Delphi Programming Language

Among hundreds of different coding languages, Delphi has stood the test of time. Although not as mainstream as it once was, it continues to be a coding language many programmers choose to use. While Delphi may not be back in the spotlight, it still holds an important significance in history for programmers today. It has been the root of many famous applications such as Skype, Hamachi, WinRAR, Space Rangers, and many more. It is important to learn about what Delphi is, its history, and why programmers still choose to use it today.

History

Firstly, Delphi’s history is a relatively recent one. Delphi was first released in 1995 as a tool for building Windows applications. It was the first in its time to be a language that targeted object orientation in applications. That means is the software is more centered around data or objects rather than functions and logic. The program was developed from Turbo Pascal, released in November of 1983 by a company named Borland. The creator of both Turbo Pascal and Delphi, Anders Hejlsberg, introduced them with an Integrated Development Environment. This meant that the program was straightforward to edit and fix. The programmer could write code, and the program would identify it. It would then allow the programmer to jump to the exact line of errors to correct them. In 1995, Hejlsberg turned Turbo Pascal into a visual programming language: Delphi.

Origin of the name “Delphi.”

The origin of Delphi is very heavily based on the Greek location. Delphi was built as an ancient sanctuary in Greece. Eagles sent out by Zeus had met at the future location of Delphi and was marked with a stone by Zeus. Later in the sixth and fourth centuries B.C., the Oracle of Delphi became a very influential figure. He made many predictions, such as the Argonaut’s expedition and the Trojan War. When Delphi, the programming language, was developed, the name was temporary. Delphi was chosen because of its close compatibility with another language known as Oracle. Anders Hejlsberg believed it to be a fitting name based on the Greek myth.

Overview of the Program’s Language

Delphi was built to be run with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux applications. This is about every major platform in existence. Primarily though, it was developed to be run with Windows-based applications. Since its arrival, Delphi has emphasized backward compatibility. This means that new programs can be run with their successors seamlessly.

Although, despite placing heavy emphasis on backward compatibility, Delphi has struggled to keep up. While it is close to being completely backward-compatible, it has not been in recent years. The lack of full compatibility is due to the software not being overall maintained. In new versions of the language, some features make it difficult to allow full compatibility. So, while it once was fully backward compatible, it would not currently be guaranteed.

There are many benefits still associated with using the Delphi program. Despite being labeled as “outdated,” many aspects of it still work for some. One of the more major reasons for not switching software is that the code requires minimal maintenance. This reduces the need for applications to transition to other software and saves money on its upkeep. With saving money, applications using Delphi also compile very quickly and can be run on limited resources. This means the applications convert the program into a lower level of code in which it can be executed.

One feature mentioned previously is the software’s ability to identify errors. While a feature relatively trivial now, back in 1995, it was innovative. Having a program that identifies where the error is located redirected the focus back into writing code. Rather than spending time sifting the code for errors, Delphi gave the programmer ease. One could edit the program, run it, and fix the error. Today, it still serves as a useful tool for programmers choosing to stick with Delphi.

Going back to the roots of Delphi, it was built to support Windows applications. Windows is widely used across the world as one of the biggest operating systems. Delphi was designed to support Windows application programming interfaces. The market held a strong demand for software compatible with Windows app development. Delphi was able to deliver on the demands of consumers. When that demand moved to Java and .NET, Delphi still carried on the market. It may just be a small perk of Delphi, but still so widely popular for supporting Windows.

Another great feature of Delphi is its frictionless transition with C++, another programming language. C++ is another object-oriented program developed a little bit after Pascal. Just like Delphi, C++ is also great for converting a program to a lower level. Similarities like this are what make these two operable with each other. Granted, C++ is much more popular than Delphi, as it is a foundation for many other languages. Nonetheless, it is possible to mix Delphi and C++.

Examples of Delphi Code

This example of the Delphi code is to create a timer. Much of the code written with Delphi begins with “var.” Along with that, the code always ends with the signifier: “end;” Much of it is quite complicated to understand. There are many phrases to remember, along with specific punctuation usage. Commas and semi-colons play a vital role in establishing the readability of the code.

