C++Builder is the sibling product ofDelphi, an IDE that uses theObject Pascal programming language. C++Builder combines theVisual Component Library (VCL) andIDE written in Object Pascal with multiple C++ compilers. C++Builder and Delphi can generate mutually compatible binaries. C++ methods can call Object Pascal methods and vice versa. Since both Delphi and C++ use the same back-end linker, the debugger can step from Delphi code into C++ transparently. In addition, C++Builder projects can include Delphi code. (The reverse is not possible.)
C++Builder uses the same IDE asDelphi, and shares many core libraries. Notable shared Delphi (Object Pascal code) and C++ Builder routines include the FastMM4memory manager, which was developed as a community effort within theFastCode project, the entire UI framework known as theVCL, which is written in Object Pascal, as well as base system routines, many of which have been optimised for both Delphi and C++Builder through theFastCode project.
C++Builder projects can include Delphi code. The Delphi compiler emits C++ headers, allowing C++ code to link to Delphi classes and methods as though they were written in C++. The reverse (C++ code being used by Delphi) is not as straightforward but possible.
C++Builder originally targeted only theMicrosoft Windows platform. Later versions incorporated BorlandCLX, a cross-platform development visual component library based onQt, that supports Windows and Linux, however CLX is now abandoned. The current version by Embarcadero supports cross-platform development using the new Firemonkey (FMX) library.
C++ Builder is available in four editions with increasing features and price:
Community: Available for free for one year but has a limited commercial-use license. Includes local database connectivity and some library source code.
Professional: Adds cross-platform compilation for macOS, (until version 10.2.2: iOS and Android requiring the purchase of the additionalMobile Add-On pack), more library source code, code formatting, and a full commercial license.
Enterprise: Includes the mobile target platforms and adds client/server database connectivity, Enterprise Mobility Services, and DataSnap multi-tier SDK.
Traditionally, the release cycle was such that Delphi got major enhancements first, with C++Builder following,[2] though recent versions have been released at the same time as their Delphi equivalents.[3]
Borland announced the preview version of C++Builder 1.0 on January 7, 1997.[4] The company released a retail version on February 26, 1997,[5] in three editions: "Standard," "Professional," and "Client/Server Suite."[6]
Integrated Inprise Corporation's VisiBroker 3.3 with event and naming services
New multi-standard flexible C++ compiler
Support for the latest ANSI/ISO C++ language specifications, including a host of compiler enhancements including Dynamic Compilation and Adaptive Compiler Technology (ACT), which radically speed compiler build processes; full ANSI/ISO template implementation; full ANSI/ISO STL (standard template library) support; and a high-performance 32-bit ANSI C++ native code compiler.
Fully customizable AppBrowser IDE
Latest support for Windows 98, 95, and NT including multiple monitors, common controls, docking forms and toolbars, and more.
New Code and Parameter completion, and the new ClassExplorer live structured class view and member creation wizards.
Exclusive C++ debugging tools, including remote debugging for distributed development (COM and CORBA); multi-process and cross-process debugging with debug inspectors, dynamic watch windows, and debug tooltips.
Internet tools, including ActiveForms for building Web browser C++ applications and WebBroker for building CGI, WinCGI, ISAPI, and NSAPI C++ applications and over 25 Internet protocol components for instantly adding HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP, NNTP, HTML, and TCP/IP support to any C++ application.
Multi-Tier Database Development Services (MIDAS) Development Kit, including MIDAS 2.
Support for industry standards, including Oracle Corporation's Oracle8i database server; Microsoft Corporation's Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), Microsoft Active Template Library (ATL), Microsoft SQL Server 7 and MTS (Microsoft Transaction Server); and Inprise Corporation's Object Windows Library (OWL) and Visual Component Library (VCL).
EZ-COM, which simplifies C++ COM client development and One-Step ActiveX Control creation with new Data Binding support.
On March 22, 2000, Inprise Corporation announced the release of Borland C++Builder 5, available in Enterprise, Professional, Standard editions.[8] New features include:[9]
Support of Windows 2000.
