How to rapidly develop Windows applications that don't depend on other runtimes?

Question

I'm a C# developer and I see how .NET makes developing Windows applications easier. Type-safety, memory management and a great IDE are but a few things that make developing .NET applications a breeze. Unfortunately these applications require the user to install .NET framework before they install the application itself. This can confuse the users and scare away potential customers.

Is there any other development environment that would allow one to develop Windows applications as easily as in C#, but without the requirement to install other runtimes beforehand?

Answer 1

Have you looked at RealBasic yet?

Answer 2

Embarcadero Delphi is another good candidate http://www.codegear.com/products/delphi

Answer 3

There also is a free multiplatform Delphi-alike, Lazarus, see http://lazarus.freepascal.org less polished but free and quite powerful. (source code compatible to Delphi to a very high degree)