Requirements > Where to get the BDE

How and where to get the BDE

Though not supplied as an independent download from Embarcadero (except for developers), you may find copies of the BDE installer from many independent sources.
Some sites claim to offer BDE 5.11 - however that does not exist! The version they offer is BDE 5.1.1 which is predating the later BDE 5.2.0.2.

The BDE installer is also available from
http://nknabe.dk/database/bde
Most recent version of the BDE is version 5.2.0.2 of May 11, 2001.

BDE for developers

Still supplied for developers using the software Embarcadero RAD Studio (Delphi and C++ Builder) - however not included since Delphi XE6 (in 2014 removed from Delphi XE7), it as an extension of the development packages is available only as a separate download for registered developers (https://my.embarcadero.com) via Embarcadero Code Central, Embarcadero being the successor of Borland Inc. since 2008.
The BDE development extension is currently (2026) available as [BDE for RAD Studio 13].

BDE eXpress

This alternative kind of modified shell working to a great extent with the original (modified?) modules of the Borland Database Engine by some is considered a better choice than the original BDE, especially if targeting Windows 10 (and 11?).
In the time of writing (Nov. 2025) the BDE eXpress seems to be defunct.
Please see: Database connectivity