PowerBuilder

PowerBuilder is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) and rapid application development (RAD) tool used for building business applications. It was originally developed by PowerSoft Corporation in the early 1990s and is now owned by Appeon Corporation.

Overview

PowerBuilder is primarily used for developing client-server and desktop applications. It provides a visual interface for designing user interfaces and a powerful scripting language called PowerScript for implementing business logic. PowerBuilder applications can connect to various databases, making it a versatile tool for data-driven applications.

History

PowerBuilder was first released in 1991 by PowerSoft Corporation. It quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use and rapid development capabilities. In 1995, PowerSoft was acquired by Sybase, which further enhanced and expanded the PowerBuilder platform. Sybase continued to release new versions of PowerBuilder until 2010 when it was acquired by SAP. In 2016, Appeon Corporation acquired the rights to PowerBuilder from SAP and has since been actively developing and supporting the tool.

Features

PowerBuilder offers a range of features that make it a powerful development tool. Some of its key features include:

DataWindow: The DataWindow is a unique feature of PowerBuilder that allows developers to easily retrieve, manipulate, and display data from various data sources. It provides a visual interface for designing data-driven forms and reports.

PowerScript: PowerScript is the scripting language used in PowerBuilder. It is a powerful and flexible language that allows developers to implement complex business logic. PowerScript supports object-oriented programming concepts and provides a wide range of built-in functions and libraries.

Visual Interface Designer: PowerBuilder provides a visual interface designer that allows developers to create user interfaces using drag-and-drop functionality. It supports a wide range of controls and provides extensive customization options.

Database Connectivity: PowerBuilder supports connectivity to various databases, including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2. It provides built-in database drivers and supports SQL for querying and manipulating data.

Deployment Options: PowerBuilder applications can be deployed as standalone executables or as components within larger applications. PowerBuilder supports various deployment options, including traditional client-server architecture, web deployment, and mobile deployment.

Community and Support

PowerBuilder has a dedicated community of developers who actively contribute to its growth and development. There are several online forums and communities where developers can seek help, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.

See Also

• Sybase
• Rapid Application Development
• Integrated Development Environment