PowerBuilder is a rapid application development (RAD) tool primarily used for building data-driven business applications.
It was originally developed by Powersoft in the early 1990s and later acquired by Sybase, which was then acquired by SAP.
Currently, it is maintained and enhanced by a company called Appeon.
Key Features of PowerBuilder:
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):
- Uses its own OOP language called PowerScript, similar to BASIC or Pascal.
- Uses its own OOP language called PowerScript, similar to BASIC or Pascal.
- Rapid UI Development:
- Known for its DataWindow technology, which makes it easy to create complex data views and bind them to databases with minimal code.
- Known for its DataWindow technology, which makes it easy to create complex data views and bind them to databases with minimal code.
- Database-Centric:
- Strong support for relational databases like SQL Server, Oracle, and SAP ASE.
- Can directly connect and work with SQL databases using embedded SQL, stored procedures, and database triggers.
- Client-Server Architecture:
- Historically used for developing Windows desktop applications in enterprise environments.
- Supports deployment as both classic Windows apps and more recently as cloud-native or web-based apps using the newer versions from Appeon.
- Legacy System Integration:
- Still widely used in industries with long-standing legacy systems like banking, insurance, and government due to its stability and performance.
Modern Developments:
- Appeon PowerBuilder (current vendor) has introduced:
Use Cases:
- Enterprise financial and HR systems.
- Inventory and supply chain management systems.
- Insurance claim processing systems.
- Custom internal enterprise applications.
Summary:
PowerBuilder is a legacy yet still relevant development environment for creating robust, database-intensive business applications, especially in organizations with long-standing IT infrastructures.
Its unique DataWindow object and database focus make it particularly powerful in enterprise contexts where quick development of forms and reports is essential.
Can you compare PowerBuilder to other similar applications?
PowerBuilder is part of a class of rapid application development (RAD) tools and low-code platforms focused on building data-intensive, enterprise-grade applications, especially for Windows environments.
Here is a comparison of PowerBuilder with other similar tools/platforms:
Comparison Table: PowerBuilder vs Similar Applications
| Feature / Tool | PowerBuilder | Delphi (RAD Studio) | Microsoft Access | Visual Studio (WinForms/WPF) | OutSystems / Mendix | Microsoft Power Apps |
| Type | RAD / 4GL Tool | RAD / Native Compiler | Desktop Database Tool | Full IDE / SDK | Low-code Platforms | Low-code Platform |
| Language | PowerScript | Object Pascal | VBA / SQL | C# / VB.NET | Proprietary (Java/C# underneath) | Power Fx |
| Main Use Case | Enterprise client-server apps | Native Windows & cross-platform apps | Small-scale internal tools | Full-scale apps (any type) | Enterprise-grade web/mobile apps | Business apps with MS ecosystem |
| Data Handling | Strong (DataWindow) | Good | Very Strong | Good (via ADO.NET/EF) | Strong (Visual Modeling) | Medium (Connectors / Dataverse) |
| Database Support | SQL Server, Oracle, SAP ASE, etc. | Most relational DBs | Jet/Access DB, SQL Server | Most relational DBs | Most major DBs | Dataverse, SQL, SharePoint |
| Modern UI/Web Support | Limited (via Appeon) | Limited (FMX/Web w/ addons) | No | Yes (WPF, Blazor, MAUI) | Strong | Strong |
| Mobile Support | Partial (via Appeon) | Partial (FMX) | No | Partial (MAUI, Xamarin) | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud-Native Support | Moderate (C# migration) | Limited | No | Strong (Blazor/.NET Core) | Strong | Strong |
| Custom Code Flexibility | High | High | Medium | Very High | Medium | Medium |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Moderate | Low | High | Low | Low |
| Enterprise Use Cases | Legacy-heavy (finance, insurance) | Legacy, SMB, native apps | Small apps, internal tools | Full-scale enterprise apps | Modern enterprise apps | Office 365-centric business apps |
PowerBuilder Strengths vs Others
Where PowerBuilder Excels:
- Legacy system support and maintenance.
- Complex data handling with DataWindow.
- Rapid Windows UI development.
- Ideal for client-server enterprise applications.
- Easier to learn compared to full IDEs like Visual Studio.
Where It Falls Short:
- Modern UI/UX and web development.
- Limited out-of-the-box cloud-native and mobile support.
- Smaller talent pool and developer community.
- Requires Appeon tools to modernize or integrate with cloud/web apps.
When to Use PowerBuilder vs Others
| Scenario | Recommended Tool |
| Maintain/enhance legacy ERP-like system in insurance or banking | PowerBuilder |
| Build native Windows apps with more modern features | Delphi |
| Quick, local internal reporting or forms | Microsoft Access |
| Full-featured enterprise desktop/web apps from scratch | Visual Studio (.NET) |
| Fast, scalable, mobile/web enterprise apps | OutSystems / Mendix |
| Microsoft 365-native apps with citizen developers | Power Apps |