement will be the development of an overall corporate computing architecture that enables IT to manage the integration of departmental applications into an overall enterprise system.
Given the rapid evolution of multi-tier architectures built around corporate Intranets, web servers and thin-client browser-based applications, its difficult to predict which technologies will become standards and which will fall by the wayside. IT managers must evolve their current systems one piece at a time and ensure that each application brings them one step closer to the desired multi-tier architecture.
Objectives of the Golden Gate Architecture
Borland, with its heritage in object-oriented compiler technology together with Open Environment Corporation's scalable Entera technology, is in a unique position to fill the need for corporate client/server and Internet tools. Borland's Golden Gate initiative is a bridging strategy that focuses on helping IT developers combine the best of the client/server and Internet architectures for departmental and enterprise applications. The objective is to accelerate the creation of corporate Intranet applications without compromising the security and reliability of business-critical systems. Borland will provide a family of interoperable tools with an open, scalable architecture that reduces development and maintenance costs.
Borland is unique in offering a Scalable Architecture based on four key technologies:
These technologies provide Borland with a Scalable Architecture that spans from desktop application development, to two-tier client/server as well as to multi-tier enterprise wide Intranet applications.
With over 12 years of technical leadership in development tools, Borland understands what it takes for developers to deliver robust applications on time. Borland understands the need for corporate IT departments to rapidly build highly scalable and reliable business-critical applications. Borland's development tools are based on the Golden Gate architecture which provides a bridging strategy between today's client/server computing architecture and the emerging multi-tier Intranet architecture. The goal of the Golden Gate architecture is to give corporate IT developers a competitive advantage in building applications that can be more easily managed and controlled while improving the integration of information across the enterprise.
Bridging to the Future
Borland's Golden Gate initiative is designed to provide a bridge between:
Premier Value Added Partners Program
Because Client/Server development requires support and services to complement development tools, Borland's Premier Value Added Partners Program provides major corporations and government agencies with applications, consulting and training services for Borland C++Builder. Partners supporting C++Builder include:
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The Next Generation of Enterprise Development Tools
Borland has been very successful in the creation of two-tier client/server development environments such as Delphi Client/Server Suite. In fact, Delphi has sold over 500,000 units in just over 18 months giving it a larger market share than PowerBuilder according to IDC. However, for many applications, particularly in the enterprise area, a more advanced, multi-tiered architecture has additional advantages in scalability, security and reliability. Coupled with the ongoing growth of corporate Intranets, we saw a natural convergence of client/server and Internet computing to deliver a mature, enterprise architecture that provides distributed computing capabilities without sacrificing the productivity and maturity of tools that exist in the client/server arena. Hence, our Golden Gate architecture has been based on bridging the client/server and Internet architectures. As part of this strategy, we will be releasing Enterprise versions of our development tools that provide additional support for multi-tier application development and management. Borland will incorporate several new Enterprise technologies, as well as the multi-tier computing technologies of Open Environment in this effort.
For more information about Borland’s Golden Gate Inititive please refer to the white paper Borland's Golden Gate Architecture:Bridging Client/Server and Internet Technologies for Corporate Developers
V. A Family of Interoperable Tools
With the wide range of client/server and Intranet applications being developed in corporations, we have focused on creating a family of interoperable tools. All of the tools in the Borland family are built on a scalable object-oriented architecture that delivers high productivity Rapid Application Development (RAD) and lower cost development through reusable components for client/server and Internet application development. By having a family of tools, we’re able to address the broadest range of application demands including support for Microsoft’s Windows platform as well as cross-platform support for the Netscape/Sun platforms. All of our tools can be combined with the Entera middleware technology to deliver scalable multi-tier applications for the enterprise.
Borland offers the business advantage of an open, scalable architecture from the desktop to the enterprise.
For Windows client/server and Internet application developers:
For cross-platform Web application developers:
By sharing common technologies across our product lines, Borland is able to deliver tools that are easy to learn and leverage your investment in training and code. For example, all of the Borland development tools are available in client/server versions which include high-performance SQL Links native drivers for connecting to corporate databases including Oracle, Sybase, Informix, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2 and InterBase as well as ODBC.
Borland C++Builder Product Line
By providing four different product alternatives we are better able to meet the needs of a broad range of developers. The features found in these configurations reflect the differing needs of C++ developers.
Borland C++Builder, Standard Edition
Get visual productivity with the power of C++ in one Rapid Application Development environment. Borland C++Builder for Windows 95 and NT gives you the speed of visual drag & drop development, the productivity of over 100 reusable components with source, and the flexibility of scalable database tools, combined with the power and control of industry-standard C++.
Leverage your existing investment in C++ --- C++Builder recompiles all ANSI C++ code, and allows you to build fast, productive front ends for your Visual C++ and Borland C++ applications. Plus, get full support for industry standards, including ANSI C++, the Win32 API, ActiveX, OLE Automation, ODBC, DCOM, MAPI, DirectX, Unicode, WinSock, ISAPI, and NSAPI.
| C++Builder Standard Edition for the individual Windows 95 and NT Developer |
Standard |
Pro |
C/S Suite |
| Industry-standard C++ language | Y |
Y |
Y |
| High-performance, 32-bit optimizing native-code compiler | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Incremental linker for incredibly fast builds | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Professional IDE, Integrated Debugger, Editor, and Project Manager | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Borland Visual Two-Way Tools, Form Designer & Object Inspector | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Complete suite of Windows 95 common controls | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Complete access to Windows 95/Windows NT APIs | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Build OLE Automation controllers and servers | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Object Repository for reusing forms, Data Modules, and DLLs | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Visual Form Inheritance to reduce coding and simplify maintenance | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Visual Component Library - more than 100 reusable components | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Component Wizard to easily build and customize components | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Database Form Wizard for point-and-click data-centric form design | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Data-aware components, including DBGrid and Rich Text | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Data Module Objects to separate business rules and application code | Y |
Y |
Y |
| QuickReports - creating, previewing, and printing embedded reports | Y |
Y |
Y |
| Extensive online help | Y |
Y |
Y |
Borland C++Builder, Professional Edition
Borland C++Builder Professional for Windows 95/NT gives you the speed of visual development, the productivity of reusable components, and the power of C++. You get everything in C++Builder Standard, plus a complete set of tools for advanced database and Internet development, including: the VCL source code, complete ODBC connectivity, scalable Data Dictionary, advanced data-aware components, QuickReports, Internet Solutions Pack, InstallShield
Express, and Local InterBase Server.
