Is Delphi Still Alive and Kicking? A Look Beyond the Headlines

 

The whispers are getting louder: "Is Delphi dead?" "Time to move on?" For many, the once-dominant language seems shrouded in a cloud of doubt. But before we hastily pronounce its demise, let's take a closer look at the reality beyond the headlines.

Yes, Delphi has faced challenges. The transition from Borland to CodeGear, and then to Embarcadero, wasn't always smooth. But to claim it's dead ignores its tenacious spirit and enduring relevance. Just consider these facts:

• Top 20 Language: Despite the naysayers, Delphi remains firmly entrenched in the top 20 programming languages of 2023, a testament to its continued usefulness and active user base.
• Thriving Community: Delphi boasts a passionate and dedicated community, constantly pushing the boundaries of the language. Open-source libraries, vibrant forums, and active user groups keep the flame burning bright.
• Modern Updates: Embarcadero actively invests in Delphi's future. New features, improved IDEs, and cross-platform capabilities ensure it stays relevant in today's tech landscape.

But Delphi's strength lies not just in its statistics. It's about the unique value it brings to the table:

• Speed and Efficiency: Native compilation and a mature runtime environment make Delphi a champion of performance, ideal for resource-intensive applications.
• Stability and Reliability: Decades of refinement and a rock-solid foundation make Delphi a trusted choice for mission-critical systems where uptime is paramount.
• Visual Development Power: The RAD (Rapid Application Development) philosophy at the heart of Delphi empowers developers to build complex applications with incredible speed and ease.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: "What about Python and Java?" While these languages excel in their respective domains, they're not apples-to-apples comparisons with Delphi. Each language caters to different needs and shines in specific areas.

Instead of pitting them against each other, let's celebrate the diversity and richness of the programming landscape. Delphi offers its own unique strengths, making it the ideal choice for projects where performance, stability, and visual development are key priorities.

So, is Delphi dead? Absolutely not. It's alive, well, and kicking, constantly evolving and adapting to the changing tech landscape. To those considering Delphi, here's the call to action:

• Dive in and explore its potential: Delphi's vibrant community and wealth of resources are ready to welcome you.
• Contribute your expertise: Share your knowledge, build libraries, and help shape the future of the language.
• Spread the word: Challenge the misconceptions and advocate for Delphi's enduring value.

Remember, the future of any language lies not just in its developers, but also in its community. By actively engaging and contributing, we can ensure that Delphi continues to thrive and innovate, silencing the doubters and proving its enduring relevance for years to come.

So, the next time you hear whispers of Delphi's demise, remember this: it's not dead, it's just getting started. Join the movement and help write the next chapter of this remarkable language's story.

It's now possible to apply Vcl-Styles on the IDE itself!

 

Did you notice that it is possible to apply built-in Vcl-Styles on the IDE itself?
Using the "IDE Style Options" menu you can change the default skin of the IDE.

     

    Remarks:

1. It's possible to apply "Standard Vcl-Styles" or "High-DPI Vcl-Styles"
2. The Editor theme is separated by Embarcadero, which means you must change it too if needed.
3. It is available in Delphi 11 Alexandria and 12 Athens.

    

    Here are some screenshots, enjoy!

Harnessing the Power of .RC and .RES Files in Delphi: A Comprehensive Guide

Delphi empowers developers to create robust applications with ease. While building applications, it's crucial to manage resources efficiently, and that's where .rc (resource script) and .res (compiled resource) files come into play. In this blog post, we'll explore their usage in a Delphi project, focusing on creating a simple non-visual component and discussing two common approaches for handling resource files.

Understanding .RC and .RES Files

What are .RC Files?

Resource scripts (.rc files) are text files that contain a set of instructions and definitions describing resources for an application. These resources can include icons, bitmaps, strings, dialogs, and more. In Delphi, .rc files are commonly used to manage resources and provide a centralized way to organize them.

The Role of .RES Files

When you compile an .rc file, it generates a compiled resource file (.res). The .res file contains binary data representing the resources specified in the .rc file. This compiled format is more efficient for runtime loading and improves the overall performance of the application.

Scenario: Creating a Simple Non-Visual Component

Let's dive into a practical example by creating a simple non-visual component in Delphi and managing resources for it.

Step 1: Creating the Delphi Component

unit SimpleComponent;

interface

uses
  System.Classes;

type
  TSimpleComponent = class(TComponent)
  private
    FMessage: string;
  public
    constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override;
    procedure ShowMessage;
  published
    property Message: string read FMessage write FMessage;
  end;

implementation

uses
  Vcl.Dialogs;

constructor TSimpleComponent.Create(AOwner: TComponent);
begin
  inherited Create(AOwner);
  FMessage := 'Hello, Delphi!';
end;

procedure TSimpleComponent.ShowMessage;
begin
  ShowMessage(FMessage);
end;

end.

