Getting Started with DBISAM

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 40 views

Introduction

As a Delphi or C Builder developer, you may be facing the challenge of migrating your existing legacy BDE database application to a new database engine that works seamlessly with all versions of Windows. In this scenario, DBISAM emerges as an ideal embedded, royalty-free solution that compiles directly into your application, making it an attractive option for developers seeking a hassle-free migration process.

What is DBISAM?

DBISAM is a powerful database engine designed to replace the Borland Database Engine (BDE) in existing BDE applications. It was specifically created to support Paradox databases and can be easily integrated into your existing application, providing a wide range of new features and functionality. With DBISAM, you can say goodbye to the limitations of the BDE and hello to a more robust and reliable database solution.

Key Features of DBISAM

Adaptable Architecture

DBISAM is designed to support a wide range of architectures, including single-user, multi-user, and client-server configurations. This flexibility makes it an ideal solution for developers who need to adapt their database engine to meet the changing needs of their application. With DBISAM, you can easily switch between different architectures without having to make significant changes to your code.

BDE Replacement

DBISAM was specifically designed to replace the BDE in existing BDE applications. Its compatibility with Paradox databases makes it an attractive option for developers who need to migrate their existing applications to a new database engine. The good news is that DBISAM can be easily integrated into your existing application, minimizing the need for significant code changes.

Small and Compact

One of the significant advantages of DBISAM is its small and compact size. It can be compiled directly into a Win32 Delphi, C Builder, or RAD Studio application, or a Linux Kylix application, adding very little to the executable size. This makes it an ideal solution for developers who need to keep their application size small and efficient.

Solid and Reliable

DBISAM products are thoroughly tested with feature and regression tests in our automated test framework. This ensures that DBISAM is a solid and reliable database engine that can be trusted to perform consistently and efficiently.

Benefits of Using DBISAM

Easy Migration

DBISAM makes it easy to migrate your existing BDE application to a new database engine. Its compatibility with Paradox databases and its ability to be easily integrated into your existing application make the migration process a breeze.

Increased Functionality

DBISAM provides a wide range of new features and functionality that were previously unavailable in the BDE. This includes support for multiple architectures, improved performance, and enhanced security features.

Improved Performance

DBISAM is designed to provide improved performance and efficiency compared to the BDE. Its compact size and optimized code make it an ideal solution for developers who need to keep their application size small and efficient.

Enhanced Security

DBISAM provides enhanced security features that were previously unavailable in the BDE. This includes support for encryption, secure authentication, and access control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DBISAM VCL Standard with Source for Delphi 7 is a powerful database engine that provides a wide range of features and functionality. Its compatibility with Paradox databases, small and compact size, and solid and reliable performance make it an ideal solution for developers who need to migrate their existing BDE application to a new database engine. Whether you need to support single-user, multi-user, or client-server architectures, DBISAM is the perfect solution for your database needs.

System Requirements

Operating System

DBISAM supports all versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows XP.

Delphi Version

DBISAM is compatible with Delphi 7 and later versions.

Database Engine

DBISAM supports Paradox databases and can be easily integrated into your existing application.

Getting Started with DBISAM

Installation

To get started with DBISAM, simply download the installation package from the official DBISAM website and follow the installation instructions.

Configuration

Once installed, configure DBISAM by setting up your database engine, creating tables, and defining relationships between tables.

Testing

Test your application to ensure that it is working correctly with DBISAM.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Some common issues that you may encounter when using DBISAM include:

Database Engine Not Found: This error occurs when the database engine is not installed or configured correctly.
Table Not Found: This error occurs when the table is not created or defined correctly.
Relationship Not Defined: This error occurs when the relationship between tables is not defined correctly.

Solutions

To resolve these issues, follow these steps:

Database Engine Not Found: Install and configure the database engine correctly.
Table Not Found: Create and define the table correctly.
Relationship Not Defined: Define the relationship between tables correctly.

Conclusion

Q: What is DBISAM?

A: DBISAM is a powerful database engine designed to replace the Borland Database Engine (BDE) in existing BDE applications. It was specifically created to support Paradox databases and can be easily integrated into your existing application, providing a wide range of new features and functionality.

Q: What are the key features of DBISAM?

A: The key features of DBISAM include:

Adaptable Architecture: DBISAM supports a wide range of architectures, including single-user, multi-user, and client-server configurations.
BDE Replacement: DBISAM was specifically designed to replace the BDE in existing BDE applications.
Small and Compact: DBISAM can be compiled directly into a Win32 Delphi, C Builder, or RAD Studio application, or a Linux Kylix application, adding very little to the executable size.
Solid and Reliable: DBISAM products are thoroughly tested with feature and regression tests in our automated test framework.

Q: What are the benefits of using DBISAM?

A: The benefits of using DBISAM include:

Easy Migration: DBISAM makes it easy to migrate your existing BDE application to a new database engine.
Increased Functionality: DBISAM provides a wide range of new features and functionality that were previously unavailable in the BDE.
Improved Performance: DBISAM is designed to provide improved performance and efficiency compared to the BDE.
Enhanced Security: DBISAM provides enhanced security features that were previously unavailable in the BDE.

Q: What are the system requirements for DBISAM?

A: The system requirements for DBISAM include:

Operating System: DBISAM supports all versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows XP.
Delphi Version: DBISAM is compatible with Delphi 7 and later versions.
Database Engine: DBISAM supports Paradox databases and can be easily integrated into your existing application.

Q: How do I get started with DBISAM?

A: To get started with DBISAM, simply download the installation package from the official DBISAM website and follow the installation instructions. Once installed, configure DBISAM by setting up your database engine, creating tables, and defining relationships between tables.

Q: What are some common issues that I may encounter when using DBISAM?

A: Some common issues that you may encounter when using DBISAM include:

Database Engine Not Found: This error occurs when the database engine is not installed or configured correctly.
Table Not Found: This error occurs when the table is not created or defined correctly.
Relationship Not Defined: This error occurs when the relationship between tables is not defined correctly.

Q: How do I resolve these issues?

A: To resolve these issues, follow these steps:

Database Engine Not Found: Install and configure the database engine correctly.
Table Not Found: Create and define the table correctly.
Relationship Not Defined: Define the relationship between tables correctly.

Q: Is DBISAM compatible with other database engines?

A: DBISAM is specifically designed to support Paradox databases, but it can also be used with other database engines, such as dBase and InterBase.

Q: Can I use DBISAM with other programming languages?

A: DBISAM can be used with other programming languages, such as C Builder and RAD Studio, in addition to Delphi.

Q: Is DBISAM a royalty-free solution?

A: Yes, DBISAM is a royalty-free solution, which means that you can use it in your applications without having to pay any licensing fees.

Q: What kind of support does DBISAM offer?

A: DBISAM offers a range of support options, including online documentation, email support, and phone support.

Q: Can I customize DBISAM to meet my specific needs?

A: Yes, DBISAM can be customized to meet your specific needs. You can modify the code to add new features or to change the behavior of the database engine.

Q: Is DBISAM a reliable solution?

A: Yes, DBISAM is a reliable solution that has been thoroughly tested with feature and regression tests in our automated test framework.