Leverage your existing investment in C++ --- C++Builder recompiles all ANSI C++ code, and allows you to build fast, productive front ends for your Visual C++ and Borland C++ applications. Plus, get full support for industry standards, including ANSI C++, the Win32 API, ActiveX, OLE Automation, ODBC, DCOM, WinSock, ISAPI, and NSAPI.
C++Builder Professional is for all C++ developers that want visual productivity with the unlimited power of C++.
| Borland C++Builder Professional includes these additional features for the professional developer | Standard |
Pro |
C/S |
| Everything in C++Builder Standard Edition | Y |
Y |
Y |
| VCL Source Code and manual to develop and customize components | Y |
Y |
|
| Scalable Data Dictionary to create and maintain data integrity | Y |
Y |
|
| Database Explorer with Dictionary to browse and modify tables, aliases, indexes | Y |
Y |
|
| Complete ODBC connectivity | Y |
Y |
|
| Advanced data-aware components, including MultiObjectGrid | Y |
Y |
|
| 32-bit Local InterBase Server - off-line SQL development | Y |
Y |
|
| CPU View and extensive command line tools | Y |
Y |
|
| Comprehensive printed documentation | Y |
Y |
|
| InstallShield Express for building professional installs | Y |
Y |
|
| Internet Solutions Pack - easily create Web-enabled apps | Y |
Y |
|
| WinSight 32 for monitoring Windows messaging | Y |
Y |
|
| Open Tools API to integrate your favorite tools | Y |
Y |
|
| Team development interface | Y |
Y |
|
| Full ActiveX support including sample charts & spreadsheets | Y |
Y |
Borland C++Builder, Client/Server Suite
Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite gives your company a competitive advantage by combining the productivity of visual development with the power of industry-standard C++. Create high-performance, scalable applications that transparently connect users with corporate data. Move seamlessly from prototype to production with the most complete suite of tools for creating Client, Server, Intranet, and Internet applications, including 32-bit native drivers for
popular SQL databases, special SQL tools, and more.
The Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite delivers a comprehensive tool set for client/server development. Tune server query performance with SQL Monitor. Visually construct complex SQL statements with the Visual Query Builder. Manage and create stored procedures, triggers, and business rules within the SQL Explorer. Prototype with Local InterBase Server. Test and deploy with the complete 4 user InterBase Server for Windows 95 and NT. Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite provides the most comprehensive, most productive client/server development environment for C++ programmers!
C++Builder Client/Server Suite is targeted to corporate developers, departmental programmers, VARs, system integrators, consultants, and ISVs who want to develop high performance workgroup and client/server applications.
| C++Builder Client/Server Suite 2.0 includes these additional features for professional client/server developers | Standard |
Pro |
C/S |
| Everything in C++Builder Standard and Professional | Y |
Y |
|
| SQL Database Explorer to browse server meta data | Y |
||
| SQL Links with unlimited deployment | Y |
||
| InterBase Win95/NT 4 user license | Y |
||
| SQL Explorer to create and manage business rules, stored procedures, and triggers | Y |
||
| SQL Monitor for testing, debugging and performance tuning | Y |
||
| Cached Updates | Y |
||
| Visual Query Builder to easily create SQL queries | Y |
||
| Data Migration Expert fro rapid application scaling | Y |
||
| Integrated Intersolv PVCS Version Control | Y |
||
| Full documentation of C++Builder Professional plus Getting Started SQL Links, InterBase Language Reference, InterBase Data Definition Guide | Y |
VII. Borland C++Builder Features and Benefits
Borland C++Builder for Windows 95 and NT gives you the speed of visual development, the productivity of reusable components and the power of C++. C++Builder complements existing tools and code, provides scalable database connectivity, and delivers the most complete Desktop and Client/Server application development solution for C++ developers.
Speed of Visual Development
Rapid Application Development
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High productivity visual IDE
C++Builder’s integrated development environment provides a Visual Form Designer, Object Inspector, Component Palette, Project Manager, and fully integrated Editor and Debugger to give developers true rapid application development with complete control over their code and resources.
Integrated professional C++ development features
Completely integrated with its visual develoment features, C++Builder delivers extensive command-line tools, CPU view, and award winning Borland C++ compiler technology with incremental/smart linking for the flexibility and incredibly fast build times expected by professional programmers.
Drag-and-drop design
Create applications by simply dragging a component from the Visual Component Palette onto the Form Designer and setting its properties in the Object Inspector. Event handlers are automatically created as needed—and all code is completely accessible and editable.
Borland Visual Two-Way Tools
Borland C++Builder places no barriers between you and your code. With Borland Two-Way Tools, C++Builder lets you maintain control of your code by providing a seamless integration between the visual designers and the code editor. You have the flexibility to use the code editor or the visual designers interchangeably and know that the two are always synchronized.
Live data
C++Builder gives you “Live” data—for prototyping and testing—as you visually program the database portion of your application. No need to write a test harness or leave the visual programming environment—you see what the user will see!
Properties, Methods, and Events
True rapid application development (RAD) means support for object properties, methods, and events (PME). Properties allow you to easily set component characteristics such as the caption, helpcontext, or datasource. Methods, or member functions, support actions on objects like playing or rewinding a multimedia control. Events allow your code to respond to Windows messages such as button press notifications, edit changes, and control activations. In addition, events can respond to custom state changes, such as data updates for data-aware controls. Combined, a RAD PME model provides a robust, intuitive development environment for Windows programming.
Visual Form Inheritance
C++Builder takes the fundamental OOP capabilities and extends them to the visual environment in order to make inheritance easier to use and more accessible. You can now visually inherit from forms while in the design environment, without writing code, and immediately see the effects of changes. For example, in many corporate environments it’s desirable to create a standard “template” form, say for data entry, which will be used as the basis for many other forms. By using Visual Form Inheritance, you can be assured that as changes are made to the standard form they can be immediately inherited by other forms.
