VDelta
VDelta
 
VDelta Technology

Content-Oriented Language
1.

VΔDelta is a Content Programming Language, geared towards the creation of consumable content demanded by interactive Internet applications. Java, C/C++, and Pascal, on the other hand, are Utility Programming Languages, geared towards the creation of utility programs, such as word processors and spreadsheets.It is also easier and faster to create utility programs with VΔDelta, than with a utility programming language.
2.

VΔDelta offers built-in support for user input, fonts, graphics, sound and other media. Java, C/C++, and Pascal require the use of external API libraries to access such capabilities.In VΔDelta, fonts are embedded in the application, making the application independent of fonts installed in the operating system.
3.

VΔDelta demonstrates a dramatic code-line advantage over conventional utility oriented languages such as Java, C/C++, and Pascal.  One line of VΔDelta code typically accomplishes the equivalent of at least a thousand lines of code.
4.

Programming experience is not needed prior to starting VΔDelta programming.A new user may begin using VΔDelta immediately, since it has a much more intuitive syntax. New users learn how to use VΔDelta much faster than Java, C/C++, or other languages, experiencing a more gradual and reinforced learning curve, not having to complete in depth research before beginning, and learning about more advanced features as required.  Unlike other “easy to learn” languages such as BASIC, VΔDelta still possesses all the features of a full-fledged programming language.  Advanced programmers can still use advanced programming features.

5.

VΔDelta offers a complete development environment that includes on-line tutorials and a clear and comprehensive reference. Java, C/C++, and Pascal support comes from a wider variety of sources, making it difficult for a user to determine where to go for information.

6.

VΔDelta’s uncomplicated syntax and functionality enables authors to design and implement anything they can imagine in a shorter period of time, resulting in the opportunity to spend even less money on development costs than with other languages.

7.

The VΔDelta language includes commands for drawing vector graphics, including boxes, circles, and polygons.This makes it possible to deliver complex images without using bitmap (or raster) images, thus speeding the delivery of content.

8.

VΔDelta is the only language to support the Unicode[1] standard natively in the interpreter.  Because fonts are built-in and downloaded on demand, any language can be properly displayed without requiring the user to download and install support for that language.

On-Demand Delivery of Code
1.

A VΔDelta program file is broken into many separate, tiny modules (usually under 10k).  These modules are delivered on-demand, independently of each other.

2.

Programs begin executing immediately with no up-front download, unlike Java, which requires the entire application to be downloaded before execution can begin.

3.

Subroutines in VΔDelta are kept in separate code modules.

4.

Code modules that are not executed are not downloaded.

5.

Code modules are compressed during compilation, making them even smaller and further speeding content delivery.

6.

Core interpreter libraries can be upgraded at any time without the need to distribute a new version of the interpreter.Sun Microsystems, Inc., must release a new version of Java every time the core libraries are changed, and users must download this new version.

Interpreted and Platform Independent
1.

VΔDelta is interpreted and therefore offers true portability and the resultant freedom from platform centric applications.  It runs on any platform for which a VΔDelta interpreter has been created.Interpreters exist for Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Apple MacOS X, Linux, and UNIX platforms.

2.

Catharon creates all VΔDelta Interpreters and therefore has complete control over the interpreters, assuring rigorous testing, quality control, and complete compatibility on all platforms.  Java interpreters, on the other hand, are written by a variety of different companies, resulting in inconsistencies between different platforms.

3.

The core interpreter is extremely simple.  Additionally, the core libraries, written in VΔDelta, provide most of the advanced functionality, which means that it is easy to port the interpreter automatically to other platforms, while still maintaining complete consistency.  Meanwhile, Java includes a large portion of its functionality in the core interpreter, making the task of porting to other platforms a more complex and error-prone task.

4.

Unlike any other language, VΔDelta can multi-thread even on processors or operating systems that do not support multi-threading or that place a limit on the number of concurrent threads.VΔDelta will also take advantage of a multi-threading processor if one is present, and it will allow the application to run more concurrent threads than the hardware supports. Java, C/C++, and Pascal will not multi-thread unless both the hardware and the operating system support it.

