Well, I am new to Delphi and really offline programming in general (other than the standard C++) and recently acquired a copy of Delphi and was kind of interested in starting with it. I read somewhere that it uses Pascal but I was confused on if it used Pascal, as in it was programmed with it, or if it used Pascal as in the language you code in it. Either way, I was wondering if anyone had any good resources to start learning. Either books or articles/forums online would be splendid. This is a neat little community here so I plan on utilizing this.
+12
A:
Delphi is a pascal-based object-oriented programming language. It's also a product, a large part of which has been programmed using the Delphi language.
Here are some excellent SO questions with answers that contain fantastic suggestions for learning Delphi:
- Learning Delphi
- Books about the Delphi language
- What's the best Delphi book for a newbie?
- Delphi tips
Many of those SO answers contain useful links, including many of the ones provided by others here, along with comments (and SO votes) to help you prioritize them.
Argalatyr
2009-07-19 04:39:45
+6
A:
Delphi refers to both a programming language built around an object-oriented evolution of Pascal known as Object Pascal, and its associated RAD IDE development environment. That's a pretty formal definition, though, and you can generally use "Delphi" and "Object Pascal" interchangeably.
We've got a nice, strong Delphi representation here on StackOverflow for asking questions. In fact, if your question is advanced enough, it's not uncommon to see it get answered by various high-level Delphi team members. You can also go to the official CodeGear (the company that makes Dephi) forums at http://forums.codegear.com
Mason Wheeler
2009-07-19 04:39:56
Hah! Beat you by 5 seconds!
Argalatyr
2009-07-19 04:41:15
I'll get you next time, Gadget! Next time!
Mason Wheeler
2009-07-19 04:43:31
+11
A:
http://www.marcocantu.com/EPascal/default.htm
http://www.delphibasics.co.uk/
RRUZ
2009-07-19 06:25:01
+5
A:
I think websites are pretty much covered in previous answers (Delphi Basics would be my suggestion) so here's a couple of books:
- Delphi in a Nutshell. Its is quite old, but it's a good reference to start with.
- Borland® Delphi™ 6 Developer's Guide. Again, an old book, but packed with info.
For something more up to date (I've not read these personally), try:
He also has a full section of books on Lulu.
Pauk
2009-07-19 07:38:23
+4
A:
Delphi Basics
www.delphibasics.co.uk
**Best for all delphi beginners
VCL Sources
Best way to learn how to really program in delphi
Mastering Delphi by Marco Cantu
www.marcocantu.com
Delphi 3000
http://www.delphi3000.com/
For learning to do things practically
SRS
2009-07-19 08:55:54
Is delphi3000.com a good site? Everytime I get it AVG says there is a SQL Injection Exploit.
Lonestar
2009-07-19 10:01:46
+4
A:
You should also check out Marco Cantu's site, and look for the Essential Pascal en Essential Delphi books. The first one is a free download.
Henk Holterman
2009-07-19 08:59:58
+4
A:
Check out the Beginning Delphi and Delphi Video wiki pages.
The 3DBuzz site has changed a little and all of their Delphi video tutorials are available from the front page.
On Embarcadero's Developer Network site, under the Resources menu, there are links to all kinds of audio and video content. Note that you can filter it by product.
Bruce McGee
2009-07-19 13:24:30
3DBuzz only has 2 tutorials sadly. One video is 40 minutes with 30 of that talking about how to get Turbo Delphi (which requires .NET 1.1...very outdated and known compatibility issues)
Lonestar
2009-07-21 05:34:08
I think you missed some. There are 3 sets of tutorials under the Delphi category, with 9 videos in total. The second and third ones are 71 and 153 minutes respectively. Turbo Delphi is based on Delphi 2006 Pro, but the tutorials apply equally well to newer (and even older) versions.
Bruce McGee
2009-07-21 10:13:59
Ahh, yheah. I did miss the others. They junp pretty quick into an mp3 player. Not exactly something for a beginner. I'll watch them and see though. Thanks for pointing that out.
Lonestar
2009-07-22 19:49:28
Again, take a closer look. An MP3 player might sound advanced, but they spend a lot of time on the basics. I think you'll be happy with the technical level.
Bruce McGee
2009-07-22 21:02:35
+3
A:
I haven't seen a Pascal Language resource as perfect as the Delphi help itself! I hadn't heard about Pascal before I got a copy of Delphi. I learned Pascal from Delphi's help system (Object Pascal Reference).
You will have an intermediate level understanding of Pascal Language from Delphi help. Learn the real world usage of language constructs from VCL/RTL source code (especially sysutils.pas, system.pas, etc..)!
Olaf
2009-07-19 16:05:57
+1
A:
For quick reference, I often use the FPC docs. Multiple format (html,pdf,chm), and more examples.
Of course it requires you to look out for minor compatibilities, but looking at an alternate wording it can be useful: http://www.freepascal.org/docs.html or the CHM versions at http://www.stack.nl/~marcov/doc-chm.zip
However the absolutely best source was the D7 dead-tree manuals (language and developer guide), which I read back to back several times. People assure me the current help has all that and more, but somehow I'm unable to access it as easily as then.
Marco van de Voort
2009-07-20 13:53:56
A:
I can help you to start fast with your delphi if you help me to improve my english. i program in delphi for about 10years and have some experience of teaching programming. i suppose i know english quite well to give you lessons but anyway i need speak better
Ajur
2009-07-24 22:37:55
Interesting idea ... I might be interested. If you send me an email we can discuss it more. You can contact me at [email protected]. -- Al
Al C
2009-07-31 21:00:33