This is a comparison between developing software in Delphi
XE+ vs Visual Studio 2015 (C#). I’ve decided not to go to in-depth with regards
to syntax or run time dependencies of executables. I have experience in both
although I have mainly developed web service and WCF services in C#, and mainly
developed desktop applications in Delph, so that might affect some of my
opinions.
Delphi Pros
- Quick and easy to develop desktop applications.
- I prefer the form designer, because I find it
easier to use.
- Quick to compile projects.
- I like the code structure of interface and
implementation in the same file.
- You can develop mobile apps.
Delphi Cons
-
Code insight is slow and could be significantly
improved.
- Some areas of the IDE look dated and it needs
investment to keep it up to date with its competitors.
- Find declaration does not always work, finding
the function or procedure is more time consuming than Visual Studio.
- Hard to employ developers as there are not many
about.
- Code insight is slow to update, for example add
a new property to a class and sometimes you need to compile to make that
property available for code insight.
- Unit testing using DUnit feels old and there has
been little development of it over the years.
Visual Studio Pros
-
IDE has a more modern interface, like the option
for a dark color theme.
- Code IntelliSense is great, and I like the
‘potential fixes’ option which is very useful for adding directive or assembly
reference.
- Unit testing is easy and integrated into the
IDE, making it easy to run tests while you are developing.
- Debugging services is easier than when I have
developed services in Delphi, this might have changed recently in later
versions of Delphi.
- Peek definition is a nice feature.
Visual Studio Cons
-
Slow to start-up.
- Sometimes freezes and it is best just to wait.
