IDE FOR .NET: Enterprise Borland C# Builder

C# is an object-oriented language designed particularly for the .Net Framework. C# builder from Borland enables fast development and deployment of .Net solution. Microsoft VS.Net 2003 also has similar capabilities as C# builder does. In this review we'll explore what more does Borland C# offers than VS.Net and which one to choose. 

VS.Net has a constant look and feel whereas, the C# builder has three layouts: default layout of C# builder (it is same as VS .Net), debug layout and classic undocked layout. The debug layout consists of the debug features similar to VS.Net. The classic undocked layout windows can be floated freely by dragging. 

In VS .Net a form and its code are separated, while in C# they are grouped and so you can switch between them easily through tabs present at the bottom of the work area, making coding much easier. The code editor provides supplement tools to help you write code such as code insight, code browsing and code folding. Code insight is the selection of properties, methods and display events available for a particular class. Code browsing keeps track of where you have been in the code through reference. You can move forward and backward through this reference in the code. And code folding divides different section of code to create a hierarchal view of code.

C# builder includes the CaliberRM feature for planning and gathering requirements from the end users. C# builder has BDP (Borland Data Provider) for ADO.Net, which allows developer to build one application for multiple database. In VS. Net, on the other hand, applications need to be designed specifically for a particular database.

C# code visualization tool instantly shows relationship of classes, interface, there properties and attribute types in UML (Unified Modeling Language) model diagram. When you make changes in code the model diagram is updated automatically. All the planning, designing and coding is possible through Enterprise Core Objects or ECO (pronounced eeko). ECO is a development and runtime framework for .Net. This will speed the entire application life cycle activities. 

C# builder and ASP.Net framework allows to build XML Web services. Dynamic HTML can be developed with ASP.Net Web forms. GUI applications can be developed with .Net Windows forms (Win forms) and components. One feature that would benefit a developer is the ability of C# builder to import and export VS .Net projects. For exporting, C# builder has a wizard. Importing is done by selecting the option 'add existing project' in the C# builder project manager. A very good feature of C# builder is that it automatically maps J2EE EJB and CORBA data types to .Net platform through integrated proxy compliers. 

C# builder comes with many Borland and third party products for developing and deploying .Net applications. Developers conversant with VS .Net will find easy to work with C# builder. 

Sushil Oswal