Appeon has released PowerBuilder 2025 R2. Building on the IDE modernization introduced in PowerBuilder 2025, R2 focuses on three areas: developer productivity, application security, and environment compatibility.
A two-minute video overview is available here: Watch the PowerBuilder 2025 R2 feature highlights
What's New in PowerBuilder 2025 R2
IDE Refinements for Everyday Development
R2 continues to refine the new-generation code editor introduced in PowerBuilder 2025. Key additions include:
- Dark mode with customizable syntax coloring, to reduce eye strain during extended coding sessions
- Up to 50% lower memory usage in Solution mode, with faster load times and flexible incremental build control
- Improved navigation via keyboard shortcuts, Ctrl+Click jump-to-definition, bookmarks, and cursor history
- Git Fetch and Rebase directly from within the IDE, with the active branch name displayed in the status bar
- Change log preservation to maintain a complete audit trail of source control history
- Multilingual runtime resources (.lng files): deploy, switch, and customize runtime language support on the fly
Stronger Application Security
Security hardening is a central focus of this release. R2 introduces runtime protection flags enabled by default on all compiled executables: SafeSEH, DEP, ASLR, and CFG. These are standard OS-level protections that reduce the attack surface on client workstations and bring PowerBuilder applications in line with current security baselines.
The release also adds support for modern cryptographic algorithms (AES-GCM and RSA-PSS) through the CrypterObject and CoderObject. Teams working toward PCI DSS, NIST, or ISO 27001 compliance will find these additions directly relevant.
For context on why these capabilities matter in production environments, the 2026 Guide to Securing PowerBuilder Applications provides a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the risks these features address.
Environment Compatibility
R2 adds dynamic per-monitor DPI awareness, allowing applications to adapt their layout and scaling to different monitor configurations with a single line of code. SVG image support is extended to all picture controls, enabling resolution-independent visuals at any DPI setting.
Additional compatibility updates include:
- .NET 10 support and updated compatibility notes for current runtimes
- IPv6 protocol support
- SQL Server DateTime2 support
- Removal of the .NET 4.8 dependency for DataWindow Blob (XPS) handling
PowerServer and PowerClient also receive targeted enhancements in this release.
Upgrading
For teams already on PowerBuilder 2025, the upgrade to R2 is straightforward. Teams on earlier versions should plan a migration to pick up the security and compatibility changes, several of which apply at the runtime level and affect all compiled executables.
Where NOVALYS Can Help
If you’re planning a migration or modernization initiative, our tools and expertise can help smooth the transition:
- Visual Expert Upgrade Check
Run an automatic analysis to identify code elements that may require attention before migrating. - Visual Guard Security & Identity Management
Implement Windows Authentication, SSO, MFA/OAuth 2.0, and manage user roles and permissions effectively. - USPB Modern UI Pack
Add modern controls and charts to legacy screens without writing new code. - AscentialTest Automated Testing
Build object-based test cases that remain stable even when the UI changes. - Fidelius Messaging Add-On
Integrate email, SMS, WhatsApp, or chat notifications without modifying your existing business logic.
Get Started
🎥 Watch the 2-minute feature overview