Visual Form Inheritance gives you the power of object-oriented programming in an easy to use visual tool by allowing the characteristics of any new form to be inherited from any other form. Visual Form Inheritance centralizes interface changes for a consistent look and feel, makes code easier to maintain, and reduces turn-around time for new features. A key strength of C++Builder is it's proven architecture for object-oriented computing and reusability; using inherited forms extends this model to create flexible applications that rapidly adjust to changes in production environments.
Prototype testing
Move seamlessly from prototype to production with a single development tool! C++Builder lets you easily create prototypes based on today’s user requirements that quickly become production applications with the built-in flexibility to meet tomorrow’s user demands.
Extensive online and printed manuals
Get started fast with concise, practical, introductory guides. Master the C++Builder development enviroment with extensive online and printed documentation. Over 3000 pages of clear, complete coverage of the IDE, the Visual Component Library, database tools, and programming techniques! (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
Installation deployment expert
C++Builder supports fast and easy deployment of your completed application with an integrated expert that allows developers to create installation disks for their applications. InstallShield Express, C++Builder’s custom install utility, asks a few simple questions and then does the work of building a professional looking install for all applications—including efficient deployment of complex database applications.
Complete Source Code for the Visual Component Library
In order for professional developers to more rapidly create their own reusable custom components, C++Builder Developer and Client/Server Suite include complete source code for the Borland VCL, which provides unique insight into the workings of C++Builder and its components. Source code availability lets you learn by example and reuse existing components. (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
Open Tools API
C++Builder's extended Open Tools API lets you add custom development tools directly into the C++Builder environment. Link into your favorite editor, interact with Case tools, or activate a version control management system. Automate repetitive tasks by creating your own experts. (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
Installation and deployment Expert *
C++Builder supports fast and easy deployment of your completed application with an integrated expert that allows developers to create installation disks for their applications. InstallShield Express, C++Builder’s custom install utility, asks a few simple questions and then does the work of building a professional looking install for all applications - including efficient deployment of complex database applications.
Productivity of Reusable Components
Enhancements to rapid application development, object reusability and code maintainability include:
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* Available only in C++Builder Professional and Client/Server Suite
Borland’s proven Visual Component Library
C++Builder’s award-winning Visual Component Library is an industry-standard component library with over 500,000 users today. The VCL includes over 100 reusable components that fully encapsulate the Windows 95 user interface elements and provides tabbed notebooks, data grids, and multimedia tools to help you build sophisticated applications fast. Use, customize, or subclass components to fit your development needs, all from within the C++Builder environment. C++Builder lets you exploit the power of object-oriented programming and leverage development resources to efficiently create robust applications.
Complete suite of Windows 95 controls
C++Builder includes a complete suite of Windows 95 controls: Tree Views, Trackbars, sliders, progress bars, Toolbars, Rich Edit, List Views, Image Lists header and status bar controls, and more. In addition, C++Builder includes full 32-bit support for long file names, multi-threading, and the Win95 API. Design elegant Windows 95 logo-compliant applications fast with C++Builder!
Object Repository
C++Builder introduces a next generation methodology for storing and reusing data models, business rules, objects, and forms. A centralized object repository of form designs links into a reusable database architecture. Combining the flexibility of Borland’s Database Engine with a repository of reuseable tools gives developers unprecedented responsiveness to application demands. Because building on an existing foundation reduces development time, C++Builder’s Object Repository stores forms and complete applications for reuse. Any new application can inherit, reference, or simply copy an existing structure—you pick the architecture that best fits your development needs.
Object Repository lets you copy, inherit or use any object for maximum productivity.
Powerful, seamless ActiveX / OCX component integration
C++Builder’s proven object-oriented architecture means integration of ActiveX/OCX controls is seamless. Choose from the vast selection of existing third party components from a world-wide component development community. Use, customize, or subclass components as needed—all from within C++Builder.
Sample ActiveX / OCX components
Versatile graphing, charting, spreadsheet, and spell-checking OCXs are included for immediate use in applications. (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
Open Internet solution: Build powerful Web-enabled applications!
C++Builder supports key technologies from Microsoft, Sun, and Netscape including full support for Internet standards like ActiveX, CGI, ISAPI, WinInet, and NSAPI. And with the Borland Internet Solutions Pack, developers can apply their existing knowledge to easily build Web-enabled applications!
Internet Solutions Pack
Build Internet-enabled C++Builder applications with familiar rapid application development techniques—just drop a component on a form and interact with its properties and events. The eight ActiveX controls included let you build customized Web Browsers, manage Internet mail, transfer files, or connect to network newsgroups.
Power of C++
Enhancements to rapid application development, object reusability and code maintainability include:
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32-bit optimizing native code compiler
C++Builder’s optimizing 32-bit native code compiler is built upon Borland C++’s proven compiler technology - compiler technology that ensures extremely safe, reliable, and fast optimizations, for tight, fast executables.
Best ANSI/ISO C++ implementation with new language features
Compile any ANSI C++ code including the latest ANSI features: Templates, Exceptions, Runtime Type Information (RTTI), and Namespaces. Simplify development with the Standard C++ Library. The Standard C++ Library gives you features like: string, complex, and numeric limits classes, and includes the Standard Template Library (STL) consisting of container and iterator classes. Plus, get new ANSI/ISO C++ features like bool, explicit, mutable, and typename.
Incremental/smart linking for fast builds
Borland’s incremental/smart linker makes links faster and EXEs smaller with extreme safety and reliability. Automatically eliminate linking of unmodified source files and unused functions for the fastest possible builds and the most efficient use of your time.
Clean, accessible code
No hidden, hard to debug macros—C++Builder brings true rapid application development with support for properties, methods, and events to C++ developers and allows developers to program in clean, accessible C++ code.
Support for Industry Standards
Full support for industry standards in addition to ActiveX and OLE including COM, DCOM, MAPI and Windows Sockets (Winsock TCP/IP), ISAPI, NSAPI, ODBC, Unicode, and Multi-byte Character Sets (MBCS).
