Program Structure & Basics
Program Structure & Units
A Delphi program starts with 'program' and ends with 'end.' (period). {$APPTYPE CONSOLE} is a compiler directive marking it as a console app. 'uses' imports units (modules) — System.SysUtils has Format, IntToStr, etc. Units have an interface section (public declarations) and implementation section (code). WriteLn outputs text with a newline; Write outputs without. ReadLn reads input (or pauses). The main begin..end block is the program's entry point.
program Demo; // program keyword starts a console app
{$APPTYPE CONSOLE} // compiler directive: console application
uses // import units (like #include or import)
System.SysUtils, // utilities (Format, IntToStr, etc.)
System.Classes; // TList, TStrings, etc.
// a unit has interface (declarations) and implementation (bodies)
// unit Math;
// interface
// function Add(A, B: Integer): Integer;
// implementation
// function Add(A, B: Integer): Integer;
// begin Result := A + B; end;
// end.
var
Name: string;
begin
Name := 'Alice';
WriteLn('Hello, ', Name, '!'); // WriteLn = output with newline
Write('No newline'); // Write = output without newline
ReadLn; // wait for Enter (pause)
end.Variables, Types & Constants
Delphi is strongly typed. Common types: Integer (32-bit), Int64 (64-bit), Double (64-bit float), Extended (80-bit float on x86), Single (32-bit float), string (Unicode, reference-counted), Char (WideChar, 2 bytes), Boolean, Byte (0-255). TDateTime is actually a Double (days since 1899-12-30). Constants use 'const' — typed constants have a type, untyped are flexible. Subrange types (0..150) restrict values. Enumerations (TDay) define named constants. Format() is like sprintf: %s (string), %d (integer), %f (float).
var
Name: string = 'Alice'; // string (managed, reference-counted)
Age: Integer = 30; // 32-bit signed integer
BigNum: Int64 = 9223372036854775807; // 64-bit
Pi: Double = 3.14159; // 64-bit float (IEEE 754)
E: Extended = 2.71828; // 80-bit float (x87)
Rate: Single = 0.5; // 32-bit float
Ch: Char = 'A'; // 2-byte Unicode char (WideChar)
IsDev: Boolean = True; // True/False
Bytes: Byte = 255; // 0..255
Date: TDateTime; // date/time (double)
// constants
const
MaxRetries = 3; // untyped constant
Pi: Double = 3.14159265; // typed constant
Greeting: string = 'Hello';
// type aliases
type
TAge = 0..150; // subrange type
TDay = (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun); // enumeration
begin
Date := Now; // current date/time
WriteLn(Format('%s is %d', [Name, Age])); // formatted output
WriteLn('Pi = ', Pi:0:2); // 3.14 (width:decimals)
end;Operators & Expressions
Delphi uses := for assignment and = for equality (opposite of C-like languages). div is integer division; / is real division (always returns Extended/Double). mod is the remainder. and/or/not/xor work on both Booleans (logical) and integers (bitwise) — context determines which. shl/shr are bit shifts. Inc/Dec are efficient in-place increment/decrement (avoid writing A := A + 1). String concatenation uses +. Power() is in System.Math. The := vs = distinction is the #1 source of beginner errors.
var
A, B: Integer;
X, Y: Double;
S1, S2: string;
begin
A := 10; B := 3;
WriteLn(A + B); // 13 (addition)
WriteLn(A - B); // 7
WriteLn(A * B); // 30
WriteLn(A div B); // 3 (integer division)
WriteLn(A mod B); // 1 (remainder)
WriteLn(A / B); // 3.33 (real division, always Extended)
X := 2.0; Y := 3.0;
WriteLn(X + Y); // 5.0
WriteLn(Power(X, Y)); // 8.0 (needs System.Math)
// comparison (return Boolean)
WriteLn(A > B); // TRUE
WriteLn(A = B); // FALSE (= is equality, not assignment!)
WriteLn(A <> B); // TRUE (not equal)
WriteLn(A >= B); // TRUE
// logical operators
WriteLn(True and False); // FALSE
WriteLn(True or False); // TRUE
WriteLn(not True); // FALSE
WriteLn(True xor False); // TRUE
// string concatenation
S1 := 'Hello'; S2 := 'World';
WriteLn(S1 + ', ' + S2 + '!'); // Hello, World!