Step 2: Adding Resources from the Project Menu

1. Open your Delphi project.

2. Navigate to Project -> Resources and Images -> Add -> New -> Resource Type: `STRING`, Name: `MY_MESSAGE`.

3. Set the value of `MY_MESSAGE` to your desired message, e.g., "Greetings from Resource".

Step 3: Using the Resource in Delphi Code

unit SimpleComponent;

interface

uses
  System.Classes;

type
  TSimpleComponent = class(TComponent)
  private
    FMessage: string;
  public
    constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override;
    procedure ShowMessage;
  published
    property Message: string read FMessage write FMessage;
  end;

implementation

uses
  Vcl.Dialogs, System.SysUtils, System.StrUtils;

{$R *.dfm} // Ensure that this line is present

constructor TSimpleComponent.Create(AOwner: TComponent);
begin
  inherited Create(AOwner);

  // Access the resource string
  FMessage := LoadStr({Resource ID});
end;

procedure TSimpleComponent.ShowMessage;
begin
  ShowMessage(FMessage);
end;

end.

Step 4: Compiling .RC with Command Line

1. Create a new text file named `SimpleComponent.rc`:

MY_MESSAGE STRING "Greetings from Command Line Resource"

2. Open the command prompt and navigate to the folder containing the .rc file.

3. Compile the .rc file using the `BRCC32` compiler:

BRCC32 SimpleComponent.rc

4. Ensure that the generated `SimpleComponent.res` file is present.

Step 5: Using Command Line Resource in Delphi Code

unit SimpleComponent;

interface

uses
  System.Classes;

type
  TSimpleComponent = class(TComponent)
  private
    FMessage: string;
  public
    constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override;
    procedure ShowMessage;
  published
    property Message: string read FMessage write FMessage;
  end;

implementation

uses
  Vcl.Dialogs, System.SysUtils, System.StrUtils;

{$R SimpleComponent.res} // Include the compiled resource file

constructor TSimpleComponent.Create(AOwner: TComponent);
begin
  inherited Create(AOwner);

  // Access the resource string
  FMessage := LoadStr({Resource ID});
end;

procedure TSimpleComponent.ShowMessage;
begin
  ShowMessage(FMessage);
end;

end.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we explored the significance of .rc and .res files in Delphi projects. By creating a simple non-visual component, we demonstrated two approaches for managing resources—adding them from the project menu and compiling an .rc file using the command line. Efficient resource management is crucial for building robust Delphi applications, and understanding the use of .rc and .res files is a key step toward achieving that goal.

Asked from Google bard!!

 

What is the best option to have ChatGPT's power in RAD Studio?

There is only one option for integrating ChatGPT's capabilities into RAD Studio

ChatGPTWizard:

• This is a plugin available in the Embarcadero GetIt package manager.
• It offers access to ChatGPT, WriteSonic, and YouChat, allowing you to compare responses from different AI models.
• It has an easy-to-use interface that integrates with the RAD Studio IDE.
• It is free and open-source under the MIT license.

There are several options for integrating ChatGPT's capabilities into your applications

1. RDOpenAI:

• This is a Delphi component available in the Embarcadero GetIt package manager.
• It provides event-based access to ChatGPT, making it easy to integrate its functionality into your applications.
• It offers a more programmatic approach compared to ChatGPTWizard.
• It is free for non-commercial use.

2. OpenAI for Delphi:

• This is a library available on GitHub.
• It provides access to the OpenAI API, which powers ChatGPT and other AI models.
• It requires more technical knowledge than the other options.
• It is free and open-source under the MIT license.

Choosing the best option depends on your specific needs and preferences:

• For IDE the best option is ChatGPTWizard.
• For beginners, ChatGPTWizard might be the easiest option.
• If you need to implement AI-based subjects in your application, RDOpenAI or OpenAI for Delphi might be a better choice.
• Consider factors like cost, ease of use, functionality, and community support when deciding.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• ChatGPTWizard on GitHub: https://github.com/AliDehbansiahkarbon/ChatGPTWizard
• RDOpenAI on GitHub: https://github.com/baumwollschaf/RDOpenAI
• OpenAI for Delphi: https://github.com/HemulGM/DelphiOpenAI

It's also worth noting that the landscape of AI integrations for RAD Studio is constantly evolving. New options and updates may become available in the future, so it's always a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.