Robust debugging
Both Windows NT and Windows 95 give the integrated debugger the ability to trap application exceptions when the IDE is not running. If your application encounters an operating system exception while running, the Windows Program Registry can automatically launch the integrated debugger inside the IDE. The integrated debugger then displays the source line where the exception occurred in the Edit window, and you can begin a debugging session from where the exception occurred.
C++Builder has a powerful debugger that makes it easy to find and fix bugs in your code. You can set breakpoints, watch variables, and single step through code to understand its exact behavior.
The environment is completely configurable so you can program the way you want to. You can customize editor keystrokes, the speedbar, the component palette, browser preferences, project defaults, and the color syntax highlighting. You can also add third-party tools or in-house utilities to the Tools menu and access system information through the Open Tools API. This makes it possible to completely integrate other tools into the environment.
CPU View
C++Builder’s powerful CPU View consists of five separate panes that give you a view into a specific low-level aspect of your running application. The Disassembly pane displays the assembly instructions that have been disassembled from your application's machine code along with the original program source code. The Memory Dump pane displays memory accessible to the currently loaded executable module. The Machine Stack Pane displays the current contents of the program stack. The Registers pane displays the current values of the CPU registers. The Flags pane displays the current values of the CPU flags. Each pane has an individual SpeedMenu that provides commands specific to the contents of that pane.
The CPU View gives you the unlimited power of C++
Command line tools
Because C++Builder is built on Borland’s proven, leading-edge compiler technology, C++Builder supports all the command-line tools expected from a professional development environment. You can access many of the tools C++Builder includes to help you create C++ programs (also accessible from within the IDE), or exercise detailed control of the compilation and linking of your program files.
Create reusable DLLs, LIBs, and standalone EXEs
Application targets in C++Builder include standalone EXEs as well as DLLs and LIBs, and application types include both Windows GUI and console applications. C++Builder delivers what you need to work with your existing resources and meet the requirements of your development projects.
Complete access to Win 95 and NT APIs
C++Builder allows programmers to exploit all of the enhancements of Windows 95—including MAPI, Plug’n’Play, multithreading, and Unicode—by allowing for direct calls to any Windows 95 or NT API.
ActiveX / OCX support
C++Builder fully supports the ActiveX (OCX / OLE Custom Control) standard for add-in software components. Add third-party or custom-made ActiveX components to the component palette quickly and easily—all ActiveX properties immediately appear in C++Builder's Object Inspector. Because C++Builder is object oriented, you can customize ActiveX components via inheritance.
Multi-threading support
C++Builder fully supports Windows 95 and NT multi-threading capabilities. Creating more than one thread of execution helps you write more efficient code and deliver applications with improved performance.
OLE Automation Server and controller support
Use OLE automation to create or control other applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, dBASE, and Paradox. Because C++Builder can create high-performance OLE automation controllers and OLE automation servers, C++Builder allows developers to create partitioned applications easily with Network OLE. C++Builder fully supports in-process and out-of-process local OLE automation servers. Use C++Builder with the automation technology included in Visual Basic and you get the added advantage of faster performance due to our optimizing native-code compiler.
Multi-error compile with hints and warnings
The new multi-error compiler architecture helps programmers resolve errors faster. Using a hot-key, programmers can jump to and fix multiple problems in a single compile. The new compiler even catches logic errors, like empty loops, uninitialized pointers and unused variables that result from ambiguous or incorrect code. This makes it easier to find bugs before they cause problems, and to verify large programs for correctness.
Advanced math library
Contains over two dozen functions for statistical and financial calculations, including Future Value, Internal Rate of Return, Net Present Value, Payment for long term loans, interest rate Period Payment, and source code with pentium optimizations. (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
VIII. Scalable Database Connectivity
A C++Builder database application is built using data-access components and data-aware user interface components. C++Builder components communicate with the Borland Database Engine, extract information from the Data Dictionary, and define business rules stored in Data Module Objects.
Borland C++Builder includes an integrated suite of tools for building high-performance applications with such extensive features as:
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Drag-and-drop database development
C++Builder makes powerful database programming as simple as drag and drop. C++Builder uses the data dictionary to automatically customize the display and edit properties of your data. You select the fields and C++Builder instantly builds all the connections for a live database application.
Live Data Aware controls
C++Builder’s data-aware components are designed for fast and flexible programming with live data—see what your users will see! They include a variety of lookup and listbox capabilities to show your users exactly the information you want—while underlying tables remain free to update and display.
32-bit Borland Database Engine
C++Builder is built on the new 32-bit Borland Database Engine. This flexible database engine provides ODBC connectivity to all popular PC databases—Access, dBASE, Paradox, and FoxPro, and scales smoothly to client/ server. With features like a new Query Engine, BCD support for financial applications and low-level API support, and improved dBASE integration, BDE forms a solid foundation for all your database applications. The database engine is tightly linked into C++Builder's reusable database repository and Data Module architecture.
QuickReports
QuickReports lets you design reports visually with native components and the Form Designer. Reports may contain titles, page headers and footers, multiple detail sets, summaries, group headers and footers. Report from any DataSource, including TTable and TQuery or even from arrays, or lists. Use the powerful on-screen preview to check your results. Perform calculations like summary and field counts automatically—at any grouping level.
QuickReports is comprised of eleven components that intuitively allow the developer to create report bands, attach to C++Builder datasets, and then finally lay out report fields. Printing, Previewing, and Page Orientation are invoked with simple object methods making it easy to incorporate reports into your client / server applications. QuickReport also makes it possible to preview reports in your application so that you can see the information as it would appear on paper. This allows you to look at the information in new ways.
All versions of C++Builder include QuickReports, an integrated set of VCL components that rapidly creates columnar, master-detail, and label reports.
QuickReports integrates data reporting into C++Builder applications.