// bitwise (on integers)
WriteLn(5 and 3); // 1
WriteLn(5 or 3); // 7
WriteLn(5 shl 1); // 10 (shift left = *2)
WriteLn(5 shr 1); // 2 (shift right = /2)
// Inc and Dec (modify in place)
Inc(A); // A := A + 1
Inc(A, 5); // A := A + 5
Dec(A); // A := A - 1
end;Input, Output & Formatting
Format() is Delphi's sprintf — uses %s (string), %d (integer), %f (float), %x (hex), %m (currency), with width/precision modifiers. WriteLn(value:width:decimals) formats floats directly. ReadLn reads input into a variable. StrToInt/StrToFloat convert strings to numbers (throw EConvertError on failure); TryStrToInt returns a Boolean and is safer. IntToStr/FloatToStr convert numbers to strings. FormatDateTime formats dates (yyyy, mm, dd, hh, nn, ss). FloatToStrF gives precise control (ffFixed, ffCurrency, ffExponent).
var
Name: string;
Age: Integer;
Salary: Double;
begin
// console output
WriteLn('Hello, World!'); // with newline
Write('No newline'); // without
WriteLn; // just a newline
// formatted output with Format (like sprintf)
WriteLn(Format('Name: %s, Age: %d', ['Alice', 30]));
WriteLn(Format('Pi: %.4f', [3.14159])); // Pi: 3.1416
WriteLn(Format('Hex: %x', [255])); // Hex: FF
WriteLn(Format('Pad: %10d', [42])); // right-aligned
WriteLn(Format('Left: %-10d|', [42])); // left-aligned
WriteLn(Format('Money: %m', [1234.56])); // currency
// WriteLn with format specifiers (width:decimals)
WriteLn(3.14159:0:2); // 3.14
WriteLn(42:5); // 42 (width 5)
// console input
Write('Enter your name: ');
ReadLn(Name);
Write('Enter your age: ');
ReadLn(Age);
// type conversion functions
Salary := StrToFloat('50000.50');
Age := StrToInt('30');
WriteLn(IntToStr(42)); // '42'
WriteLn(FloatToStr(3.14)); // '3.14'
WriteLn(FloatToStrF(3.14159, ffFixed, 8, 2)); // '3.14'
WriteLn(FormatDateTime('yyyy-mm-dd', Now)); // '2024-06-18'
// TryStrToInt (safe parsing)
if TryStrToInt('123', Age) then
WriteLn('Parsed: ', Age);
end;Units, Scope & Visibility
Units are Delphi's modules. The interface section declares what's public (visible to users); implementation contains the code and can have private types/vars. initialization/finalization sections run on unit load/unload (like constructors/destructors for the unit). Variables declared in interface are global; in implementation they're unit-private. Types in interface are public; in implementation they're private. This two-section design enforces encapsulation at the unit level. The 'uses' clause imports other units — resolve naming conflicts with UnitName.Identifier.
// Unit declaration
unit MathHelper;
interface
uses
System.SysUtils;
// public types (visible to users of the unit)
type
TCalculator = class
public
function Add(A, B: Integer): Integer;
end;
// public constants
const
Pi = 3.14159265358979;
// public variables
var
Counter: Integer;
// public function declarations
function Multiply(A, B: Integer): Integer;
implementation
// private types (only visible inside this unit's implementation)
type
TInternal = record
Value: Integer;
end;
// private variables
var
InternalCount: Integer;
// function body (implementation)
function Multiply(A, B: Integer): Integer;
begin
Result := A * B;
end;
function TCalculator.Add(A, B: Integer): Integer;
begin
Result := A + B;
end;
initialization
// runs when the unit loads
Counter := 0;
InternalCount := 0;
finalization
// runs when the unit unloads (cleanup)
// free resources here
end.Control Flow
If...Then...Else
If...Then...Else is Delphi's conditional. CRITICAL: no semicolon before 'else' — the semicolon ends the statement, and else is part of the if. For multi-statement branches, wrap in begin..end (still no semicolon before else). and/or/not are logical operators (also bitwise on integers). Use parentheses to group conditions: (A > 0) and (B > 0). The missing-semicolon-before-else rule is the most common Delphi syntax error for beginners.
