Migration and Upgrade Center

Migrating to 64bit

Ever since Delphi XE2, it has been possible to generate Delphi 64bit applications from the same code base as your traditional Windows 32bit Delphi code. The business case for 64-bit for business is covered in this tech paper The Impact of 64-bit Applications to your Company’s Bottom Line

On the whole moving to 64bit (on Windows, but also iOS) is beautifully simple to achieve! It can be just as simple as adding the 64bit target platform in the project manager and rebuilding the project. This is a massive benefit over other languages that need different types declared to resolve the difference between the two platforms.

64bit Resources

Building 64bit Applications with Delphi

Overview of how to build 64-bit Delphi applications with this short tutorial.

[7m16sec]

Migrations of Database and Middleware

Modernize your application with RAD Server

Migrate existing Delphi or C++ client/server business logic to a modern services-based architecture that is secure and scalable. RAD Server supports REST with JSON (or XML) parameter passing and return results. Publish APIs, manage connected users and devices, capture analytics about the use and users of applications, and connect to local and enterprise databases using FireDAC components. RAD Server also supports user authentication, push notifications, geolocation, and data storage.

Migrating from the Borland Database Engine (BDE) or DBExpress

The Borland Database Engine (BDE) has been deprecated, and beginning with version XE8 the BDE has been removed from the Delphi installation, but is still available as a separate download from Code Central. All applications using the BDE are recommended to be migrated to FireDAC. If you are new to FireDAC Data Access Components, start here and look at the First Steps and Getting Started links.

dbExpress is also in maintenance only mode and users should look to migrate to FireDAC which offers more databases, is faster and provides more features.

Database Resources

FireDAC Skill Sprints - Migrating BDE applications to FireDAC and InterBase - David I

FireDAC Skill Sprints is a series of 12 x 20minute videos teaching you the advanced features of FireDAC

Entire video playlist.

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Migrating 3rd Party Components / Libraries

What 3rd party libraries (components) are you using in your older Delphi?

The 3rd party plug-ins (libraries) need to be rebuilt in the current Delphi version. Having the source code makes this easier. You will need to re-compile your 3rd party components / libraries from older Delphi using the current Delphi version so the components and libraries can be used in current Delphi projects.

Any 3rd party components / libraries without the source code may need updated versions for the current Delphi version.

The current Delphi includes the new Getit Package Manager to allow you to browse, download, purchase, and install GetIt packages into the current Delphi version. GetIt currently includes popular free packages such as libraries, components, IDE extensions, and SDKs, like Open Source "TurboPack" Components, JEDI Visual Component Library, etc., certified to work in the current Delphi version!

10 Tips For Making Your Mobile App Succeed

• Monetize Your App Using In App Payments And Ads

  Ads are a good way to monetize your apps. Use full screen interstitial ads at the start of your app and at natural stopping points. Integrate leaderboard ads (320x50) into either the header or footer where it makes sense for your interface. Over at AppBrain Stats they have a list of the most popular ad networks that include Admob, Millennial Media, InMobi, Chartboost, Tapjoy and many more. Add in-app payments for consumable, one time purchase, and subscription-based revenue. Offer both a paid version with no ads and a free version of your app. Provide a way to disable ads in the free version via an in-app purchase.

• Secure Your App’s Data Connections With SSL

  Mobile users are more mobile than ever these days and they jump from secured wireless access point to 4G to unsecured wireless hotspot multiple times per day. If you want to keep your user's data secure from the prying eyes of just about anyone using a network packet sniffer you will want to implement industry standard encryption like TLS/SSL (Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer). Using a good tried and true third party library is the way to go.

• Encourage Users To Rate Your App

  A good rating in the various app stores is more important than ever. Usually only people who want to give your app a low rating end up on app store rating pages and rate your app down. You can encourage users who love your app to rate your app by pointing them in the right direction. The third time a user uses your app is good time to ask them to visit the rating page for your app on the app store of your choice.

• Create And Deploy Icons For Your App

  Having a great looking icon is a must have to increase your chance of success in the app stores. There are more than 30 different icon sizes that you need to create and deploy for Android and iOS apps. This can be a real chore to create all of the icons needed. There are utilities out there that can help you do that like Mobile Gfx Setup, Paint.net and Adobe Flash CC is a more advanced commercial Windows program that comes with a free trial and you can create and export your icons pretty easily in it as well.

• Handle App Activate And Deactivate Lifecycle Events

  Once you have the features in your app all finished you aren't done. One reason why some apps succeed and others do not is because of the polish that goes into them. There are events on both Android and iOS which will tell your app when it becomes active or goes into the background. You should find and handle these events so that your app has a slick user experience. Test and handle all of the various actions in your app like going into sleep mode and coming back out or pressing the back button.

• Don’t Fly Blind. Add Analytics To Your App

  Implementing analytics using various third party analytics libraries like Google Analytics, Flurry Analytics, GameAnalytics and Parse Analytics to name a few. Analytics providers have their own Android, iOS, and REST SDKs that you can integrate. Track important data points like how long a user uses your app, which screens do they use to most, and where they may get stuck or leave your app. Most important of all is to take action on the information that the analytics give you. Iterate and test. Iterate and test.

• Setup Push Notifications

  Push are an important mechanism for keep your users engaged with your app. Try to find a balance between sending too many and not sending enough push notification to keep users engaged. Android push notifications are available through Google Cloud Messaging. iOS push notifications are available through the Apple Push Notification Service. Implementing push notifications can be tough but third party providers like Parse, PushWoosh, and Upsight (formerly Playhaven) make it easier for you.

• Use Threads To Keep Your App Responsive

  Threads allow you to execute long running procedures in a separate process. Use threads anywhere your app would block user input like uploading and downloading files, processing information or loading data. If your app appears frozen users may exit and move on to the next app. If a user is sitting on a screen waiting for something to happen, think about how you can rearchitect your app so that the event they are waiting for happens in the background instead.

• Check Network Connectivity Before Trying To Connect

  Mobile device connectivity is not a sure thing. If your app needs internet access you need to handle the scenario when connectivity is not available. Using queuing systems for uploading and downloading data. Implement file download resuming where possible. An offline mode where online only features are disabled while connectivity is unavailable may be a good idea.

• Optimize Your App Name, Description and Distribution

  Choose a functional name, descriptive, or a unique name (or a combination) to help your app succeed. Stay away from trademarked terms. A good description that lays out what your app does, who your competitors are and what technologies you used to build it can help people find your app. Building your app is just the beginning. Distribution is also key to a successful app so make sure if your app runs on both Android and iOS that you deploy it to the biggest app stores like Google Play, Apple App Store, Amazon Appstore, and Samsung Apps. Each app store has their own submission process and guidelines but the extra boost in users you get is worth it. You may just find your niche on the Amazon Appstore or Samsung Apps.