5.

VΔDelta can handle many tasks automatically, such as repainting the display when necessary.This also results in a dramatic code line advantage over other languages.

6.

VΔDelta programs do not use memory pointers or access memory directly.Therefore it is not possible for a VΔDelta program to write outside of its memory area and damage data owned by other applications (the primary cause of “General Protection Fault” and “Illegal Operation” errors).

7.

New developments in hardware and operating systems do not obsolesce existing VΔDelta programs.Regardless of changes to underlying platforms, all VΔDelta programs continue to run: for example, VΔDelta programs written for a 256-color palette-based display still run today without modification on high-color and true-color displays without palettes.

Content Development Tools
1.

The VΔDelta development environment includes a complete set of development tools, such as a source code editor, a GUI tool for designing interfaces, a compiler, and an advanced debugger.Java only offers a compiler; other tools must be obtained from a third party.

2.

Authors can create applications entirely in the GUI provided, or can use a combination of the GUI and the VΔDelta language.

Superior Debugging and Error Handling
1.

VΔDelta does not produce cryptic "Illegal Operation" or exception errors.All error messages include full and clear error information, including the line number, even at run-time.Error reports include.
  • Module name and the line number where the error occurred.

  • Meaningful error code and description, for example, "Array index out of bounds" or "Module not found".

  • Error-specific information, such as the name of the module that was not found or the actual index value that caused an "array index out of bounds" error.

  • The entire call stack, with the module name and line number for each entry.

  • Call stack information for all other threads in the same process.
2.

At run-time, VΔDelta applications can trap errors and handle them itself.  This allows applications to e-mail a full error report to the application's author or log the error report in a database via SQL over TCP/IP.

3.

One of the development tools is an advanced debugger that can debug multi-threaded applications. It also supports plug-ins, thereby allowing authors to enhance the debugger.

4.

During the debugging process, the author may make changes to the program without restarting the program or the debugger.

5.

A wider variety of debugging information is available to the author during the debugging process, for example.

  • Values of all currently defined variable.

  • Location and properties of all currently defined mouse areas and user interface widgets.

  • Contents of the message queues for all threads.

  • Call Stack information for all threads.

  • 6.

    The development version of the VΔDelta interpreter can run programs directly from source code, thereby speeding up the development process because authors can change the code and test it without having to wait for it to compile.During source-mode execution, a hotkey may be used to start the debugger at any time.

    Patented Modular Delivery
    1.

    VΔDelta’s  modular structure is supported by Catharon's patented modularized code protocol. 

    2.

    Using the protocol, traffic loads can be distributed between multiple servers, a process that is completely transparent to the author and to the end user. Called secondary servers, these do not need to be configured in advance since the appropriate code modules and configuration information can be transferred using the protocol on an as-needed basis.

    3.

    The protocol can bridge router-based firewalls transparently. If it fails to connect to the server on the standard port, it can then try port 80 (HTTP) or other ports.The protocol will also support many proxy firewalls.

    Patented Multi-Threading
    1.

    VΔDelta’s multi-threading capability is supported on all platforms, even those that have operating systems or hardware that will not multi-thread.

    2.

    Using multi-threading, it is simple to create true program objects. Because the system can run very large numbers of threads without performance degradation it becomes practical to create threads for every object, including those used for the graphic user interface.

    3.

    Any thread on any computer on the Internet can send a message to any other thread on any other computer with a single command.

    1Unicode provides a unique number for every character, no matter what the platform, no matter what the program, no matter what the language. The Unicode Standard has been adopted by such industry leaders as Apple, HP, IBM, JustSystem, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Sun, Sybase, Unisys and many others. Unicode is required by modern standards such as XML, Java, ECMAScript (JavaScript), LDAP, CORBA 3.0, WML, etc., and is the official way to implement ISO/IEC 10646.
    All of the tradenames included are the exclusive property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2008 by Catharon Software Corporation
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