var
Score: Integer;
Grade: string;
begin
Score := 85;
// simple if
if Score >= 60 then
WriteLn('Pass');
// if-else (no semicolon before 'else'!)
if Score >= 90 then
Grade := 'A'
else if Score >= 80 then
Grade := 'B'
else if Score >= 70 then
Grade := 'C'
else
Grade := 'F';
WriteLn('Grade: ', Grade);
// multi-statement if (needs begin..end)
if Score > 50 then
begin
WriteLn('Passed');
WriteLn('Congratulations');
end
else
begin
WriteLn('Failed');
WriteLn('Try again');
end;
// nested with logical operators
if (Score >= 0) and (Score <= 100) then
WriteLn('Valid score');
end;Case (Switch) Statement
Case is Delphi's switch — works on ordinal types (Integer, Char, enumeration, subrange). Each branch can be a single value, a comma-separated list ('D', 'F'), or a range (1..5). The else clause is the default. Case does NOT fall through (unlike C). For multi-statement branches, use begin..end. Case is cleaner than chained if-else for discrete values. You can't case on strings directly (use if-else or a lookup).
var
Grade: Char;
Day: Integer;
begin
Grade := 'B';
// case on ordinal (integer, char, enum)
case Grade of
'A': WriteLn('Excellent');
'B': WriteLn('Good');
'C': WriteLn('Average');
'D', 'F': WriteLn('Poor'); // multiple values
else
WriteLn('Invalid grade'); // default (else clause)
end;
// case with ranges
Day := 3;
case Day of
1..5: WriteLn('Weekday'); // range
6, 7: WriteLn('Weekend');
else
WriteLn('Invalid day');
end;
// case with enums
type TColor = (Red, Green, Blue);
var C: TColor;
C := Green;
case C of
Red: WriteLn('Stop');
Green: WriteLn('Go');
Blue: WriteLn('Relax');
end;
// case with multi-statement branches
case Grade of
'A': begin
WriteLn('Excellent');
WriteLn('Keep it up');
end;
'B': WriteLn('Good');
end;
end;For Loops (To, Downto, In)
For...to iterates ascending; For...downto descending. The loop variable can't be modified inside the loop. For...in (modern Delphi) iterates arrays, strings (char by char), sets, and any enumerable. Break exits the loop; Continue skips to the next iteration. There's no built-in step — use a conditional or a while loop. The loop variable is undefined after the loop (don't rely on its value). For...in is preferred for collections (cleaner, no index errors).
var
i: Integer;
Fruits: array of string;
S: string;
begin
// for...to (ascending)
for i := 1 to 5 do
WriteLn(i); // 1 2 3 4 5
// for...downto (descending)
for i := 5 downto 1 do
WriteLn(i); // 5 4 3 2 1
// for with step (no built-in step — use a while or compute)
for i := 0 to 9 do
if i mod 2 = 0 then
WriteLn(i); // 0 2 4 6 8
// nested loops
for i := 1 to 3 do
for j := 1 to 3 do
Write(i * j, ' ');
WriteLn;
// for...in (iterates collections, modern Delphi)
Fruits := ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry'];
for S in Fruits do
WriteLn(S);
// for...in on string (iterates characters)
for S in 'Hello' do
Write(S, ' '); // H e l l o
WriteLn;
// for...in on set
type TDigits = set of 1..5;
var D: TDigits := [1, 3, 5];
for i in D do
WriteLn(i); // 1 3 5
// Break and Continue
for i := 1 to 100 do
begin
if i > 10 then Break; // exit loop
if i mod 2 = 0 then Continue; // skip to next iteration
WriteLn(i); // 1 3 5 7 9
end;
end;While & Repeat...Until
While tests before the body (may never execute); repeat...until tests after (always runs at least once). CRITICAL: while continues while the condition is TRUE; repeat stops when the condition is TRUE (opposite logic!). repeat...until doesn't need begin..end (it's inherently a block). Use while for 'zero or more times' and repeat for 'one or more times'. Break exits; Continue skips to the test. while True with Break is a common idiom for loops with complex exit conditions.
