Borland's C++ Builder is light years ahead of MS Visual C++ (which is an extremely painful programming environment). C++ Builder is like Visual Basic for C++. It's really easy to learn, and I've been able to get results very quickly.

The only problem with C++ Builder is the lack of documentation. Borland is obviously not the market leader, consequently it's harder to find helpful, intelligent C++ Builder books than it is to find books for VB, Access, VC, ASP, SQL or other programming languages.

Several reference books that are essential: Charlie Calvert's C++ Builder Unleashed by Sams (unfortunately only up until version 4). And for non-visual reference, the C++ Builder complete reference by Osborne.

"Competetive comparison with MS VC++ 6", C++ Builder is a pretty product. Within few minutes, you can finalize your IDE drag and dropping. Within few hours you can finish a medium sized application and even enterprise using its very powerful VCL (MFC's counterpart). Another major plus, it complies to C++ Standard. In addition, the packaged CodeGuard makes debugging memory bugs(C/C++ programmers nightmare) a pleasure. Compared to VC6, this really is a gold.

Why just 2 stars? Compared to VC6 it has three major disadvantages that made me switch back to VC6.

First is performance optimization. For some reasons, code produced by C++ Builder is larger than VC6. I once developed an app simpler than a competitor's. However, my app is still larger! So I had to do it again in VC6. I have also observed that my app written in VC6 runs faster and consumes less memory.

Second Borland's VCL is written in C++ but rather in Borland's proprietary language Delphi. That means in order to examine the library's code, you have to learn another language. This also introduces some quirks you have to live by. For instance, a class property, say "Caption", does not necessary mean a variable, but rather a function that is made to look like a variable through language extensions. This means you can't be sure what does "&Caption" means unless you check the helpfile.

Third, VCL is not as good in low level. For instance you are force to use your main application thread for all access to VCL objects, which include WIN32 controls. Also, you can't flush the message stack. Things you can do easily with MFC

"Excellent C++ RAD environment for begginers on up!", For those of us coming from the MS world, C++ Builder does for C++ what Visual Basic did for Basic years ago. This is an excellent package. It's far easier to work with than Microsoft's Visual C++.

The only problem is that there is not a lot of documentation on the market for C++ Builder. "C++ Builder How-To" by the Waite Group Press is very good, but doesn't go into enough depth.

You won't regret getting this one.

"Professional Edition Well Worth The Money", OK, maybe it wasn't *my* money but I won't hesitate to continue recommending to employers and clients that they procure this product for Windows software development. A number of salient points have been made about this product in other reviews here, so I'll limit comments to issues that haven't been fully addressed. The on-line help for this version of the product is separated distinctly into two different references... one for Borland interface routines, and another for Windows SDK/API. The product allows you to freely utilize from either or both as your requirements dictate; I am finding the mixing/matching approach to my current development both painless and convenient. In the past, I have not been enthusiastic about utilizing Borland Classes of C++ facilitation, but I've come to the point with this product that it's just too compelling and simple not to increasingly utilize what's offered. A case in point would be the introduction of graphics into a chosen area of the screen. In previous versions of the product, I stuck to the typical Windows methods in what amounted to fifteen or so lines of code. Using the supplied Borland TClass constructs, it now takes about four lines. I found the migration from previous versions of Borland to this one relatively painless considering that I'm making the jump from primarily C-based code to primarily C++ facilitated code purely to take advantage of the assistance Borland provides for previously tedious Windows programming. Another reviewer pointed out that if you're not already a competent Windows programmer, this product won't be the way to become one. I would continue to agree with this (in addition to the fact that this has been the case from the first day Win3.0 hit the streets... so don't take it too personally that it's not like opening up FrontPage and cranking out a web page). I enjoy that the old Resource Workshop, while still invokable as a separate program, has to some degree been incorporated into the primary IDE, so you have instant access to all of your program's forms (ie., dialog boxes etc.) in a more integrated association with your code than in the old days. I especially enjoy the inclusion of InstallShield's development process in this distribution. There are a number (ie., four CD's worth) of additional freebees (or demos) that I haven't really explored yet, but from what I've seen thus far, you're best off browsing these disks when you're connected to the web; the packages appear to attempt connections with their own home pages in a number of cases. In all, I am very highly satisfied with what I got in return for the money and I won't hesitate to continue recommending it. I'm giving it 5 stars simply because I don't really see what they could have done further short of coming here and writing my code for me.

"Pre-Eminent C++ Development Product", I started out developing in C++ with Builder 3 which I also thought was a great product, and still use it on my old Sharp laptop. I also enjoy using VC, but Builder is clearly the superior product. There is one thing that concerns me though. If you are new to C++ Windows programming, beware: There has been NOTHING written to help the newcomer get started with Builder. The only book that is even available for this product, the "Developers Guide" was written aimed at those already experienced with C++ Builder. This dearth of available information is no doubt driving a lot of would be Builder users to VC. Borland really needs to take this issue seriously or their pool of users is going to continue to dwindle.