What you should really read from the above "description" is that .Net is a programming platform that represents the future of Windows programming. The .Net offers multi-language support, programs can be written for the common language runtime in just about every language, including Delphi, C, C++, C#. Another important thing to remember is that the .Net Framework, beside the CLR, includes a rich set of classes, interfaces, and value types commonly referred to as the FCL (Framework Class Library).

When thinking about .Net, you should imagine a smart runtime for your programs - a framework that sits on top of your operating system and takes care of running your .Net applications ("traditional" Windows applications or Web sites). The common language runtime manages the execution of code and provides services, such as memory management and cross-language integration, that simplify the development process. The class library is a collection of reusable, object-oriented components for developing .NET applications that take advantage of the common language runtime services.

Forward to Delphi for .NET

• The following Windows platforms are supported:
  - Microsoft Windows 2000 (SP2 or higher and security updates are recommended)
  - Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  - Microsoft Windows Server 2003
  
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later
• Delphi 8 for .NET requires approximately 225 MB of disk space for the complete install setup option.
• The .NET Framework version 1.1 requires approximately 150 MB of disk space.
• The .NET Framework SDK version 1.1 requires approximately 850 MB of disk space.
• Intel Pentium 233 MHz or higher (read P3, 1Ghz)
• 128 MB RAM (read 512)
• CD-ROM drive, VGA or higher resolution monitor, Mouse or other pointing device

Delphi 8 for .Net: the HOT stuff

Delphi 8 includes both design and development support for both Microsoft .NET Windows Forms (and Web forms) and Delphi VCL forms and controls. VCL for the Microsoft .NET Framework is a set of standard VCL controls that helps make transitioning Delphi skills and source code to .NET easier. VCL for .NET is a large subset of the most common classes in VCL for Win32. The best thing is that Delphi for .NET applications will have the full access to MS .Net framework objects (like ADO.NET) - enabling Delphi developers to, for example, create .Net components and offer them to developers using VB.NET, C# and any other .net compliant language.

Delphi 8 for .NET and VCL.NET are intended to help users leverage the power of Delphi when writing new applications, as well as for migrating existing Win32 applications to the .NET Framework. VCL.NET is the same library of components you are used to working with Win32 versions of Delphi, updated for use in the .NET Framework.

Let's sum this up to see the real advantages of Delphi 8:

Delphi 8 is pure .NET and pure Delphi. VCL.NET (component library) helps users leverage their power in Delphi when writing .Net applications Delphi 8 fully supports Windows Forms development (.NET FCL library) Delphi 8 fully supports ASP.NET, Web Forms, HTML pages and Web Services. Delphi 8 comes with Borland Data Providers for .NET that provide access to InterBase, Oracle, DB2 Universal, and Microsoft SQL Server databases. Delphi 8 modeling features help you improve the performance, effectiveness, and maintainability of your applications by creating a detailed visual design before you ever write a line of code. When you buy Delphi 8 (.NET) you get Delphi 7 (Win32) for free.

And now: the IDE

That's just to tickle your imagination .. if you are interested in more IDE screen shots, proceed to next page...