Visual Component Library

programming VCL A application framework library for

Microsoft Windows and Borland Software Corp.'s Delphi

and C++Builder rapid application development software.

VCL was originally designed for Delphi but is now also used

for C++Builder. This replaces OWL Object Windows Library

as Borland's Windows C++ framework of choice. VCL

encapsulates the C-based Win32 API into a much easier to

use, object-oriented form. Like its direct rival,

Microsoft Foundation Class Library (MFC), VCL includes

classes to create Windows programs.

The VCL component class can be inherited to create new VCL

components, which are the building blocks of Delphi and

C++Builder applications. VCL components are somewhat in

competition with ActiveX controls, though a VCL wrapper can

be created to make an ActiveX control seem like a VCL

component.

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(2001-07-09)