Client-Server application writing in delphi

Question

What is the best way to write a client-server application under delphi? I know there\'s a DataSnap technology, but it\'s not in Professional version. Do You have any experience

Answer 1

This is fairly wide open question, as it can depend on your database decision.

DataSnap really allows for N-Tier solutions, if your looking for Client Server you have most everything you need in the professional version depending on the Database Choice.

For Client Server:

Client Server Architecture is when the Client communicates directly with the server.

There are several frameworks available they all follow the same pattern.

DB Connection -> Query -> (Optional Provider -> TClientDataset) -> TDataSource -> Visual Control

DBX

• TSqlConnection - Connects to the Database
• TSqlQuery - Query against DB producing uni-directional Dataset
• TSqlStoredProc - Executes Stores Procedures against DB

ADO

• TAdoConnection - Connects to Database
• TAdoQuery - Query against DB producing Bi-Directional Dataset

Common Components

• TClientDataSet - In Memory dataset that is bi-directional
• TDatasetProvider - Takes other datasets and ties the data to TClientDataset
• TDataSource - Ties a Dataset to a data-aware visual control

There are several other options available depending on Database Choice.

However, you seem to be asking about N-Tier (Middle-Tier) type solutions

For N-Tier

N-Tier architecture is when the Client communicates with Middle Tier that then communicates with the Server. It's referred to N-Tier as you have option to have multiple Middle Tiers or Application Servers.

Commercial Options (Required additional $$ to be spent)

• DataSnap
• DataAbstract
• RemObjects SDK (Part of DataAbstract but can be used by itself)
• KBMMw
• Midware

I personally don't know of any free or open source options, although I suspect some exist.