Delphi 97

The development environment has a more modern look and feel, with Component Palette buttons which pop up as the mouse moves over them. The integrated debugger has taken a leaf from Microsoft's book with ToolTip Expression Evaluation - move the mouse over a variable and a small window will show the current value of the variable.

Changes have been made to the code editor, recalling the recent enhancements to VB 5. These all come under what Borland calls 'Code Insight'. This understands the parameters needed for different procedures, functions and methods, displaying them as a small window below your current cursor position. It also understands the properties associated with a given object and can complete an expression for you. A code template facility is provided for frequently used language constructs such as 'for' loops and class declarations. The idea is to reduce typing and the amount of time spent reading manuals, and make programming more enjoyable.

A new project option lets you deploy your project as a downloadable CAB or INF file, and you can even add Code Signing for extra security. You can select an arbitrary group of components on a form and save them as a Component Template on the palette. When you re-use the template, all the properties you set up appear intact, together with any event-handling code you defined. Magic!

Delphi 97 gives you the choice of large or small executables, server-side DLLs, Internet controls, easy Web deployment, code signing, component templates and many other features not found in VB 5. Strictly speaking, both products are still in beta, and with such sophisticated development systems you need to consider the type of software that's being developed, how it will be deployed and a host of other factors before you buy. One thing is clear, though: Delphi 97 will give VB 5 a run for its money.

Author: Dave Jewell