var
Count: Integer;
Line: string;
begin
// while: test BEFORE (may never run)
Count := 0;
while Count < 3 do
begin
WriteLn(Count);
Inc(Count);
end;
// 0 1 2
// repeat...until: test AFTER (runs at least once)
Count := 0;
repeat
WriteLn(Count);
Inc(Count);
until Count >= 3;
// 0 1 2
// KEY DIFFERENCE: while continues while TRUE; until stops when TRUE
// while X < 3 do ... == repeat ... until X >= 3
// repeat doesn't need begin..end (it's already a block)
Count := 5;
repeat
WriteLn(Count);
Dec(Count);
until Count = 0;
// reading input until a condition
repeat
Write('Enter "quit" to stop: ');
ReadLn(Line);
until (Line = 'quit') or (Line = 'exit');
// infinite loop with Break
while True do
begin
WriteLn('Running...');
if SomeCondition then Break;
end;
// Continue in while
Count := 0;
while Count < 10 do
begin
Inc(Count);
if Count mod 2 = 0 then Continue;
WriteLn(Count); // 1 3 5 7 9
end;
end;With...Do & Goto
With...Do accesses members of a record/object without repeating the variable — useful for initialization and reducing verbosity. Avoid nested With (ambiguity about which object a member belongs to). Goto jumps to a label — rarely used in modern Delphi (prefer Break/Continue/Exit); declare labels with 'label'. Exit leaves the procedure immediately; Exit(value) returns a value from a function (modern syntax). With can make code less readable if overused — use it sparingly for simple cases.
type
TPerson = record
Name: string;
Age: Integer;
Email: string;
end;
var
P: TPerson;
i: Integer;
label
RetryPoint; // declare a label for Goto
begin
// With...Do: access record/object members without repeating the name
with P do
begin
Name := 'Alice';
Age := 30;
Email := '[email protected]';
WriteLn(Name, ' is ', Age); // instead of P.Name, P.Age
end;
// With on a function result
with TStringList.Create do
try
Add('line 1');
Add('line 2');
SaveToFile('output.txt');
finally
Free;
end;
// nested With (avoid — ambiguous)
with P, TStringList.Create do
try
Add(Name); // Name could be P.Name or TStringList.Name
finally
Free;
end;
// Goto (rarely used — prefer structured alternatives)
i := 0;
RetryPoint:
Inc(i);
WriteLn('Attempt ', i);
if i < 3 then
Goto RetryPoint;
WriteLn('Done after ', i, ' attempts');
// Exit: leave the current procedure/function
if P.Age < 0 then
begin
WriteLn('Invalid age');
Exit; // return immediately
end;
// Exit with a value (for functions)
// Exit(42); // returns 42 from the function
end;Strings & Text Processing
String Types & Operations
Delphi's default string is UnicodeString (UTF-16, reference-counted, copy-on-write). Strings are 1-INDEXED (S[1] is the first char) — a common source of bugs for C programmers. Length() returns the char count. Pos() finds a substring (returns 0 if not found, not -1). Copy() extracts a substring (Start, Count). StringReplace replaces (rfReplaceAll for all occurrences). Trim/TrimLeft/TrimRight remove whitespace. Split/Join are modern methods (TArray<string>). Use SameText for case-insensitive comparison.
var
S: string; // UnicodeString (default, UTF-16, reference-counted)
A: AnsiString; // 8-bit string (legacy, codepage-aware)
W: WideString; // COM-compatible (not reference-counted)
SB: StringBuilder; // mutable, for heavy concatenation
begin
S := 'Hello, World';
// length and indexing (1-indexed!)
WriteLn(Length(S)); // 12
WriteLn(S[1]); // 'H' (first char — 1-indexed!)
