What is Delphi Programming Language? A Beginner’s Guide

Key features of Delphi

One of the main reasons behind the popularity of the Delphi coding language is that apps written in it require minimum maintenance. Delphi is the choice for those working with legacy codes. Despite some discussions about the validity of the programming language Delphi, it is actual – not archaic or obsolete in any way.

Clarity

A clear and comprehensive syntax makes code easily readable. Delphi programming language lies in a fast-learning curve - no wicked symbols with different meanings in different contexts.

Simplicity

The famous drag-and-drop mechanism for GUI implementation, including non-visual components, allows the developer to build the software quickly as the objects’ creation is already done.

Depth

Although a developer can write an application while staying on a higher level, Delphi allows for intensive manual work. It is even possible to write Assembly Code between the Pascal lines.

Speed

Delphi is fast, and its latest versions are even faster.

Long-term feasibility

Although a developer can write an application while staying on a higher level, Delphi allows for intensive manual work. It is even possible to write Assembly Code between the Pascal lines.

Adaptability

VCL and FMX frameworks can be adapted according to developers' needs. You can use an existing visual control or a non-visual component to create a new one, enhancing or directing its way of working. Also, it supports the entire Windows API and results in native windows .exe files that run even under Vine emulation in Linux.

Cross-platform

There is no need to keep and maintain distinct codes in different languages for different platforms. The same code suits Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux platforms. Developers may use compiler directives to cover specific areas on the target platform itself.

Up to date

Delphi (programming language) gets frequent updates with minimal need for maintenance from the developers' side. To ensure support for new Windows or Android versions, you need to move code from one Delphi version to another. Third-party components are also updated as soon as the new version is out.

Competitors vs. Delphi Programming

Understanding what kind of programming language is Delphi comes easier when you compare it with other popular languages.

Delphi vs. Java
Delphi vs .NET
Delphi vs C++
Delphi vs. JavaScript, Python, PHP, VBScript

Delphi vs. Java

Delphi compiles to Native code. It does not matter if it is for Windows, Android, macOS, or else. Java compiles to bytecode, and apps run under a VM interpreter or a Java runtime which exists almost everywhere.

The fact that the final Java product depends so heavily on the platform is a drawback for three reasons. First, it is slow, and most apps rely on the server side to do the actual job rather than the client Java app. Secondly, the same code doesn’t necessarily run the same way everywhere – it depends on the Java runtime implementation on the platform. Finally, a Java app depends on the decisions made by the companies maintaining the platforms. If they decide to change or throw away some features, Java will have to wait for an alternative (e.g., the end of NPAPI support by Google).

Delphi produces an executable file that contains everything needed. As long as there is compatibility with the platform versions themselves, which is a must, Delphi applications will run.

Java has a syntax of its own that resembles C. What type of programming language is Delphi? It is object-Pascal. It is a matter of preference, but many pundits consider Object Pascal more comprehensive.

Another essential aspect is backward compatibility. Every new language version brings changes and additions. Java 9 (for instance) was a real frustration for many developers previously using Java 8. Delphi had 28 version updates, and the same code runs without hassle. Therefore, if you need third-party components for Delphi, make sure to choose a reliable company – Delphi will ensure its own work.

Delphi vs .NET

.NET is not actually a language - it is more of a framework. It was created by Microsoft, originally for developing Windows applications. The language used is mainly C#, but some users refer to Visual Basic or even F#. The default IDE is Visual Studio. The machine running such an application must have pre-installed the same .NET framework that was used to write the application. A user can install more than one version of .NET support files.

Delphi produces an actual binary executable .exe file that will run in all Windows installations as they come out of the box.

The code of the final .NET application is contained inside, and you can decompile the app down to the source even within Visual Studio. To keep the actual code hidden, you must use third-party solutions. The product in Delphi software language is a binary file – one will need a disassembler, and only some bits and pieces can be retrieved, never the complete actual code.

Developing in .NET is not always backward compatible. Delphi is much more stable between versions, making sure that you can maintain the code easily in the future.

Delphi vs C++

Both C++ and Delphi are non-interpreted. They are compiled, native programming languages based on old-school approaches. Both are fast, though C++ is slightly faster in calculations alone. But when it comes to Strings, Delphi development language is much faster.

Embarcadero offers a C++ RAD version, which pretty much feels like Delphi, providing a fast environment to work with.

Delphi vs. JavaScript, Python, PHP, VBScript

As already mentioned, Delphi (object-pascal) is an actual full programming language, while JavaScript, Python, PHP, or VBScript are script languages – their code is not compiled but interpreted instead.

The advantages of script languages are their simplicity and portability, but they are slower. Also, when code is compiled, all errors in code (not bugs) are found at once. When the code is interpreted, the error will appear only when the code reaches that point.

Compiled languages such as Delphi run independently. Script languages are executed inside another application that supports them.

