Unlocking Power and Flexibility: Exploring NexusDB for Your Delphi Applications

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Lightweight and easy to deploy (single DLL)
• Cross-platform support
• Supports SQL syntax

Cons:

• Limited data types compared to full-fledged databases

Sample Code (connecting and querying):

uses FireDAC.DAccess.ADODirect, FireDAC.SQLite;

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  // Connect to SQLite database
  FDConnection1.ConnectionString := 'Data Source=mydatabase.db';
  FDConnection1.Open;

  // Execute a query and retrieve data
  SQL := 'SELECT * FROM Customers';
  FDQuery1.SQL.Text := SQL;
  FDQuery1.Open;

  // Loop through results (replace with actual data processing)
  while not FDQuery1.Eof do
  begin
    ShowMessage(FDQuery1.FieldByName('Name').AsString);
    FDQuery1.Next;
  end;

  FDQuery1.Close;
  FDConnection1.Close;
end;

NexusDB (Free Edition):

• Powerful features like transactions, triggers, and stored procedures
• Supports various data types including BLOBs (Binary Large Objects)
• Good performance for small to medium-sized applications

• Free edition is limited to single-user applications

uses NexusDB;

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  // Connect to the database
  NexusDB1.Connect('mydatabase.db');

  // Execute a query and retrieve data
  SQL := 'SELECT * FROM Customers';
  Dataset1.SQL.Text := SQL;
  Dataset1.Open;

  // Loop through results (replace with actual data processing)
  while not Dataset1.Eof do
  begin
    ShowMessage(Dataset1.FieldByName('Name').AsString);
    Dataset1.Next;
  end;

  Dataset1.Close;
  NexusDB1.Disconnect;
end;

DBISAM:

• Mature and reliable option with a long history
• Supports various data types and features
• Royalty-free licensing

• Not as actively developed as some other options
• May have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler solutions

Considerations:

• Project size and complexity: For smaller, simpler applications, SQLite might suffice. For more complex projects, consider NexusDB or DBISAM.
• Deployment: If easy deployment is crucial, SQLite's single DLL approach is efficient.
• Specific features: If you need specific features like transactions or BLOB support, choose an option offering those features.