Getting Started with UniDAC

UniDAC (Universal Data Access Components) is a library of nonvisual components that provide access to multiple Delphi, C++ Builder, Lazarus (and Free Pascal) databases on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. It lets you change the client engine for a specific server type just by changing a single connection option. Thus, you can easily switch between different database servers in your cross-database UniDAC-based application.

UniDAC is a complete replacement for standard database connectivity solutions and an effective alternative to dbExpress and BDE in accessing Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, InterBase, Firebird, SQLite, DB2, Microsoft Access, Advantage Database Server, Adaptive Server Enterprise, DBF, NexusDB, and other databases (using ODBC provider), as well as various cloud services.

Key Features of UniDAC

Universal Data Access

Universal Data Access

UniDAC provides transparent server-independent interfaces for working with different databases. It lets you change the client engine for specific server types by simply changing the connection option. You can switch between database servers in your cross-database UniDAC-based application.

Server-Aware Providers

Server-Aware Providers

UniDAC utilizes the best way for the specific server to perform most of its operations. Every UniDAC data provider uses server-specific native connectivity. All operations with data are performed by providers that automatically take into account the peculiarities of the selected database server.

Access Cloud Services

Access Cloud Services

UniDAC allows working with applications, that store the data in such Cloud services as BigCommerce, Dynamics CRM, FreshBooks, Magento, MailChimp, NetSuite, Salesforce, Salesforce MC, SugarCRM, QuickBooks, Zoho CRM.

Optimized Code

Optimized Code

The goal of UniDAC is to let developers write efficient and flexible database applications with no hassle. The UniDAC library is executed using advanced data access algorithms and is properly optimized: classes and components undergo comprehensive performance tests and are designed to help you create high-performance, lightweight data access layers.

Compatibility with Other Connectivity Methods

Compatibility with Other Connectivity Methods

The UniDAC interface retains compatibility with standard VCL data access components, such as BDE. Existing BDE-based applications can be easily migrated to UniDAC and enhanced to take advantage of server-specific features.

CDevelopment and Support

Development and Support

UniDAC is a cross-database connectivity solution that has been actively developed and supported. UniDAC comes with full documentation, demo projects, and fast (usually within one business day) technical support by the UniDAC development team. Find out more about how to get help or submit feedback and suggestions to the UniDAC development team in Getting Support.

Installation Process

The Devart UniDAC is easy to install. All you need is to complete the pre-installation requirements and then download the driver on your computer and follow the installation wizard instructions below.

Note: only one version of UniDAC can be installed on your computer at once. Before installing a new version you should fully remove the previous one. Please also take into consideration the fact that some versions require Environmental changes.

Windows

Download the installation executive file of the UniDAC. Please note that you need to download the appropriate version for your case. Launch the downloaded installation executive file and follow the step-by-step guidelines of the installation wizard. In our case it is UniDAC for Delphi 7:

Windows

Set up the folders for UniDAC and demos:

Windows

Select the components you want to include in the installation. In our case, we shall add all components.

Windows

Then, take just 3 steps: click Next > Install > Finish. That’s all.

Windows

Along with UniDAC you might also want to install DBMonitor - an easy-to-use tool to provide visual monitoring of your database applications; it functions an an alternative to Borland SQL Monitor.

Installing UniDAC on macOS and Linux via Lazarus.

  1. After downloading and installing a relevant Lazarus IDE version from their official website, you need to download the compatible version of UniDAC for Lazarus.
  2. Launch your Lazarus IDE and go to Package > Open Package File (.lpk).

    Linux

  3. Open the dclunidac10.lpk package you have previously downloaded: Linux
  4. Compile it with project settings and then install, via Use > Install. It may be so that you will have to do this step twice to ensure everything is compiled and installed.

    Linux

  5. After Lazarus reloads, you can start working on your project.

Connecting to the database (at a design-time)

To use UniDac component you have to do the following steps:

  1. Create an empty application. It will be used to work with UniDAC components. Select File > New > VCL Forms Application from the Delphi menu.
  2. Find UniDAC page on the component palette and drag and drop the TUniConnection component to the form.
  3. Set the main properties of TUniConnection using TUniConnection editor. Double-click the TUniConnection component to open the editor.

    4. Linux

  4. Select a provider name corresponding to your database from the Provider drop-down combo box: select SQLite to connect to an SQLite database.

    5. Linux

  5. Enter all the required connection parameters: username, password, server, database, port, and etc into the editor.
  6. Click the Connect button. If the connection is established correctly, the editor closes automatically.
  7. Open the editor again by double-clicking the TUniConnection component and selecting the Options page. Enter options specific to the provider and click Ok.

Linux

8. Here is the result.

Linux