WriteLn(S[Length(S)]); // 'd' (last char)
// case conversion
WriteLn(UpperCase(S)); // HELLO, WORLD
WriteLn(LowerCase(S)); // hello, world
// searching
WriteLn(Pos('World', S)); // 8 (1-indexed position, 0 if not found)
WriteLn(Pos('xyz', S)); // 0
// substring
WriteLn(Copy(S, 1, 5)); // 'Hello' (Start, Length)
WriteLn(Copy(S, 8, 5)); // 'World'
// modify (creates new string — strings are immutable-ish)
S := StringReplace(S, 'World', 'Delphi', [rfReplaceAll]);
WriteLn(S); // Hello, Delphi
// trim
WriteLn(Trim(' hi ')); // 'hi'
WriteLn(TrimLeft(' hi ')); // 'hi '
WriteLn(TrimRight(' hi ')); // ' hi'
// split
var Parts: TArray<string>;
Parts := 'a,b,c'.Split([',']);
WriteLn(Length(Parts)); // 3
// join
WriteLn(string.Join('-', Parts)); // 'a-b-c'
// comparison
WriteLn('abc' = 'abc'); // TRUE (case-sensitive)
WriteLn(AnsiCompareText('ABC', 'abc')); // 0 (case-insensitive)
WriteLn(SameText('ABC', 'abc')); // TRUE
end;String Formatting & Conversion
Format() is Delphi's sprintf: %d (integer), %f (float), %s (string), %x (hex), %m (currency), with width/precision modifiers. FloatToStrF gives precise control (ffFixed, ffCurrency, ffNumber, ffExponent). FormatDateTime formats dates: yyyy (4-digit year), mm (month), dd (day), hh (hour), nn (minute), ss (second), dddd (full day name), mmmm (full month name). StrToInt/StrToFloat throw EConvertError on invalid input; TryStrToInt returns a Boolean (safer). Always use Try... for user input.
var
N: Integer := 42;
F: Double := 3.14159;
S: string;
D: TDateTime := Now;
begin
// Format (like sprintf)
S := Format('Integer: %d', [N]); // 'Integer: 42'
S := Format('Float: %f', [F]); // 'Float: 3.14'
S := Format('Float: %.4f', [F]); // 'Float: 3.1416'
S := Format('Hex: %x', [N]); // 'Hex: 2a'
S := Format('String: %s', ['Hello']); // 'String: Hello'
S := Format('Padded: %10d', [N]); // ' 42'
S := Format('Left: %-10d|', [N]); // '42 |'
S := Format('Multiple: %s=%d, %.2f', ['x', N, F]);
// FloatToStrF (precise float formatting)
S := FloatToStrF(F, ffFixed, 8, 2); // '3.14'
S := FloatToStrF(F, ffCurrency, 8, 2); // '$3.14'
S := FloatToStrF(1234567, ffNumber, 10, 0); // '1,234,567'
// date/time formatting
S := FormatDateTime('yyyy-mm-dd', D); // '2024-06-18'
S := FormatDateTime('hh:nn:ss', D); // '14:30:00'
S := FormatDateTime('dddd, mmmm d, yyyy', D); // 'Tuesday, June 18, 2024'
// string to number (throws on invalid)
N := StrToInt('123');
F := StrToFloat('3.14');
D := StrToDateTime('2024-06-18');
// safe parsing (TryStrTo...)
if TryStrToInt('123', N) then
WriteLn('Parsed: ', N);
if TryStrToInt('abc', N) then
WriteLn('Valid')
else
WriteLn('Invalid number');
// IntToStr, FloatToStr
WriteLn(IntToStr(42));
WriteLn(FloatToStr(3.14));
end;StringBuilder & TStringList
StringBuilder (mutable) is efficient for loops that build large strings — Append modifies in place instead of creating new strings. TStringList is Delphi's Swiss-army knife: a list of strings that can sort, search, hold key=value pairs (Values[]), load/save files (one line per item), and split delimited text (CommaText, DelimitedText). TStringList is 0-indexed (SL[0]) unlike strings (S[1]). Always wrap in try..finally to Free. It's the most common way to handle text files and simple configs in Delphi.
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Classes;
var
sb: StringBuilder;
SL: TStringList;
i: Integer;
begin
// StringBuilder: efficient concatenation (mutable)
sb := StringBuilder.Create;
try
for i := 1 to 1000 do
sb.Append('Line ').Append(i).AppendLine; // chainable
WriteLn(sb.ToString);
finally
sb.Free;
end;
// TStringList: versatile string collection
SL := TStringList.Create;
try
// add items
SL.Add('apple');
SL.Add('banana');
SL.Add('cherry');
WriteLn(SL.Count); // 3
WriteLn(SL[0]); // 'apple' (0-indexed!)
