Overview

Borland provides a series of compilers available to programmers. The company has been releasing many of these compilers free to the public but you must register in order to use them. To install one of these compilers, you can download it or order a CD from the company. After getting installed, some of the compilers are offered for a fixed period, mostly 30 days. Some others have unlimited timeframe.

Free Compilers

These are the free compilers available from Borland:

C++ Compiler: Allows you to create C or C++ console applications, STL applications, GUI applications  for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems, libraries, web applications, databases, internet and communications, etc. This is a free compiler with which you must create your programs using a text editor like Notepad but as far using the compiler, everything is included.

C++BuilderX: For C++ programmers or students, this is one of the best offers. This is an unlimited, complete C++ programming package. It allows you to create applications for different operating systems, including MS Windows and Linux. Even as compared to other freely available compilers (check our article on new free compilers from Microsoft, next time), this one offers extra options as it includes various "internal" compilers.

C#Builder: This an incredibly high environment to learn and create C# applications. It is offered on two options. The Personal edition, meant for non-commercial use, is unlimited. This allows you to create applications for the Microsoft .NET Framework library. It supports console, GUI, databases, internet, communications, web and XML applications.

These free compiler are available from the Borland's web site.

Trial Compilers

The company offers other programming environments as trial editions. They are:

C++ Builder Enterprise Trial: Allows you to create C or C++ console applications, STL application, GUI applications  for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems, libraries, web applications, databases, internet and communications, etc. This compiler is offered as a complete highly performing programming environment but for 30 days.

C#Builder Architect Trial: This version of C#Builder is provided for a limited period (30 days). It allows you to create applications for the Microsoft .NET Framework library. It supports console, GUI, databases, internet, communications, web and XML applications.

Delphi Architect Trial: The Delphi programming environment allows you to create impressive applications using Object Pascal. Borland offers an Architect Trial edition for Delphi 7. It can be used to create the same types of applications as C++ Builder Enterprise Trial.

Delphi for .NET Architect Trial: This is another great programming tool offered by Borland. It allows you to create applications for the Microsoft .NET Framework. Possible applications include Windows GUI, database, XML, Internet applications, etc. This is offered as a trial version.

JBuilder Enterprise Trial: This is used to create applications based on the Java language.

All of these products are available from the Borland's web site.