Tuesday, September 27, 2011

What is FireMonkey?

What is FireMonkey?

FireMonkey is a native CPU and GPU powered application platform that makes it easy for developers to rapidly build visually engaging and data rich HD and 3D applications with blazing native performance on Windows, Mac and iOS.

What's behind the name FireMonkey?

2016 is the year of the FireMonkey in the Chinese calendar. FireMonkey brings with it extra energy and determination to reach far beyond your expectations. The FireMonkey is uniquely inventive and thinks out of the box.
We picked the name because our engineers have aimed high. They have done what many thought wasn't possible with our next generation application platform.
And finally because we like the name. We think it's fun. Smile

What programming languages do I use to develop FireMonkey applications?

You can program in either "RAD" C++ or Delphi, two easy to learn component based object oriented languages that are used by millions of developers worldwide. You can choose "RAD" C++ to use existing C++ or C-like language skill or to reuse existing ANSI C++ code in FireMonkey applications. Or you can choose Delphi, an elegant and easy to learn object oriented language.

How much does FireMonkey cost?

The FireMonkey platform itself doesn't cost anything. There are no deployment fees or runtime fees. Applications built with the FireMonkey platform can be distributed royalty free. To build FireMonkey applications, you need Delphi XE2, C++Builder XE2 or RAD Studio XE2. You can click here to learn more about these products or download a trial. FireMonkey applications

What is the difference between FireMonkey and RIA platforms like HTML5/CSS, Adobe Flash or Silverlight?

RIA platforms have rich free-form graphics, time based animation, and media capabilities that are well suited for web content, entertainment and advertising. Because RIA applications are typically web embedded, they use scripting and VM engines to execute program code. This provides cross-platform browser compatibility, but comes with a performance trade off. RIA platforms being entertainment focused are not designed around the needs for business applications. Things like enterprise data and services connectivity, business UIs and graphcis, and packaged and enterprise app distribution are not well served with RIA platforms.
FireMonkey is a native application platform, with many of the rich capabilities of RIA platforms such as vector graphics, 3D, animation, effect, and cross-platform but FireMonkey is focused on the unique needs of business, ISV, and industrial use software. FireMonkey is fully CPU and GPU native, UI oriented, and provides powerful database and services connectivity.

Is FireMonkey a gaming framework?

Not really. Unlike 3D frameworks such as Unity 3d, Unreal or Torque that specifically work on game development, FireMonkey is focused on the business or industry specific applications such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace and so on. But if you do wish to build a game with FireMonkey let us know, we'd love to play it!

What platforms does FireMonkey support?

You can build FireMonkey applications on Windows and deploy to Windows and Mac OSX. You can also build and deploy your applications to iOS – iPad, iPhone, iPod touch.

How fast are FireMonkey applications?

FireMonkey applications are 100% CPU and GPU native which means that your applications are executing directly in your hardware and not in software "engines". Application code runs full throttle in the CPU and graphics are executed by your GPU hardware. This means your FireMonkey business applications will run with "hardware level" performance that you simply cannot get from RIA platforms, virtual machine runtimes or dynamic languages.

Do FireMonkey applications require exotic hardware?

Not at all. FireMonkey is designed to run on any standard Intel based PC or Mac or ARM based iOS device such as iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. And FireMonkey GPU requirements are very modest, only requiring a DX9 level GPU also known as pixel shader level 2. In plain language, this means pretty much any display hardware shipped in the last 10 years.

Are there any events which I can attend to learn about FireMonkey?

Yes. You can attend our World Tour event series that started on August 2, 2011. You can also contact your local sales representative for more information.

How do I get more information or give my feedback?

You can join our forums on EDN, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. You can also contact your local sales representative for more information.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Facebook and Delphi - Facebook API for Delphi By Zarko Gajic, About.com Guide July 19, 2011

in Facebook :: I guess you know what Facebook is? In simple words, Facebook is a social networking website intended to connect friends, family, and business associates. Users of Facebook can share news stories, video, and other files with friends. Here's a Facebook page you should "like" if you are interested in Delphi Programming About.com Delphi Programming on Facebook.'

Ok, so now that you know what Facebook is, you probably are asking how can I build a Delphi application to allow me and my friends to "connect" to Facebook more easily :)

You should be looking at the Facebook for Developers - allowing developers, for example, to build "Facebook apps" - web applications that are loaded in the context of Facebook.

Given that Delphi is a Win32 development environment, let's see if there are some libraries to help you build some Facebook apps (or anything Facebook-aware).

More at http://delphi.about.com/b/2011/07/19/facebook-and-delphi-facebook-api-for-delphi.htm

Sunday, July 17, 2011

What is Delphi XE ?

Delphi XE Key Features
  • RAD IDE with fast drag-and-drop design
  • More than 500 visual controls
  • Built-in touch and gesturing support
  • dbExpress with support for 9 major databases
  • DataSnap n-tier middleware with JSON, REST, HTTP, HTTPS, COM, and XML
  • Debugging support for multi-threaded applications
  • UML / code metrics and audits
  • Integrated tool chest for performance profiling and build automation
  • Subversion integration for source code management
  • Cloud deployment to Amazon EC2 and work with Windows Azure cloud data storage
  • Target Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7 from single source
  • Access to previous Delphi versions (7, 2007-2010) included
  • Centralized license management and tool deployment with Embarcadero ToolCloud
Embarcadero® Delphi® XE is the fastest way to deliver ultra-rich, ultra-fast Windows applications. Dramatically reduce coding time and create applications 5x faster with component-based development and a fully visual two-way RAD IDE. Speed development across multiple Windows and database platforms – for GUI desktop applications, interactive touch-screen, kiosk, and database-driven multi-tier, cloud, and Web applications. With Delphi, you can:
  • Build applications faster with pre-built components and drag-and-drop visual design
  • Build applications that require speed-visualizing data, controlling hardware in real time, manipulating 3D objects, financial modeling, gaming, imaging, medical equipment, point-of-sale systems, and more
  • Future-proof your applications with native connectivity to 9 major databases and ready-made components for cloud connectivity
  • Utilize thousands of free and commercial components for user interfaces, database, multi-tier, web apps, industry specific and more
Delphi XE is available in Professional, Enterprise and Architect editions. For details on the differences between the editions, see the Product Editions page and Feature Matrix

Welcome to Delphi... Delphi... Delphi

I have been a Delphi Developer since Delphi 3 when I finally decided on Delphi in 1996 as my programming language of choice for the Windows 32 environment. So what have I created with Delphi ?

Would you believe that I had single-handedly created a full ERP2 system comprising ERP+CRM where ERP=Sales Distribution+MRP+ Procurement Management+Planning & Production +Finacial Management + Human Resources Management System.

Since 15th February 2009, we have visitors from more than 60 countries including Malaysia, United States, Brazil, Italy, Australia, India, Turkey, Russian Federation, Spain, Indonesia, Hungary, South Africa, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Czech Republic, Canada, France, Croatia,Thailand, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Hong Kong, Poland, Sri Lanka, Chile, Japan, Austria, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Tunisia, Greece, Taiwan, Egypt, Bolivia, Paraguay, Iran, Islamic Republic , Morocco, Angola, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Korea, Republic Of, Slovakia, Georgia, Lebanon, Macedonia, Sweden, Philippines, Vietnam, Dominican Republic