Data Module Objects
Data Module Objects act as your application’s information core—they define datasources, store relationships, and apply business rules to your database. With this centralized model for data access, you can separate your business rules from GUI development for easier maintenance. As changes occur in your business world, simply change behaviors at the Data Module level, and the results appear instantly throughout applications using that module. For faster database development, C++Builder Data Modules act as a codeless way to connect and manage multiple forms from a single location. Working with data modules means you only have to define your database links once, and then drag and drop fields to build additional forms anywhere on your network.
Enhanced DBGrid
The new custom DBGrid offers codeless support for quick searching and automatic lookup fields. Create multiple custom views to the same data with the DBGrid column editors.
Fast Filters and Smart Lookup Fields
Fast Filters and Smart Lookups let C++Builder do the database work for you. Now you can find and display the information you need with the touch of a button. Fast Filters make viewing a specific subset of your data as fast and easy as changing a property. The Filter property supports flexible expression filters. Smart lookups automatically provide a dropdown box to seamlessly display data from multiple tables. Working through the Borland Database Engine, both fast filters and automatic lookups instantly present a customized view of your data.
Scalable Data Dictionary
The Data Dictionary stores and uses customized information about the contents and behavior of the data in your tables. The Data Dictionary holds information about extended field attributes like min, max, and default values, display preferences, and edit masks. Because it is reusable across forms and applications, you can quickly establish and maintain data integrity. (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
Database Explorer
The Database Explorer provides a graphical way of managing all your database demands—it supports the creation and modification of tables, indices, and aliases. It is an integrated database schema and content management utility tailored to the needs of professional database developers. (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
Multi-Object Grid
Showing detailed views of your data has never been easier. C++Builder’s new multi-object grid lets you decide whether data appears in rows or individual panels. Panel views support multiple dropdowns, checkboxes, and memo fields. As with the DBGrid, the multi-object grid supplies the user with codeless support for quick searching and automatic lookup fields. (Professional and Client/Server Suite only)
Automatic Lookup Support
C++Builder adds new controls to its comprehensive suite of data aware components. Designed for fast and flexible programming, new data aware controls include: a variety of lookup and listbox capabilities to show your users exactly the information you want ¾ while underlying tables remain free to update and display.
Complete Client/Server Application Development Solution
To adapt in rapidly changing business environments, developers must demand more from their client/server development tools. C++Builder Client/Server Suiteoffers the power and flexibility necessary to build reliable client/server solutions. Because a client/server solution is more than just a high performance development environment, C++Builder includes a comprehensive suite of tools for application maintenance, object sharing, and performance monitoring. C++Builder Client/Server Suite provides a complete client/server development solution. C++Builder Client/Server Suite 2.0 includes:
Features available only in Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite
|
SQL Links with unlimited deployment
C++Builder Client/Server Suite delivers high-performance 32-bit SQL Link native drivers for Oracle, Interbase, Sybase, MS SQL Server, DB2, and Informix, including an unlimited deployment license for all drivers.
Local InterBase Server NT 4 user license
InterBase is a SQL relational database management system (RDBMS) that provides exceptional portability and scalability while maintaining high productivity and ease of use. InterBase offers excellent concurrency due to its Multi-generational Architecture, and an industry standard ANSI SQL-92 programming interface.
SQL Explorer
The SQL Explorer enables developers to browse and modify server-specific meta data like stored procedure definitions, triggers and index descriptions. It allows developers to modify server-specific information for Oracle, Sybase, MS SQL Server, and Informix.
SQL Monitor
The SQL Monitor assists in testing, debugging, and performance tuning applications. It enables developers to trace calls between the client and server and report back the amount of time spent on a single operation. The traced information surfaces problematic SQL statements and helps to optimize transactions. When you need thorough testing, simply print or save the session log.
Cached Updates
Cached Updates significantly speed server responsiveness by reducing the amount of network traffic between a client and a server. Batched and packaged, multiple communications behave as a single transaction, thereby reducing server contention and improving application performance.
Visual Query Builder
C++Builder Client/Server Suite includes the powerful Visual Query Builder. This graphical SQL query technology automatically generates bug-free ANSI SQL-92 commands.
Data Migration Expert
Scale networked applications and move data between formats and platforms with the Data Pump Expert.
Integrated Version Control
C++Builder includes source code control with Intersolv's PVCS Version Manager to allow a team of developers to work most efficiently. Check In/ Check Out capabilities supplemented with Visual Differencing, Reporting, and Archive management help you bring products to market more quickly and more profitably.
IX. A Quick Tour of Borland C++Builder
Borland C++Builder for Windows 95 and NT gives you the speed of visual drag & drop development, the productivity of over 100 reusable components with source, and the flexibility of scalable database tools, combined with the power and control of industry-standard C++.
C++Builder has the speed of visual development, the productivity of components and the power of C++.
Designed for rapid application development, C++Builder helps you build applications to gain and maintain a competitive advantage. You can quickly move your applications from prototype to production. To illustrate the power and flexibility of C++Builder, let's take a quick tour and build an application. To develop with C++Builder you need to understand its core development tools:
A simple application
Throughout this Quick Tour, you may follow along in C++Builder by executing the steps denoted by an arrow.
You build applications visually in C++Builder by selecting the component you want to use from the Component Palette. Every component, like a button, has a series of properties that change its look and behavior. Components also have a series of events that change the way components respond to actions. Our first application will use three objects: an edit field, a list box, and a button. Using the button, we will add items into our list box.
To begin, open C++Builder and choose File | New Application
Click on the various tab pages at the top of the Component Palette.
As you move from the Standard to the Win95 page, notice that the available components for your application change. Let’s now drop a component on the form and begin enhancing our application.
C++Builder’s visual development reuses
objects from the Component Palette to speed development.
component 
and drop onto the form
and drop onto the form.Real visual development, real C++
Completely integrated with its visual development features, C++Builder delivers extensive command-line tools, CPU view, and award-winning Borland C++ compiler technology with incremental/smart linking for the flexibility and incredibly fast build times expected by professional programmers.
At this point, you can move to the code editor to write and compile any ANSI C++ code including the newest ANSI features: Templates, Exceptions, Runtime Type Information (RTTI), and Namespaces. Simplify development with the Standard C++ Library. The Standard C++ Library gives you features like: string, complex, and numeric limits classes, and includes the Standard Template Library (STL) consisting of container and iterator classes. Plus, get new ANSI/ISO C++ features like bool, explicit, mutable, and typename.
