News

Delphi takes on .NET development, improves MDA support

• By Scott Adams
• September 9, 2002

[PROGRAMMERS REPORT -Sept 10, 2002] - Borland Software Corp.'s latest rev of the popular Delphi Studio toolset is now shipping. The product is poised to play a major role in the next phase of Microsoft Windows-oriented application development, as the company sets a path to include .NET development support.

While most of the attention on Microsoft's .NET Web services software initiative focuses on Microsoft tools, Borland is quick to point out that it has worked to ensure that Delphi can provide a ready path to .NET development. Included in the Delphi Studio 7 package is a preview version for a Delphi .NET compiler.

Also in the pack are design tools that support UML and Model Driven Architecture (MDA) design technology. Although some developers forgo design tools, UML and MDA, backed by the Object Management Group, may find use in a slew of reengineering projects underway in the wake of the .NET initiative.

'We certainly see interest from the Delphi base in modeling,' said Alison Deane, senior director of product marketing at Borland. 'With MDA tools, developers can work on multiple projects at the same time. Today, both MDA and UML are wanted and needed.'

Although it has an eye on Windows, Borland is mindful of the uptick in interest in the Linux operating system. Delphi 7 Studio ships with the Delphi language version of Borland's Kylix IDE for creating apps for Linux.

Related Links:
'Are you ready for some UML 2.0?,'
http://www.adtmag.com/article.asp?id=6671
'MDA brings standards-based modeling to EAI teams,'
http://www.adtmag.com/article.asp?id=6311
'Delphi for .NET compiler preview,'
http://bdn.borland.com/article/0,1410,28972,00.html

For other Programmer Report articles, please go to http://www.adtmag.com/article.asp?id=6265