C++Builder

C++Builder

Developer(s)	Borland, Embarcadero Technologies
Stable release	C++Builder 2010 / Aug. 24, 2009
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
Type	IDE
License	Proprietary
Website	C++Builder

C++Builder is a rapid application development (RAD) environment, developed by Borland and as of 2009 owned by Embarcadero Technologies, for writing programs in the C++ programming language. C++Builder combines the Visual Component Library and IDE written in Delphi with a C++ compiler. Traditionally, the release cycle was such that Delphi got major enhancements first, with C++Builder following, though recent versions have been released at the same time as their Delphi equivalents. Most components developed in Delphi can be used in C++Builder with no modification, although the reverse is not true.

C++Builder includes tools that allow true drag-and-drop visual development, making programming easier by incorporating a WYSIWYG GUI builder into its IDE.

History

C++Builder originally targeted only the Microsoft Windows platform. Later versions incorporated Borland CLX, a cross-platform development visual component library based on Qt, that supports Windows and Linux, however CLX is now abandoned.

In 2003 Borland released C++BuilderX (CBX), which was written using the same framework as JBuilder 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. At the end of 2004 Borland announced that it would continue to develop the earlier C++Builder and bundle it with the Delphi development suite, abandoning C++BuilderX.

About a year after the announcement Borland released Borland Developer Studio 2006 which includes Borland C++Builder 2006 that provides 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.

In 2007 CodeGear released C++Builder 2007, providing full API support for Microsoft Vista, increased ANSI C++ conformance, up to 500% faster in-IDE build performance, support for MSBuild, DBX4 database architecture, and "VCL for the Web" which supports AJAX. The API support for Microsoft Vista includes themed applications and seamless VCL support for Aero and Vista Desktop. CodeGear RAD Studio 2007 incorporates C++Builder 2007 and Delphi. 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 on Borland C++Builder 2006.

In 2008 CodeGear was purchased by Embarcadero Technologies, who continued development.

C++Builder 2009 was released in August 2008, with the most notable improvements being full Unicode support throughout VCL and RTL, early adoption of the C++0x standard, full ITE (Integrated Translation Environment) support, native Ribbon components and the inclusion of the Boost library. C++Builder 2010 then followed in August 2009, adding in particular the touch and gesture support newly introduced to the VCL and a C++ specific class explorer.

Version history

The following is a rough outline of product release information.

Year	Version
1997	1
1998	3
1999	4 (released as Inprise)
2000	5
2002	6
2003	X
2005	2006
2007	2007, 11
Aug. 2008	2009
24th Aug. 2009	2010

See also

• CodeGear Delphi
• Visual Component Library
• Comparison of integrated development environments

External links

• Official website
• Embarcadero (Borland) Turbo C++ v3.0 Download
• Download selection of 2010, v5.5, and other versions
• CodePedia C++ Builder page