Properties, Methods, and Events
True rapid application development (RAD) means support for object properties, methods and events (PME). Properties allow you to easily set component characteristics such as the caption, helpcontext, or datasource. Methods, or member functions, support actions on objects like playing or rewinding a multimedia control. Events allow your code to respond to Windows messages such as button press notifications, edit changes, and control activation. In addition, events can respond to custom state changes, such as data updates for data-aware controls. Combined, RAD PME provides a robust, intuitive development environment for Windows programming.
Implementation code is
entered in Unit1.cpp—C++Builder compiles any ANSI C++ code.
to compile and link the application 
High performance C++ executable for unlimited distribution
Borland Two Way Tools
C++Builder places no barriers between you and your code. With Borland Two-Way Tools, C++Builder lets you maintain control of your code by providing a seamless integration between the visual designers and the code editor. You have the flexibility to use the code editor or the visual designers interchangeably and know that the two are always synchronized.
To view two way tools in action:
C++ Builder places no barriers between you and your code
Notice that the minute you drop an object onto the form it immediately appears in the header file. This seamless interaction between the visual environment and the code editor allows C++ developers to rapidly build visual applications while staying in complete control of the underlying source code.
Each C++Builder application begins with three files:
Unit1.cpp: cpp files store your application’s implementation code, it is in this file that you write a set of event handlers. The event handlers determine how your application responds to actions by the user or application.
Unit1.h: The header file contains the constructors or declarations for each object. Fastcall is an intelligent way to pass the parameters. They are passed by register rather than in memory, because memory calls must be reloaded and called by routine.
Project1.cpp: The project files manages all of the objects contained in your application. Each new form, unit, or data module is automatically added into the project file. You can view the project source by selecting View | Project Source from the main menu.
All of the files use precompiled headers, these binary, fast loading, preparsed files speed up compile time. Again, all of the compiler directives and included files are completely customizable by the developer.
Borland Family of Tools in Action
C++Builder adds the power and control of C++ to Borland’s family of object oriented, rapid application development tools. C++Builder can be used to complement existing applications by using industry-standard C++ to build fast, productive front ends for your Visual C++ and Borland C++ applications. C++Builder protects your investment in legacy C++ code by compiling all ANSI C++ code.
Borland C++ and Borland C++Builder
Leverage the built-in interoperability between Borland C++ and C++Builder to add rapid UI development to your development process. Complementary project file support, common compiler and incremental linker, and complete technical documentation allow you to deliver C++Builder front-ends to your C++ applications in record time. You can easily host C++Builder forms in your OWL and MFC applications or use Borland C++ to build DLLs, OBJs, or COM objects for your C++Builder applications. Plus with C++Builder you'll get full support for industry standards, including ANSI C++, the Win32 API, ActiveX, OLE Automation, ODBC, DCOM, MAPI, Unicode, WinSock, ISAPI, and NSAPI.
Delphi and C++Builder
As a Delphi developer, there are times when you need to use C++. C++Builder for Windows 95 and NT is the perfect complement to your Delphi applications. C++Builder lets you leverage your investment in Delphi knowledge and applications by sharing the same proven Visual Component Library, intuitive IDE, visual Two-Way Tools, Visual Form Inheritance, and scalable database connectivity. Your Delphi components, data modules and forms can be reused in C++Builder applications. Delphi continues to be the easiest to use, highest productivity rapid application development environment – while C++Builder provides the full power and control of C++ to those who prefer C++, but want the productivity of Delphi. Departmental organizations within corporations are empowered to use language of choice while seamlessly sharing objects and code. The result of this interoperability is unprecedented cross-departmental productivity.
To add an existing Delphi application to your C++Builder application:
C++Builder allows you to reuse your Delphi forms, datamodules, components and code.
Now that the Delphi form is part of your application, you need to generate a C++ header file for the form.
You can now compile and run the application. Using Visual Form Inheritance, you can modify the Delphi form using C++.
X. C++Builder’s Visual Component Library (VCL)
The Visual Component Library is a framework consisting of classes and components that you use to create C++Builder applications.
Components are the building blocks that developers use to design the user-interface and to provide some non-visual capabilities to their applications. To an Application Developer, a component is an object most commonly dragged from the Component and placed onto a form. Once on the form, one can manipulate the component's properties and add code to the component's various events to give the component a behavior.
The components on the Standard page of the Component Palette make the standard Windows control elements available to your C++Builder applications.
The components used in C++Builder are built upon an application framework, or a set of object types used to build the foundation of an application. This framework is called the Visual Component Library (VCL), and uses the object model implemented in Delphi to give developers a true object-oriented development system. The VCL first shipped with Delphi and has over 500,000 users and a wide range of third party components.
VCL32 includes full encapsulation of the Windows 95 user interface elements (Tree Views, Trackbars, sliders, progress bars, Toolbars, Rich Edit, List Views, Image Lists header and status bar controls, etc), along with many additional components.Out of the box, VCL32 includes most of the standard components used by Windows programmers such as user-interface objects for editing input, combo boxes, and list boxes, grid, tab and notebook objects.
The Win95 page of the Component Palette provides access to Win95 user interface common controls
Build, subclass or customize components
A key feature of C++Builder is the ability to not only use components in a visual design environment, but to create new components as necessary. New components, through the inheritance feature of object-oriented programming, can be as simple as an existing component with some added functionality, or a completely custom component that is based entirely on new code.
There are three steps to creating a new C++Builder component:
This VCL is designed so that you can manipulate these classes within C++Builder's visual environment, at design-time, while you create your application. This differs from many other development environments, where the behavioral and visual characteristics of your application are handled at run-time. In C++Builder, you modify the behavioral and visual characteristics of your components as you develop your application visually-although you can modify component behavior and appearance at run-time as well.
In order for professional developers to more rapidly create their own reusable custom components, C++Builder Professional includes source code for the enhanced VCL32, which provides unique insights into the workings of C++Builder and its components. Source code availability lets you learn from examples and reuse existing components.
