Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Visual Component Library
     
         {VCL} A {application framework} library for
        {Microsoft Windows} and {Borland Software Corp.}'s {Delphi}
        and {C++Builder} {rapid application development} software.
        VCL was originally designed for Delphi but is now also used
        for C++Builder.  This replaces {OWL} {Object Windows Library}
        as Borland's Windows C++ framework of choice.  VCL
        encapsulates the C-based {Win32 API} into a much easier to
        use, {object-oriented} form.  Like its direct rival,
        {Microsoft Foundation Class Library} (MFC), VCL includes
        classes to create Windows programs.
     
        The VCL component class can be inherited to create new VCL
        components, which are the building blocks of Delphi and
        C++Builder applications.  VCL components are somewhat in
        competition with {ActiveX} controls, though a VCL wrapper can
        be created to make an ActiveX control seem like a VCL
        component.
     
        {Home
        (http://www.borland.com/bcppbuilder/productinfo/feaben/visual.html)}.
     
        (2001-07-09)