// sort and find
SL.Sort;
SL.Sorted := True; // auto-sort on Add
idx := SL.IndexOf('banana'); // find (returns -1 if not found)
// comma-separated text
SL.CommaText := 'red,green,blue'; // split into items
WriteLn(SL.CommaText); // 'blue,green,red'
// key=value pairs
SL.Clear;
SL.Values['name'] := 'Alice';
SL.Values['age'] := '30';
WriteLn(SL.Values['name']); // 'Alice'
// file I/O (one line per item)
SL.SaveToFile('items.txt');
SL.LoadFromFile('items.txt');
// delimited text
SL.Delimiter := ';';
SL.DelimitedText := 'a;b;c';
finally
SL.Free;
end;
end;Char Operations & Encoding
Char is a 2-byte Unicode character. Ord() gets the code point; Char() converts back. IsDigit/IsLetter/IsWhiteSpace/IsUpper/IsLower classify characters. ToUpper/ToLower convert case. TEncoding.UTF8.GetBytes converts strings to byte arrays (essential for file I/O and networking) — UTF-8 uses 1-4 bytes per char. TEncoding.Unicode is UTF-16 LE (always 2 bytes/char). Base64 (TNetEncoding.Base64) encodes binary data as text for transport. String and Char are UTF-16 internally; convert to UTF-8 for file storage and network protocols.
var
C: Char;
S: string;
Bytes: TBytes;
i: Integer;
begin
C := 'A';
WriteLn(Ord(C)); // 65 (ASCII/Unicode code point)
WriteLn(Char(66)); // 'B' (code point to char)
// char classification
WriteLn(IsDigit('5')); // TRUE
WriteLn(IsLetter('A')); // TRUE
WriteLn(IsWhiteSpace(' ')); // TRUE
WriteLn(IsUpper('A')); // TRUE
WriteLn(IsLower('a')); // TRUE
// case conversion
WriteLn(ToUpper('a')); // 'A'
WriteLn(ToLower('A')); // 'a'
// iterate characters
S := 'Hello';
for C in S do
Write(C, '(', Ord(C), ') ');
WriteLn; // H(72) e(101) l(108) l(108) o(111)
// string <-> bytes (encoding)
Bytes := TEncoding.UTF8.GetBytes('Hello');
WriteLn(Length(Bytes)); // 5 (ASCII chars are 1 byte in UTF-8)
Bytes := TEncoding.UTF8.GetBytes('héllo');
WriteLn(Length(Bytes)); // 6 (é is 2 bytes in UTF-8)
S := TEncoding.UTF8.GetString(Bytes); // back to string
// other encodings
Bytes := TEncoding.ASCII.GetBytes('Hello');
Bytes := TEncoding.Unicode.GetBytes('Hello'); // UTF-16 LE (2 bytes/char)
// Base64 encoding (for binary in text)
uses System.NetEncoding;
var B64: string := TNetEncoding.Base64.EncodeBytesToString(Bytes);
var Decoded: TBytes := TNetEncoding.Base64.DecodeStringToBytes(B64);
// char arrays
var Chars: array[0..4] of Char;
Chars[0] := 'H'; Chars[1] := 'e'; Chars[2] := 'l'; Chars[3] := 'l'; Chars[4] := 'o';
S := String(Chars); // convert char array to string
end;Regular Expressions
System.RegularExpressions provides TRegex for pattern matching. IsMatch tests; Match finds the first; Matches finds all. Groups capture parts with parentheses — access via Groups[1], Groups[2] (1-indexed). Replace substitutes matches ($1, $2 reference groups). Split breaks on a pattern. Common regex: \d (digit), \w (word char), \s (whitespace), + (one+), * (zero+), {n} (exactly n), ^/$ (start/end). roCompiled compiles for faster repeated use. Always validate user input (emails, phones) with regex.