C++Builder lets you exploit the power of object-oriented programming to create robust, efficient applications. Build your own components with C++Builder's proven object-oriented component architecture. Because C++Builder is a completely object-oriented environment, integration of OLE controls (OCX) is seamless. Use, customize, or subclass components to fit your development needs ¾ all from within the C++Builder environment.
Seamless support for ActiveX controls
Because C++Builder is a completely object-oriented environment, integration of ActiveX controls is seamless. You can install third party ActiveX controls just as you can install components you write in the C++Builder environment C++Builder gives you complete access to the OLE system registry so that you can load ActiveX controls and register them in one simple dialog.
When you install an ActiveX control, C++Builder automatically creates an object wrapper to provide a completely object-oriented view of the control. This makes it possible for developers to easily subclass any ActiveX, so that they can be easily customized through inheritance.
C++Builder lets you easily install ActiveX controls
One an ActiveX control is installed into the C++Builder component palette, it can be used just like any of the supplied components. All of the ActiveX controls properties and events are fully accessible within the environment through the Object Inspector.
XI. Client/Server Solutions: Database Architecture
C++Builder Client/Server Suite 2.0 includes an integrated suite of tools for building high performance Client/Server applications with such extensive features as:
A database application is built using data-access components and data-aware user interface components. C++Builder components communicate with the Borland Database Engine, extract information from the Data Dictionary, and obey business rules set up on the server or in the client.
Data Control page to customize the display of data
The components on the Data Access page of the Component Palette make specialized database access elements available to your C++Builder applications.
Data Access page to connect to queries, stored procedures, tables, etc.
The object oriented architecture supports the development of a reusable set of Objects, Business Rules and Forms. The Data Module, Scaleable Database Dictionary and Object Repository are technologies that become the framework for the architecture. This architecture allows you to separate GUI, Business Logic and Database design to reduce development time and improve maintainability
Borland Database Engine
As the core engine, the Borland Database Engine provides unparalleled compatibility and efficiency in accessing data stored in ORACLE, Sybase, Informix, InterBase, DB2, and MS SQL Server using high speed SQL Link native drivers, from dBASE and Paradox data formats using a native engine, or from other formats using the ODBC standard interface.
Borland Database Engine is field proven: it has been in commercial applications since 1990 and tested by well over two million users. The Borland Database Engine is designed from the ground up to be fast, flexible, powerful, scaleable and extensible.
The 32-bit Borland Database Engine consists of the following components that will allow for the fastest Client/Server applications and application scaleability:
Quick Tour: Database Speed and Scalability
C++Builder features a Database Application Architecture where Rapid Application Design and Object-Oriented methodologies are applied to both the GUI and Database Business Logic. Database access occurs through the core, 32-bit Borland Database Engine. New Data Dictionary and Data Modules support business rule development. With centralized data integrity and business rules, you applications can quickly respond in a dynamic business environment.
All data access for C++Builder occurs through objects on the Data Access component page. Objects on the Data Access page encapsulate database source information, such as the database to connect to, the tables in that database to access, the query to use, and specific field references within the data. C++Builder uses the high performance Borland Database Engine with 32-bit native drivers to develop applications for DB2, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Informix, Oracle, InterBase (2-user NT license included), Paradox, dBASE and the Local Interbase Server (also included). C++Builder also has ODBC connectivity to access any ODBC compliant server such as Access, VSAM, or AS400. C++Builder's high speed native access to database servers means the highest performing Client/Server applications.
To create a database application:
C++Builder's Data Module Objects
C++Builder Client/Server Suite Data Module Objects act as your applications information core by providing a designated central location for defining data access and business rules. The Data Module Object separates business logic from the GUI and acts as a codeless way to connect and manage this business logic from a single location.
Once you have created a data module, it may be shared throughout an enterprise, any form may call into the central data module for its data display attributes and values. This separation of the GUI Design from the data and its associated logic means that changes in either of these areas does not impact the successful usage of the other. Changes in either the GUI or business logic can be implemented according to their own requirements. Developers can apply their skill sets appropriately. No longer does a single developer have to have expertise in Database Design, Business Methodologies, and GUI Design to create an effective Client/Server application.
Drag and Drop database Development
To enhance developer productivity, C++Builder identifies and eliminates many repetitive tasks. Reusing Data Modules from the Object Repository lets you drag and drop your way to a database application in no time.
You can now use live data in design mode to view all the records in the table. Click on the arrow in the Customer Data dialog that lists all of the fields in the table. Compile and run the application.
C++Builder has robust scalable database tools like data modules, data access components and data controls.
Comprehensive suite of C/S tools
The Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite delivers a comprehensive tool set for client/server development. Tune server query performance with SQL Monitor. Visually construct complex SQL statements with the Visual Query Builder. Manage and create stored procedures, triggers, and business rules within the SQL Explorer. Prototype with Local InterBase Server. Test and deploy with the complete 4 user InterBase Server for Windows 95 and NT. Borland C++Builder Client/Server Suite provides the most comprehensive, most productive client/server development environment for C++ programmers!
Scaleable Database Dictionary
The database dictionary stores and uses customized information about the contents of the data in your tables. The dictionary ties the familiar model of working with fields through the property inspector to a permanent storage facility. The data dictionary holds information about extended field attributes like min, max, default values, and display preferences.
Using the data dictionary has two advantages:
The data dictionary is ALIAS based, transportable to any server. Aliases are your link to database locations. They increase scaleability by giving you a single location to define database access and they let you avoid typing long path names. Open the Database Explorer and click on the Dictionary page. The Database Explorer page lets you browse all your server meta data, table structures, and data. The Dictionary page lets you set up extended field attributes.
Connectivity and Transactions
The Database Component allows the developer to programatically change the type of connection (SQL Pass Through Mode) that is maintained between an application and a database server. The ability to change the type of connection means that the complete power of the database server can be harnessed to improve the flexibility of an application. It also means that connections can be managed to reduce the number of user accesses seen by the database server resulting in hard cost savings.
