Delphi is an integrated development environment (IDE) and Object Pascal-based programming language for rapid application development (RAD) of desktop, mobile, and web applications. Initially developed by Borland, Delphi was inspired by the Pascal programming language and was designed to leverage the capabilities of modern software development, offering a rich framework for building high-performance applications with a focus on user interfaces.
Delphi was first introduced in 1995 as a successor to Borland's Turbo Pascal. With its graphical IDE and component-based architecture, it aimed to simplify the development process while providing powerful capabilities that appealed to developers.
Over the years, Delphi has gone through several versions and iterations. After Borland, the ownership of Delphi transitioned to various companies, including CodeGear (a division of Borland), Embarcadero Technologies, and finally to its current state under IDERA, Inc. Each transition has brought enhancements and modernized features to the language and IDE.
As of now, Delphi continues to be actively developed. The current version offers support for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it a versatile tool aligned with contemporary development needs.
Delphi's core language, Object Pascal, maintains a close relationship with standard Pascal but introduces object-oriented programming features. Its component-based design is similar to languages like C# and Java, particularly in how it utilizes components and libraries for UI development. Delphi applications have been widely used in business, enterprise, and embedded systems, owing to its efficiency and robustness.
Delphi enforces strong typing, requiring developers to define variable types explicitly, enhancing type safety.
var
age: Integer;
name: String;
Delphi supports OOP, allowing the creation of classes and objects.
type
TPerson = class
public
Name: String;
Age: Integer;
constructor Create(AName: String; AAge: Integer);
end;
It provides structured exception handling using try...except blocks.
try
// Code that may raise an exception
except
on E: Exception do
ShowMessage(E.Message);
end;
Delphi allows the definition of properties for classes, encapsulating field access.
property FullName: String read Name write Name;
Event handling is a crucial feature, enabling the creation of responsive applications.
procedure TForm1.ButtonClick(Sender: TObject);
begin
ShowMessage('Button clicked');
end;
Delphi supports attributes for metadata, enhancing reflection capabilities.
[MyCustomAttribute]
type
TMyClass = class
end;
Type casting is straightforward, ensuring flexibility in variable usages.
var
obj: TObject;
myClass: TMyClass;
begin
myClass := TMyClass(obj); // Type cast
end;
Delphi provides a rich set of libraries (VCL, FMX) for UI and application components.
uses
Vcl.Forms, Vcl.Controls;
Delphi allows inline variable declarations, improving readability and reducing scope confusion.
begin
var x := 10;
ShowMessage(IntToStr(x));
end;
Delphi supports multithreading using the TThread class, allowing concurrent execution.
type
TMyThread = class(TThread)
protected
procedure Execute; override;
end;
procedure TMyThread.Execute;
begin
// Thread code here
end;
The primary IDE for Delphi is RAD Studio, which consolidates multiple tools and provides an intuitive design interface for building applications. It is known for its drag-and-drop visual design capabilities, contributing to efficient UI development.
Delphi uses the Delphi Compiler which produces native code, optimizing performance across platforms. The IDE automatically manages the compilation process, allowing developers to build and run their applications seamlessly.
Creating a project in Delphi typically involves:
Delphi is widely utilized in various domains, including:
Delphi shares similarities with several programming languages:
Both languages support OOP principles and provide robust IDEs. Delphi, however, tends to produce faster native code.
Delphi's component-based development contrasts with Java’s object-oriented focus. Delphi applications are typically compiled to native code, while Java relies on the JVM.
Python emphasizes readability and simplicity, while Delphi's syntax is more verbose and structured but offers stronger static type checks.
Delphi’s focus on rapid application development contrasts with C++’s emphasis on low-level programming and memory management. Delphi is often considered easier for building GUIs.
While JavaScript is primarily used for web development and scripting, Delphi is focused on desktop and mobile application development, providing a more comprehensive solution for standalone applications.
Delphi code can be translated to other languages using specific techniques:
There are limited direct source-to-source translation tools for Delphi. However, tools like Pas2JS can translate Pascal code to JavaScript for web applications. To convert Delphi to C# or Java, developers often need to manually port code, maintaining logic and design patterns while adapting syntax.
When translating Delphi code, focus on: