EA and Delphi (Reverse Engenieering)

[ffxhub]

I have been searching the web for a piece of software that will do some reverse engenieeiring for me.  I have my code in Delphi and I need to convert it to UML.

After reading about EA it sounds like it will do what I want, but I wanted some input from those of you that have used it before.  Has anyone used this feature??

I know you are supposed to do the modeling first, but things don't always happen as they are supposed to.

Any help would be greatly appreicated.

Thanks!!

Paul

[Eduardo]

I love EA.

However, if you want to use something specific for Delphi compatibility, you may want to look at ModelMaker (www.modelmakertools.com).  It is *only* for tight coupling with Delphi.  Excellent in regards to reverse engineering, UML design, code generation, and code sync with Delphi.   It does not do Java or C++ or C#; just Delphi.

EA is more than reverse engineering and code generation.  It looks good for complete project life cycle from business domain to requirements to code.

HTH

-Eduardo

[ffxhub]

Thanks for the reply.  So do you think EA will not work, or just not work as well as ModelMaker?  I have looked into ModelMaker, but I like the price of EA better

[Eduardo]

For Delphi specific work with UML and code generation that maintains sync with the Delphi IDE, you'd be hard pressed to beat ModelMaker.  It is a niche tool for Delphi only.

Geoffrey is adding more Delphi specific functionality to EA in the near   future.  So, it will get better in that specific area.  In general, it is better than MM.  ModelMaker cannot help you model and document from requirements to delivery of a project (in MS Word/RTF) and ALM.

To me, it is like the difference between a Miata and an SUV.  The Miata is better as a roadster (Delphi), the SUV can carry more people and is more versatile in general.  It can still go pretty fast, and Sparx is making faster every day.

If you need to go fast (using Delphi as your only/RAD tool), MM is what I think you should look at.  If you ever want to carry more load into many areas (Java, C++, C#, etc.), EA, because the Miata does not do swamps very well.  

-Eduardo

[mbc]

I recommend that you download the evaluation version of EA and try it out on your Delphi project.
Although the opinions of other users are a valuable contribution to your decision-making, there is no substitute for trying it with your own hands.

Mikkel

[ufechner]

Hello,

I use EA for UseCases, StateDiagrams etc. before writing any code and do the class modelling with Delphi and reverse engeneering with EA afterwards. It works very well.

The only feature, I am missing in the moment is reverse engeneering of delphi enumerations.

And EA supports classes only, not global vars or procedures, but that helps to improve the quality of my delphi code.

I did try modelmaker, but I didn't like the user-interface at all.

So, give it a try yourself.

Regards.

Uwe Fechner

(AND: You can use EA for database modelling, too. So you don't need a second tool for that. Really great.)