The flexibility offered by programatically choosing the type of connection means that the developer can chose to optimize for performance, for minimal contentions, for cost and/or for the amount of server control.
Whether you have a large number of transactions, typically characterized as OLTP (On-line Transaction Processing) or a small number of transactions on your database server, C++Builder Client / Server Suite, has the flexibility to meet these needs. The developer now has a choice of using a new Cached Update for more control and less server locking or the existing Navigational Update transactional model for tighter Client/Server coordination.
Navigational Updates are a mechanism by which each local transaction is sent individually to a database server within the context of a SQL Transaction.
Cached Update batches a set of local transactions and sends them all at once to the server. This offers a degree of flexibility that matches your application design goals.
Cached Updates
When there are a high volume of users with many transactions being made to a database server, Cached Update significantly lowers the number of contentions that will occur thereby reducing the wait times for users. The Cached Update mechanism reduces record contentions by buffering server requests on the client; thereby not imposing any locks on the record, record page, index page, or table. The cache intercepts and stores inserts, modifies and deletes made by the user to any given record. The cached record updates are then batched to the server within the context of a SQL Transaction. By not updating the underlying tables directly, record locks and contentions are minimized resulting in shorter wait times by end-users. Because users communicate with the server less frequently, Cached Update reduces the amount of network traffic that may slow the application.
For technical details about building database applications, see the C++Builder Database Architecture Whitepaper.
SQL Monitor
C++Builder Client / Server Suite 2.0 is the only RAD tool that integrates a native SQL monitor for testing, debugging and tuning SQL queries in Client/Server applications. This in turn increases developer productivity and performance.
The SQL Monitor enables the developer to trace calls between the client and server. This information allows the developer to find problematic SQL statements and then optimize the SQL transactions. A series of trace options lets the developer customize the amount and type of information that is reported on. The SQL Monitor helps the developer know that the SQL in the application is being performed optimally, what is the SQL generated by the Borland Database Engine, if the Database Client Libraries are functioning properly, and if the database server is executing a run-away query. The additional capabilities to save and print the session log enables more thorough testing.
SQL Database Explorer
The SQL Database Explorer provides a graphical way of managing all your database demands, it supports browsing and modification of tables, aliases, stored procedures, triggers and business rules through interactive SQL. This graphical tool is an integrated database schema and content management utility tailored to the needs of professional database developers.
The SQL Explorer makes database administration easier and more intuitive than having to use a separate non-integrated tool. A simple to use graphical interface is a perfect way to represent the complex relationships that exist in a database server. The SQL Explorer presents schema information from Oracle, Sybase, InterBase, Informix, DB2 and others. The developer can drag and drop fields, tables, and stored procedures onto the application form to build Client/Server database applications quickly. The developer can also issue SQL statements directed to multiple servers and multiple databases.
The SQL Explorer is an integrated tool for administering SQL and PC Databases
The SQL Explorer, also manages the Scaleable Database Dictionary. The simple to use interface enables the developer to easily define new domains of extended field attributes and then associate those to a field. The next time the field is used in an application, all the attributes are automatically applied.
Local InterBase Server
The Local InterBase Server provides C++Builder developers with their own single user ANSI 92 SQL conformant server for prototyping and development of true client/server applications on Windows 95 or Windows NT. Local InterBase has all of the same functionality as the multiuser versions of InterBase available for NT and Unix, including transaction control, stored procedures, triggers, and even event alerters. This means that development can occur on a laptop while on the train, airplane, or at the customer site, and that the final database to be used can be changed when the application is ready to be deployed.
Since InterBase is an ANSI SQL-92 compatible database management system, this ensures complete scaleability with other ANSI compatible database managers including Oracle, Sybase, Informix and InterBase running on Intel or Unix platforms. The Local InterBase Server fully supports a wide range of advanced features including:
InterBase NT - Relational Database
C++Builder Client / Server Suite 2.0 includes a two user InterBase NT developer license. Developers can create standalone client / server applications using a scaleable relational database. When the volume of data, or size of application grows, both the InterBase relational database and the C++Builder application will scale accordingly.
InterBase is Borland’s high performance, cross platform SQL Server. InterBase is available on over 15 operating systems, including: Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT, NetWare, SCO, Sun OS, Sun Solaris, HP-UX, IBM AIX, SGI IRIX, etc. InterBase is ANSI SQL 92 entry level conformant, supports server events for event driven programming, and has an exceptional concurrency model for multiuser access. InterBase offers record level locking and due to its Multi-Generational Architecture delivers superior performance because database read operations do not block database write operations.
Using C++Builder Client/Server Suite 2.0, developers can design, prototype, and test their C++Builder/InterBase applications on one machine. InterBase offers an exceptional Windows 95 GUI interface including configurable property sheets, native 32 bit tools like the Server Manager and Interactive SQL tools, and the complete documentation in Windows 95 Help.
InterBase ensure that data is always available due to their excellent multiuser performance, high security, and fast recovery features. InterBase is used in the aeronautical industries by companies like Boeing and Lockheed for manufacturing, by the Money Store and many other banking institutions, and in financial trading centers like the Philadelphia, Boston, and Russian Stock Exchanges. The common thread among all these customers is the need for excellent multiuser performance, high security, and fast recovery when system failures occur.
Borland C++Builder for Windows 95 and NT gives you the speed of visual drag & drop development, the productivity of over 100 reusable components with source, and the flexibility of scalable database tools, combined with the power and control of industry-standard C++. Leverage your existing investment in C++—C++Builder compiles all ANSI C++ code, and allows you to build fast, productive front ends for your Visual C++ and Borland C++ applications. Plus, you get full support for industry standards, including ANSI C++, the Win32 API, ActiveX, OLE Automation, ODBC, DCOM, MAPI, DirectX, Unicode, WinSock, ISAPI, and NSAPI.Designed for rapid application development, C++Builder helps you build applications to gain and maintain a competitive advantage by quickly moving your applications from prototype to production.
Documentation Overview
The documentation included in C++Builder Standard Edition:
C++Builder Professional also includes:
C++Builder Client/Server Suite also includes:
Many sample applications are included in the \CBUILDER\DEMOS directory.