delphiruntimepackagevcldesign-time

Fuss over Runtime and Design Time packages in Delphi

I have seen that most of the components (VCLs) in Delphi are split in two parts.
1) DesignTime Package
2) RunTime Package

Why all this fuss. What difference does it make if both RunTime and DesignTime packages are united into one single Package?

I have never really been able to understand this separation logic.

So what is the logic behind this?

Once I had head someone mention that this distinction was made just to avoid adopting and following Component standards as laid down by Microsoft. Really there is no logic behind this.

Is this true?

Solution

  • A. Some components have large and complex design-time features such as property editors, which you may not want to include in your run-time application.

    B. Some component vendors do not want to licence their large and complex design-time features for royalty-free run-time use, but restrict them to use by developers only.