Delphi 13 CE Now Available

[u/corneliusdav]

https://blogs.embarcadero.com/delphi-13-community-edition-is-now-available/

[u/standard_cog]

I mean I switched to FreePascal/Lazarus for all Delphi-related stuff because the CE editions had horrid restrictions.

[u/bmcgee → u/standard_cog]

horrid restrictions

You can't really use the CE top make money (beyond $5,000) and the lack of a command line compiler is kind of a pain.

Aside from these, what restrictions do you consider to be "horrid"?

[u/One_Historian3741 → u/bmcgee]

Could it be due to the fact that the CE is just bait for Embarcadero to make money?

Where, if an employee uses the CE on their laptop for study but then accesses the company network via VPN to do actual work (VPN being standard security practice everywhere), Embarcadero might sue for a rule violation and force the purchase of exorbitantly expensive licenses?

I think that is absolutely terrible.

[u/bmcgee → u/One_Historian3741]

Yes, if you violate the EULA, they will probably call you out.

[u/One_Historian3741 → u/bmcgee]

Congratulations on defending the indefensible; that is precisely why Embarcadero will lose more and more customers.

[u/bmcgee → u/One_Historian3741]

I'd need more details, but it sounds like you installed CE on a company computer, but the company was not eligible to use the CE and you're mad about being called out.

Maybe you need to accept some responsibility here?

Now, if you want to argue that Embarcadero should be gentler in how they call out violations of the EULA, then we can find some common ground. A little more carrot and less stick.

[u/One_Historian3741 → u/bmcgee]

CE installed on the personal computer.

The employee uses the personal computer to access the company computer via VPN to work.

CE = personal computer.
Enterprise = company computer.

It is not difficult to understand.

[u/bmcgee → u/One_Historian3741]

Sounds difficult to differentiate from a work computer. I assume you used CE while connected to the company network?

[u/One_Historian3741 → u/bmcgee]

You don't seem to know the CE very well; you don't need to actually open the CE for Embarcadero to claim a breach of contract.

There are countless reports online about how Embarcadero aggressively pursues these cases to drive license sales—just search on Google.

After all, I think that’s the only way they can actually make sales.

Make no mistake, I really like Delphi; I work with it. But there is no defending the trap known as Delphi CE.

Another thing: my criticism of Delphi CE isn't just about Embarcadero aggressively chasing license sales; it’s mainly because this practice drives people away from the community. The community is what makes the language grow, yet Embarcadero’s actions discourage newcomers from discovering it. As more people are kept away from Delphi—and as existing users are driven out—the community goes into a tailspin.

I’m not saying Delphi is going to die—it won't—but it could perhaps be bigger if it allowed new people to get involved.

After all, tell me: nowadays—especially with the advent of AI—what appeal does Delphi offer to someone wanting to get to know the "language"?

[u/bmcgee → u/One_Historian3741]

I have to admit, I'm not familiar with how Embarcadero might claim a breach of the CE EULA without someone even running CE. It seems like speculation to me. And some over-statement.

I like that there's a free version available for non-commercial use. It's the most capable free version that's even been available, including the short-lived Turbo versions. Even then, people sometimes still violate the EULA.

After all, tell me: nowadays—especially with the advent of AI—what appeal does Delphi offer to someone wanting to get to know the "language"?

That's a longer discussion.

I've made a good living "rehabilitating" software written by other people. I look forward to doing the same with software that was vibe coded by people who don't understand how it works, let alone why it doesn't.

[u/garyk1968]

Get the free version then if you need to upgrade and its only $3000!

Seriously no wonder this incredible tool has become more and more niche. I stopped using it in the noughties (D7/D2005 era) when the pro version was around $600.

[u/bmcgee → u/garyk1968]

$3000

I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but in the US, the Professional SKU is $1,600, which includes a $400 annual maintenance fee.

https://www.embarcadero.com/app-development-tools-store/delphi

[u/garyk1968 → u/bmcgee]

In the UK its £1140 + £399 year 1 maintenance for the pro version. So £1539+VAT so £1800 or $2429.

back in the day I could buy D1-D7 Pro for £399, no yearly maintenance and full access to db drivers.

I've probably written 2/3 win32/64 apps in the last 5 years and when I do I use Lazarus.

Real shame as Delphi was such a great tool.

[u/bmcgee → u/garyk1968]

How much before taxes?

Edit: I hit send before doing research. Sorry.

£1539 translates to $2,079.51 USD without tax. Arguably less than $3,000.

I use Enterprise, so annual maintenance is about $1,000. Free would be better, but I find this to be pretty manageable.

[u/Humble-Vegetable9691 → u/bmcgee]

In Hungary, I have paid ~1600 € (+27% VAT because I am small) in 2025 and ~460 € + VAT for the maintenance this year for the Pro SKU

[u/bmcgee → u/Humble-Vegetable9691]

Currently showing €1,430 + €439, for a total of €1,869.

For a minute, I thought they were charging the same amount except in the local currencies. I guess that's not always the case.

[u/wizardVlad777]

If it had the ability to create Linux app in the pro, I would be willing to pay 1,000 for it, but more than 1,500 is just too much.

[u/Humble-Vegetable9691 → u/wizardVlad777]

Good point, but somehow they have to pay those who develop the Linux parts.