December 6, 2008
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session: Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
The online CodeRage 2008 conference (or CodeRage III, see conferences.codegear.com/coderage08) has finished after a week of sessions and chats. The Closing Keynote was given by Embarcadero CEO Wayne Williams and was very interesting. He mentioned the company status, the willingness to invest (also by acquisitions) despite the slow economy, the fact that the company is speding 40% on R&D, and much more. Things got very interesting as he started covering speficic technologies the company is looking forward. This was the key slide (reposted without permission
Two noticeable things. First, an official reference to Firebird as a database they want to invest to. I guess better Delphi connectivity and DatabaseGear support might come to this database, but it is just my speculation.
Second, there was a clear reference to the idea of working on native versions of Delphi for other operating systems, with specific references to the Mac and Linux. Of course (before I raise any doubt a secodn time) there was no product announcement, no date, nothing like that. But it was stated by Wayne, erferrig to Delphi, that "we are investigating very deep native support for some of the other operating systems..." and by Michael (if I got it right) that "the research is on native Mac and Linux, and we have experience with our past projects" (which looks a reference to Kylix).
I also appreciated the open discussion of (possible) new subscription models, like the one jus tintroduced for 3rdRails 2.0 and TurboRuby. The overall openess of this closing session was remarkable, compared to the past.
Finally, Andres (I was told) posted a nice set of slides of the studio on Flicks. I borrowed to below, even if I'm not sure they'll show up:
10 Comments
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
Mac/Linux? Touch based UI development? 64bit/SMP/Multi-core? System wide capabilities?... if all of that means what it look like, Delphi will be absolutely kick-ass again. Embarcadero is placing a real bet here and it certainly will win since it is focusing in the right items.Comment by Javier Santo Domingo on December 8, 03:48
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
My word this is probably the most exciting news ever from anything Delphi!! This will open up huge markets for Embarcadero and I can write native solutions for more customers!! Linux!! Mac!! I think I need a paper bag...Comment by Hein [http://cde.co.za] on December 8, 10:31
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
so is codegear going to support handheld development? but please dont go with .net CF since it is very slow!!!Comment by ahmoy on December 8, 18:29
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
Sometimes I just understand you, guys. Delphi (as language) by support of FreePascal and Lazarus had been already on Mac and Linux since years! Why are you busy with other alternatives (Mono/.Net, Java, RealBasic, Ruby, XCode, etc) while what you had been dreaming about is right before your eyes. Yes, FPC and Lazarus is not perfect, but what is?! FPC's FCL and Lazarus' LCL is very much similar and compatible with Delphi's (as product) VCL. Having single codebase for different platforms and OSes is not that hard, though in some special cases it can't be 100% single codebase but it's can be solved easily using IFDEFs. Some people have been using Delphi (as language) on more than 16 platforms (including mobile devices), yet you are (Codegear/Embarcadero fan boys) still dreaming about it. My very deep condolence goes to you, guys.Comment by bee [http://beeography.wordpress.com] on December 9, 05:48
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
> Sometime I just understand those guys. I meant: "Sometime I just *don't* understand those guys." Sorry for the typo. :)Comment by bee [http://beeography.wordpress.com] on December 9, 13:08
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
Delphi is fantastic. But it runs on the wrong OS ! For the hundredth time I ran into problems last year with Windows, that time with the HTMLHelp file for our Delphi application. A person of our helpdesk asked me if I want to buy an iMac. His son could buy one with discount, in the shop he worked. I ordered it immediately due to these Windows problems. Afterwards, I thought, "What have I done !" But when the Mac arrived, I was flabbergasted. What a difference with Windows ! Since then, I hear in my circle of acquaintances that a lot of them have bought an iMac too. I also investigated Ubuntu via VMWare Fusion. Even this OS is better and cheaper. After a year of using my iMac, I have taken my decision: after 15 years Windows, I do not buy a Windows PC anymore. I will save 30-50% on system management and helpdesk costs. But I like Delphi. I hope that Embarcadero will port Delphi to Mac OS X and Ubuntu. It is an opportunity ! The market share of these OS's is growing fast. And I hear everywhere positive sounds. To my opinion there will be some point next year that everyone wants a Unix/Linux based computer.Comment by Hubert [http://www.dipo.eu] on December 13, 15:54
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
I hope this new product won't be kylix again. In that time kylix was based on Qt1 with Qt2 just out to the market. Should be a good approuch to release a single product that supports/compiles for more platforms. Huge change to the VCL core, but better that have different non working/elegant products like kylix.Comment by Paulo Junqueira da Costa [http://www.rt1.com.br] on December 24, 15:00
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
I can only hope that this is true! It's a big chance as there's no RAD-IDE (except RealBasic maybe) on the market. And as Apple's market share has increased to 8%, while Windows dropped quite below 90% Embarcadero should be quick! Be the first and come up with such a product! Give us Delphi for Mac!Comment by Thomas Pascal on January 8, 17:17
CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
I can't even say how excited I am to hear this. The key here is going to be execution. If Embarcadero can pull off a quality product on all platforms they will indeed re-ignite the Delphi flame.. imho I'm not shy to admit I'm still happily using Delphi 7 but I can guarantee I'll be first in line to buy that upgrade! I've been itching to dig into Ubuntu and OSX work :)Comment by John R. [] on May 15, 05:14
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CodeRage 2008 Closing Session Firebird and Delphi for Mac/Linux Mentioned
Comment by Troy Wolbrink [http://www.tntware.com/] on December 8, 02:44