Delphi vs. Python

Many features of Delphi stand out compared to Python. The more notable feature is using two forward slashes with a space between them (“/ /”). This symbolizes the comments a programmer makes to make notes or separate their code. In Python, adding comments would be to use a pound sign (“#”). While a minor difference, it plays an important role in how the code is processed. Along with that, the use of the “end;” or “end.” phrase is very different from Python. Python does not require a programmer to signify the termination of a segment of code. The phrase “end;” only signifies the termination of a specific block of code. While “end.” terminates the entire program.

If Statements

Pictured above are “if” statements, as seen in Delphi. In Delphi, “if” statements are a little bit more complicated than in Python. While intricate, they do share some similarities in structure. This program does not require that the programmer uses a lead after the if statement. As pictured in the photo, there is a lack of a semicolon after “then.” In Python, a colon must be placed after an “if” statement, as pictured below. To replace the use of a colon or semi-colon, Delphi uses the “then” statement. The colon indicated in the Python code essentially shares the same definition as “then.” It forces the program to execute the criteria displayed under the “if” statement.

In the Python variation of “if” statements, there is the use of the “else if” clause. The “else if” clause essentially checks all of the expressions under the “if” block. If the “if” and “else if” blocks are both false, the program moves to execute the “else” statement. Rather than using the “else if” statement, Delphi uses another “if, else” statement under the “if” statement.

Loops

Loops in Python and Delphi are not at all similar. While the structure is vaguely similar, the terminology and style of the code are very different. Pictured on the top is a sample loop written in Delphi. The latter image is a loop written in Python. In Delphi, it is important to allow a segment to define variables. There are segments to describe where the code begins, repeats, and ends. In Python, it is clear that it is not as heavily divided. While the variables are defined, sections in Python are divided by new lines. The phrases in Delphi, such as “repeat and “end,” command the program what to do. While in Python, newlines don’t serve this purpose. Rather the embedded code in Python does that for the programmer. Python executes the written code and commands and terminates when the code is finished. Secondly, the phrase “until exit” is something that is not seen in Python. As stated before, Python continues to run the code until all of it has been executed. Delphi requires the program to be direct and concisely written by the programmer.

Summary

Delphi and Python are great coding languages in their own ways, but they share more differences than similarities. On a more technical note, Python actually only has a recommended memory of one GB. Delphi has a much larger storage capacity, with a recommended two GB of storage. The user-focused compatibility of Python makes it much easier to learn than Delphi. Delphi is a program catered to the more advanced programmers. Python is great for beginners learning to write and read code. As seen in the previous examples, the spacing and minimalist approach to phrasing make Python appear simple. Delphi presented new symbols, definitions, and phrases that are not present in the structure of Python. Python is known for its readability and ease of the eyes. Delphi is known for its efficiency and compatibility with many different platforms.

Trends

Back in 1995, the release of Delphi provided Windows-based programmers with the software they needed. Not only was it Windows-exclusive, but Delphi was also used with every other major platform. By the 2000s, the introduction of .NET and Java made it more difficult for Delphi to keep up. Many were stuck with just one software with Delphi, but Java came with an integrated development environment. Integrated development environments are an application where all types of programming could be done in a single space. IDEs were designed to maximize a programmer’s productivity. While Delphi did not offer that, Delphi continued to be popular amongst many users. It was software that presented users with many built-in functions. Functions such as a code editor, visual designer, debugger, and third-party plugin support. Sources do state that Delphi is still popular with long-term users. The problem lies within the willingness of programmers to want to learn Delphi. Within the last few years, Embarcadero (the current owning company) has begun to perform heavy maintenance on Delphi. Since 2016, the company has been releasing updates every 6 months in an attempt to regain popularity.

Takeaway

For over 25 years, Delphi has pushed on through thick and thin. After competing with Java and undergoing current updates, it still tries to do its best for its long-term programmers. Because of its low maintenance and backward compatibility, many applications continue to use Delphi today. With a brief but rich history, Delphi continues to be significant in the lives of many programmers and applications. It may no longer be in its prime, but it served as a turning point in the world of programming.