Which C++ Builder Should I Use?

I have used several programming languages to write code over the past few years. I have experience using Java, JavaScript, C++, and Python.

I used Java, JavaScript, and Python to build mobile and desktop applications, but I used C++ to build console applications.

Out of all these languages, my go-to language is C++ because it is the first programming language I learned, and as a result, it is the language that I have the most experience with.

I have also taught programming to students using C++. I choose C++ because of how concise and fast it is. When I started learning desktop and mobile application development, I used Java, Python, and JavaScript because of the IDEs I was using. Consequently, I was never able to make use of my knowledge in C++ for application development. 

Recently, I was introduced to C++Builder, an IDE built by Borland in 1997 and acquired by Embarcadero in 2009. It has been around for a long time and has gained a strong reputation among C++ and Delphi developers.

With C++Builder, I can now build applications with my favorite language. On my first day using C++Builder, I created a simple calculator, and on the second day, I created a color picker for Windows. These applications were easy and exciting to build. 

With C++Builder, I plan to create more complex applications that make use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Since I have become hooked to the IDE, I want to reach out to students who have yet to discover this gem and share some reasons they should consider choosing it.

Why Choose C++ Builder?

C++Builder should be the go-to IDE for students who want to learn application development using C++ quickly and without much stress.

Not only is it easy to use, but it also has a strong community of developers who are willing to assist learners if they run into issues. To add to that, numerous resources available online will aid them in their journey.

It is a good IDE for students who want to learn C++ and object-oriented programming. Students can make use of the IDE to run simple console applications, which is handy for those who are learning programming for the first time. They can also use it to design beautiful user interfaces that will make their apps stand out.   

Reasons Why Should Students Choose C++Builder: 

It is used to build native applications across several platforms (Windows, iOS):

C++Builder allows students to build cross-platform applications. With C++Builder, students will be able to develop both Windows and mobile applications for iOS devices with a single codebase. This will save them a significant amount of time.  

It is faster:

One of the benefits of using C++ is how good its performance is compared to that of other languages. Mobile applications need to respond quickly and consume little battery power. C++ makes it possible to achieve this; it is a performant language, and using it results in fast-running applications on devices.

It is easy to learn and use:

C++Builder is easy to master and use. It took me a few minutes of watching one or two YouTube videos to figure out how to use the platform. Students need an IDE that is easy to navigate so that their focus can be less on how to get around the environment and more on the code written.

Apart from how easy it is to navigate through the platform, C++Builder also makes use of drag-and-drop functionality and a WYSIWYG interface. This is convenient and makes the process of designing user interfaces simple.    

Students can make use of a wide variety of databases with the FireDAC Library:

C++Builder also accesses the FireDAC library, which allows users to establish secure connections to different databases such as SQLite, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, among many others.

The FireDAC library allows users to mix different databases in one application. With the help of these databases, students can quickly store and retrieve vital information that is necessary for their apps to function. 

Students are presented with more opportunities:

C++ is also one of the most in-demand programming languages in the job market and especially in the gaming industry. Students can rest assured that they will find good opportunities after gaining experience with the IDE.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with C++Builder. This platform is easy to use, easy to learn, and time-saving, among other things. Also, if you are well versed in C++, then it adds the icing on the cake. Finally, Embarcadero has a learnC++ website with multiple useful resources at students’ disposal.

Useful Links

Here are a few useful links that can assist you in using of C++Builder:

1. If it is your first time using C++Builder, read “How to Set Up C++Builder” which provides information about how to download, install, and use the IDE while developing cross-platform applications. (Link here)
2. “Building Your First App Using C++Builder (Part 1)” is another helpful resource that walks users through how to incorporate databases, design user interfaces, and make use of components like date-time pickers as well as other input fields. It also shares information on how to write code to control the components. (Link here)
3. “Building your First App Using C++Builder (Part 2)” is an extension of the first part mentioned above. This part focuses on databases and how to save and retrieve information from them. (Link here)
4. “Introduction to C++Builder for Microsoft Visual C++ Developers” is a short YouTube video with concise information about C++Builder.  
5. Last but not least, CodeBeauty is a YouTuber who created a series on how to “build your first GUI application using C++Builder.” You can find the videos here.