Delphi Language Guide Delphi for Microsoft Win32 Delphi for the Microsoft. Net framework

Language Guide
Delphi
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Delphi Language Guide
The Delphi Language guide describes the Delphi language as it is used in Borland development tools. This book
describes the Delphi language on both the Win32, and .NET development platforms. Specific differences in the
language between the two platforms are marked as appropriate.
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Language Overview
Delphi is a high-level, compiled, strongly typed language that supports structured and object-oriented design. Based
on Object Pascal, its benefits include easy-to-read code, quick compilation, and the use of multiple unit files for
modular programming. Delphi has special features that support Borland's component framework and RAD
environment. For the most part, descriptions and examples in this language guide assume that you are using Borland
development tools.
Most developers using Borland software development tools write and compile their code in the integrated
development environment (IDE). Borland development tools handle many details of setting up projects and source
files, such as maintenance of dependency information among units. The product also places constraints on program
organization that are not, strictly speaking, part of the Object Pascal language specification. For example, Borland
development tools enforce certain file- and program-naming conventions that you can avoid if you write your
programs outside of the IDE and compile them from the command prompt.
This language guide generally assumes that you are working in the IDE and that you are building applications that
use the Borland Visual Component Library (VCL). Occasionally, however, Delphi-specific rules are distinguished
from rules that apply to all Object Pascal programming. This text covers both the Win32 Delphi language compiler,
and the Delphi for .NET language compiler. Platform-specific language differences and features are noted where
necessary.
This section covers the following topics:
Program Organization. Covers the basic language features that allow you to partition your application into units
and namespaces.
Example Programs. Small examples of both console and GUI applications are shown, with basic instructions
on running the compiler from the command-line.