Delphi vs. JavaScript, Python, PHP, VBScript

Key differences between Pascal and Delphi: A comparison table

Aspect	Pascal	Delphi (Object Pascal)
Type	Procedural programming language designed for teaching purposes.	IDE and a programming language initially intended for developing Windows applications.
Programming paradigm	Strictly procedural with functions, procedures, and records. Does not support object-oriented programming (OOP).	OOP language supporting the creation of classes and objects, as well as inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
Development environment	Uses basic IDEs and popular text editors.	Offers its own feature-rich IDE including a form designer, code completion capabilities, debugging tools, and a component library.
Features	Simple syntax with limited language constructs; basic I/O, arrays, and records.	Rich language features, such as runtime type information, generics, advanced string handling, and built-in database connectivity.
Libraries and frameworks	Standard library.	Extensive libraries and frameworks for cross-platform development.
Platforms	Small console applications.	Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Performance	Efficient in native development, however, with limited optimization options.	Highly efficient with diverse optimization opportunities, such as multi-threading, cross-platform targeting, and integration with modern hardware.
Use cases	Education, algorithm design, small embedded projects.	Enterprise applications, desktop and mobile solutions, database-driven products.
Ecosystem and community	Small community mostly focused on niche projects.	Active support and maintenance, strong community and comprehensive documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Should I learn Delphi?

It depends on what your intentions are. If your interest is academic, then the answer is yes. Learning Delphi will make you a better programmer, Delphi is as powerful as C++ but in a more comprehensive, readable form that will help you understand ideas like inheritance between objects or memory management, among others.

If your intentions are working as a developer, then again it all comes to which area of software development you want to reach out. Overall Delphi provides solutions even for areas that is not its forte, such as the web, but when it comes to developing software for Desktop or Mobile systems, Delphi is perhaps the best choice. When it comes down to decide which language to learn, a lot of factors play role, apart from personal preference in its syntax. One should check if there is a devoted community of developers to search for solutions to problems, if the supporting company is dedicated to the cause and always have in mind the developers who use their product, and finally, the balance between time consumed to create something and the financial revenue of selling your work. So nowadays, when it comes to software development, RAD solutions are much more preferable, because they lower the time spent which leads to lower developing costs.

How long does it take to learn Delphi?

If you are already familiar with some other real language like C++, it won't take longer than a couple of months.

If you are familiar with languages like C# or Java, means that you know nothing about memory management, for instance, you will need 6 months or a year.

If you are completely new to software development, you may need a couple of years. This doesn't mean you need years to create your first app. In fact, because of its RAD approach, you will be making apps in Delphi in a few weeks, if not days. However, true mastering of a programming language takes more time to ensure that information has become actual knowledge. Begin with downloading the free community edition of Delphi and use publicly available information, community assistance, and books to get started. Soon, you may be able to create basic applications. Still, mastering Delphi may take longer, because Delphi is so open that it really needs many years of dedicated software development, like any other fully-featured computer language.

Who uses Delphi today?

Many ERP, CRM, MRP or WMS systems are written in Delphi because of its ability to easily cover the needs requiring database access. Its major competitor in this area is C# for .NET and perhaps it's only politics the reason an application is being rewritten from Delphi to C#, such as Skype for example, which was rewritten after Microsoft acquired it. But when it comes to a stable, reliable, and cross-platform solution for businesses that need an extensive choice of different databases or data servers, Delphi is still the best choice.

Why is Delphi a good programming language?

Apart from the fact that it is still there after 25+ years, Delphi is a developer-friendly environment. The language itself is powerful, and Delphi’s approach to Rapid Application Development (RAD) makes developing applications much more efficient. While considered wordy as a language, for many developers Delphi is more transparent, because the code is comprehensive and easy to catch up with, especially in collaborative projects.

And although Delphi really shines in some areas like database management, it is such an open language that gives a developer the ability to create even image manipulation software, data modeling, virtual studio technology, AI implementations, or machine learning applications.

Is the Delphi language still used?

Yes, Delphi is still widely used in legacy applications in various domains - healthcare, banking, logistics, manufacturing, and many others. Such applications, which have been used for a long time, have accumulated extensive business logic that needs maintaining and modernizing. Therefore, Delphi remains relevant and actively used.

Is Delphi an IDE?

Yes, Delphi is both an IDE and a programming language. As an IDE, it provides a rich Rapid Application Development (RAD) framework and a number of useful tools: form designer, code editing and completion tool, debugger, as well as database tools.

What is the difference between Delphi and Pascal?

Pascal is a procedural programming language designed and used mostly for educational purposes. Pascal supports a limited set of features, such as basic I/O, arrays, and records. It can be used with simple text editors and IDEs and is rather limited in terms of GUI capabilities.

Delphi is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language that supports runtime type information, generics, advanced string handling, and other useful features. It is used in cross-platform development of enterprise-grade applications and database systems, as well as in legacy software modernization.

Delphi Programming Language: Definition, Evolution, Comparison, Data Access Components

What is Delphi programming language, and why is it important?