Quick start manual

Overview

2-1

Chapter

Chapter2

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 manual assume

that you are using Borland development tools.

Program organization

Programs are usually divided into source-code modules called units. Most programs

begin with a heading, which specifies a name for the program. The heading is

followed by an optional uses clause, then a block of declarations and statements. The

uses clause lists units that are linked into the program; these units, which can be

shared by different programs, often have uses clauses of their own.

The uses clause provides the compiler with information about dependencies among

modules. Because this information is stored in the modules themselves, most Delphi

language programs do not require makefiles, header files, or preprocessor “include”

directives. (The Project Manager generates a makefile each time a project is loaded in

the IDE, but saves these files only for project groups that include more than one

project.)

For further discussion of program structure and dependencies, see Chapter 3,

“Programs and units”.