Learning Outcomes

Before we get stuck in learning how to use Delphi to create our own applications we need to set a few foundations.

• Understand keywords and phrases
• What Delphi is
• Why learn Delphi
• Where to get Delphi

Keywords

Before we get started it is essential to understand a few words and phrases we will use frequently.

• Pascal
  Pascal is a programming language originally developed by Nicholas Wirth to help teach computer science students the concepts of programming.
• Object Pascal
  The inventor of Pascal Nicholas Wirth teamed up with Apple Computer’s Larry Tesler in 1985 to add object orientated extensions to the existing Pascal language.
• Object Orientated Programming (OOP)
  Object Orientated Programming allows real world models to be translated efficiently in to abstract programming models. There is a whole article on the broad subject of Object Orientated Programming which will explore what it is, its concepts, and how to use them in Delphi. For now this is all you need to know.
• Third-Generation Language (3GL)
  A Third-Generation Language makes programming easier and more understandable to humans by writing programs in a human like language rather than writing in 0’s and 1’s.
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
  An Integrated Development Environment is a software application used by programmers which integrates the various tools required all in one application. The IDE fuses together the source code editor, compiler and/or interpreter, debugger, and graphical user interface (GUI).

When we refer to Delphi it could be either of two things. Delphi is a programming language which is actually a dialect of Object Pascal. Delphi is also the name of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) we use when creating a Delphi application.

At this stage you might be asking yourself “Why should I learn Delphi?” the answer is simple Delphi is arguably the most powerful, easy to learn, high level, object orientated language around. Borland’s Visual Component Library (VCL) makes designing a GUI as easy as drawing your ideas on paper.

You can learn to programme in Delphi right here. All the articles are set out to teach you everything you need to know to get stuck in and start creating your own applications. Also we have a detailed list of links to other Delphi websites you can have a look at also.

Where to get Delphi

Borland Delphi can be bought from any good software retailer online, or in high street shops. Delphi comes in many different flavours to cater for hobby, professional, and corporate developers integrated into Borland Delphi Studio which also gives you C++, C#, and Delphi, or you can get Delphi on it’s own through the Turbo series.

So I have to pay hundreds of pounds? Well no, Borland offer Turbo Delphi Explorer free for download here.

Once you have downloaded Turbo Delphi or even purchased one of the professional versions make sure you have a play with the interface to get used to the new environment. John Kaster over at Borland has put together a comprehensive list of key shortcuts as well as a webinar on installing Turbo Delphi Explorer and customising your IDE.