Internet Express
XML and HTML4 Support for Full-featured Dynamic Clients
Active Server Objects for the Microsoft Internet Platform
On February 5, 2002, Borland announced the release of C++Builder 6 on February 8, 2002, in three editions: "Enterprise," "Professional," and "Personal."[10] 60-day free trial download of C++Builder 6 Enterprise was also planned. New features include:[11]
Support of Windows XP
BizSnap e-business development platform with Web Services
On Sep 15, 2003, Borland Software Corporation announced the release ofBorland C++BuilderX (CBX), which was also included as part of the latest Borland Enterprise Studio for Mobile.[12] CBX was written using the same framework asJBuilder and bore little resemblance to either C++Builder or Delphi. This product was aimed at developing large programs for enterprises, but did not sell well.
On Sep 22, 2003, Borland Software Corporation and PalmSource, Inc. announced Borland has licensed the PalmSource software development kits (SDKs) and will support Palm OS development in the Borland C++BuilderX Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and latest Borland Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) solutions for C++.[13]
At the end of 2004 Borland announced that it would continue to develop the earlier C++Builder and bundle it with theDelphi development suite, abandoning C++BuilderX.
On Oct 10, 2005, Borland announced the release of C++Builder 2006 (previously codenamed "DeXter").[6] Minimum supported operating system was changed to Windows 2000.
About a year after the announcement, the company releasedBorland Developer Studio 2006, which includesBorland C++Builder 2006, with improved configuration management and bug fixes.Borland Developer Studio 2006 is a single package containing Delphi, C++Builder, and C#Builder.
In 2006 Borland's Developer Tools Group, developers of C++Builder, was transferred to a wholly owned subsidiary,CodeGear.
June 5, 2007, CodeGear releasedC++Builder 2007,[14] providing:
Full API support for Microsoft Windows Vista including themed applications and seamless VCL support for Aero and Vista Desktop
Increased ANSI C++ conformance
Up to 500% faster in-IDE build performance
Support forMSBuild, DBX4 database architecture, and "VCL for the Web" which supportsAjax
IDE, debugger, dbExpress, and VCL component improvements
CodeGear RAD Studio 2007 incorporatesC++Builder 2007 andDelphi. Also in 2007 Borland revived the "Turbo" brand and released two "Turbo" editions of C++Builder: Turbo C++ Professional, and Turbo C++ Explorer (no longer available from CodeGear), based onBorland C++Builder 2006.
In 2008 CodeGear was purchased by Embarcadero Technologies, who continued development.
C++Builder XE5 was released September 11, 2013, and included:[25]
Time Picker control for Windows and OS X
Built-in search filtering for TListView on Windows and OS X
FM Platform performance optimizations
Professional edition includes expanded FireDAC support for local databases, including Microsoft Access database, SQLite database, InterBase ToGo / IBLite, InterBase on localhost, MySQL Embedded, MySQL Server on localhost, Advantage Database local engine, PostgreSQL on localhost, Firebird Embedded, and Firebird on localhost
FireDAC integrated into the C++Builder install for Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate and Architect editions
REST Client support for simplified invocation of REST services
Authorization support including Basic Authentication, Plan Authentication, OAuth1, OAuth2
TRestClient, TRestRequest, and TRestResponse components
REST Debugger tool for testing REST calls and their parameters
C++Builder XE5 Starter Edition includes:
Develop 32-bit Windows application using the C++Builder VCL and FireMonkey application platform
IDE and visual development environment
Hundreds of included components
License for use until user's individual revenue from C++Builder applications or company revenue reaches $1,000 US or development team expands to more than five developers
Available editions include Architect, Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Starter.
Advertising component for iOS, including AdMob support based on the Google Firebase SDK
VCL TControlList control, a flexible and virtualized list control, designed as a high-performance control for very long lists and a modern look and feel
VCL TNumberBox control, a modern-looking numeric input control, for integer, floating point numbers, and currency values
Updated Konopka Signature VCL Controls (over 200 additional Windows UI controls), available for download in the GetIt Package Manager
On July 14, 2022, Embarcadero released C++Builder 11.1.5 C++ Code Insight Update with a number of improvements and quality fixes for C++ developers using C++Builder 11.1 by adding:[47][48]
