Why Java?

[Chesso]

I may have started with VB but i must say both that and java are just plain crap i got sick of runtime library's long ago. Delphi is far more capable then VB and can make stand alone windows executables or use Kylix for Linux as long as Win32 specific code isn't used or not much of it porting is fairly simple.

Also the fact that the Delphi IDE is just as simple as VB plus the Native VCL has more to offer.

[Aedan]

Runtime libraries are completely normal. Very very few applications work without runtime libraries, unless you statically link in all the libraries instead. That has the downside that if there are any issues with bugs in libraries, it requires a recompile rather than simply just replacing the library.

Whilst cross platform with Linux is 'nice', Linux isn't the only UNIX clone out there. I frequently come across BSD varients, Solaris, AIX and HPUX.

Last time I checked, there were some runtime requirements for Delphi too.

[Chesso]

With delphi you have the option of a stand alone executable or using a runtime package it's your choice. I know the crossplatform ability isn't much just thought i would mention it i couldn't give a toss about any other operating system's besides windows anyway lol.

I suppose again it comes down to what is needed, if your application needed to be very cross platform friendly delphi wouldnt be your choice but i still have to say Delphi beats the crap out of VB in every way

[Aedan]

Oh, there's VB code running on my mobile phone (P900). It's easy enough to recompile it for Windows, Palm and Symbian platforms.

[Chesso]

VB running on a mobile phone? lmao that is pretty cool.

[Aedan]

Metroworks had a development system that would allow redeployment of VB on Symbian and Palm based systems. That includes the TCP/IP stack as well.