Cross Ref > Tool Basics

Prism projects require the .Net framework and any additional dependencies you've added such as Crystal Reports.

In Visual Studio.Net, you can create a Setup and Deployment project by using any of the templates available on the New Project dialog (Other Project Types).

Prism doesn't directly support ClickOnce. At least not yet. In other words, there isn't a Security tab on the solution properties dialog. To create a ClickOnce deploy package, search the internet for mage.exe and mageui.exe.

In addition, you can use any of the many free and commercially available installation packages.

 Delphi Prism Deployment Overview

You can use any of the many free and commercially available installation packages.

In Visual Studio.Net, you can create a Setup and Deployment project by using any of the templates available on the New Project dialog (Other Project Types).

C++Builder 2007 and 2009 are bundled with InstallAware Express CodeGear Edition installer.

Delphi.Net first shipped as a compiler only with Delphi 7. Delphi 8 is a .Net dedicated solution (no Win32) but was not clearly better than VS.Net so more developers moved to VS.Net and bypassed Delphi 8. Delphi for .Net shipped with Delphi 2005, 2006, and 2007 but languished because of a lack of development and VS.Net clearly implemented more .Net CLS features than Delphi for .Net. Delphi Prism (Oxygene) strives to keep pace and in some cases out pace C# and VB.Net using the Object Pascal language.

Many compilers and development tools are available. Common development tools include Microsoft Visual C++, CodeGear C++Builder, and Eclipse.

With Visual C++ you use Microsoft's C++ syntax variations based on standard C++ or Microsoft's new C++/CLI syntax standard.

With C++Builder, you code using standard C++ with early support for the upcoming C++0x standard and using the VCL/RTL libraries. The VCL/RTL libraries are in common with Delphi which is based on Object Pascal. Within a project, C++Builder can use both C++ units and Delphi units.

With most C++ tools, you can also use your favorite C and C++ libraries too.

Delphi Prism common source code file extensions include:

• .SLN - Solution File. Contains solution specific information such as links to the projects within this solution.
• .Oxygene - Project File. Contains project specific information but this is not the Delphi-like project file Delphi developers are used to. This is the VS.Net project file.
  
• Program.pas - This is the Delphi-like .dpr project-equivalent file and contains the Main method which is the entry point for the executable. All .NET projects except for DLLs needs one.
  
• .pas - Delphi Prism source file (same extension as Delphi for Win32).
• .Designer.pas - Prism form file (a text resource file).

Important standard C++ file extensions:

• .CPP = C++ Source file. Your startup source file will have a main() routine.
• .C = C source file (sometimes used for C++ source files too).
• .H = Header include file.

Some important Visual C++ file extensions:

• .SLN = Visual Studio.Net solution
• .VCPRJ = The Visual C++ project file. See Project Files and Makefiles for more information.

Some important C++Builder file extensions:

• .BDSPROJ and .CBPROJ = Project file.

 Ref: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/3awe4781(VS.80).aspx

Language Overview: Prism is a type safe language and a fully OOP language (no global functions or variables except for a very special __Global class). You code using a fully OOP approach (everything is in a class) but you have the additional benefit of a hybrid language using a special __Global class. Prism targets the .Net CLR and Mono. Based on Borland's original work with Delphi.Net and then continued by RemObjects as Oxygene, and now co-developed by CodeGear and RemObjects.

Target Platforms: Delphi Prism is most suitable for creating .Net Framework applications. This includes desktop business application using WinForms and websites using WebForms.

Language Overview: C++ is a hybrid traditional C and OOP language. You code either in a traditional approach using functions, procedures, and global data, or you code using an OOP approach, or a mixture of both.

Target Platforms: C++ is suitable for creating any type of native code applications for many different platforms. The focus of this information is on creating native code Win32 applications that run on Microsoft Windows.

For WebForm applications the client target is the browser (a document interfaced GUI), a common solution is to simply output an HTML formatted page with black text and a white background (not much control but it does work for some situations).

For WinForm applications Rave Reports and Crystal Reports are very popular with Delphi Prism and Delphi for .Net developers.

Use any report writer you are comfortable with. C++Builder 2009 comes bundled with Rave Reports and Crystal Reports remains popular for Visual C++.