uses
System.RegularExpressions;
var
Input, Pattern: string;
Match: TMatch;
Matches: TMatchCollection;
Result: string;
begin
Input := 'Phone: 123-456-7890, Zip: 10001';
// check if matches
if TRegEx.IsMatch(Input, 'd{3}-d{3}-d{4}') then
WriteLn('Found a phone number');
// find first match
Match := TRegEx.Match(Input, 'd{5}');
if Match.Success then
WriteLn('Zip: ', Match.Value); // '10001'
// find all matches
Matches := TRegEx.Matches(Input, 'd+');
for Match in Matches do
WriteLn(Match.Value); // 123, 456, 7890, 10001
// capture groups
Match := TRegEx.Match('2024-06-18', '(d{4})-(d{2})-(d{2})');
if Match.Success then
begin
WriteLn(Match.Groups[1].Value); // '2024' (year)
WriteLn(Match.Groups[2].Value); // '06' (month)
WriteLn(Match.Groups[3].Value); // '18' (day)
end;
// replace
Result := TRegEx.Replace(Input, 'd', 'X');
// 'Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX, Zip: XXXXX'
// replace with match reference ($1, $2)
Result := TRegEx.Replace('John Doe', '(w+) (w+)', '$2, $1');
// 'Doe, John'
// split
var Parts: TArray<string>;
Parts := TRegEx.Split('a,b;;c', '[,;]+');
// common patterns
Pattern := '^[w.-]+@[w.-]+.w+$'; // email
Pattern := '^https?://[w./-]+$'; // URL
Pattern := '^d{3}-d{3}-d{4}$'; // US phone
// compiled regex (faster for repeated use)
var Regex := TRegEx.Create('d+', [roCompiled]);
try
Match := Regex.Match(Input);
finally
Regex.Free;
end;
end;Arrays, Records & Collections
Static & Dynamic Arrays
Static arrays have a fixed size set at compile time with a custom index range (array[0..4] or array[1..7]). Dynamic arrays (array of T) are resizable with SetLength — they're 0-indexed and reference-counted. High() returns the last index; Length() returns the count. SetLength on an existing dynamic array resizes it (preserving existing values if growing). Set to nil to free. Dynamic array literals use [1, 2, 3]. Multi-dimensional dynamic arrays are 'arrays of arrays' (jagged) — each row can have a different length.
var
// static array (fixed size, compile-time)
Nums: array[0..4] of Integer; // 5 elements, indices 0..4
Matrix: array[0..2, 0..2] of Double; // 3x3 2D array
Days: array[1..7] of string; // 1-indexed (custom range)
// dynamic array (resizable at runtime)
Dyn: array of Integer;
Dyn2D: array of array of Integer; // jagged 2D
i, j: Integer;
begin
// static array
Nums[0] := 10;
Nums[1] := 20;
for i := 0 to High(Nums) do // High(Nums) = 4
WriteLn(Nums[i]);
WriteLn(Length(Nums)); // 5
// dynamic array
SetLength(Dyn, 5); // allocate 5 elements (0-indexed)
Dyn[0] := 1;
Dyn[1] := 2;
for i := 0 to High(Dyn) do
WriteLn(Dyn[i]);
SetLength(Dyn, 10); // resize (preserves existing values)
WriteLn(Length(Dyn)); // 10
Dyn := nil; // free memory
// dynamic array literal (modern Delphi)
Dyn := [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
WriteLn(Length(Dyn)); // 5
// 2D dynamic array
SetLength(Dyn2D, 3); // 3 rows
for i := 0 to 2 do
begin
SetLength(Dyn2D[i], 3); // 3 cols per row
for j := 0 to 2 do
Dyn2D[i][j] := i * 3 + j;
end;
// array slice (Open Array)
WriteLn(Length(Dyn)); // 5
end;Records (Structs)
Records are value types (copied on assignment, stack-allocated) — like structs in C. Modern Delphi records can have methods, properties, and visibility (private/public). Records don't need to be freed (no heap allocation). Variant records (case...of) create a union where fields share memory — useful for type tags. Use records for small, lightweight data (points, coordinates, config). Use classes for larger objects needing inheritance or polymorphism. Records are faster (no heap allocation) but can't be inherited.
type
// simple record (like a struct)
TPoint = record
X, Y: Integer;
end;
// record with methods (modern Delphi)
TPerson = record
Name: string;
Age: Integer;
// methods
function Greet: string;
procedure Birthday;
// properties
property IsAdult: Boolean read GetIsAdult;
private
function GetIsAdult: Boolean;
end;
// variant record (union — fields share memory)
TValue = record
case IsInt: Boolean of
True: (IntVal: Integer);
False: (FloatVal: Double);
end;
// implementing record methods
function TPerson.Greet: string;
begin
Result := 'Hi, I am ' + Name;
end;
procedure TPerson.Birthday;
begin
Inc(Age);
end;
function TPerson.GetIsAdult: Boolean;
begin
Result := Age >= 18;
end;
var
P: TPerson;
Pt: TPoint;
V: TValue;
begin
// record assignment copies all fields (value type)
P.Name := 'Alice';
P.Age := 30;
WriteLn(P.Greet); // Hi, I am Alice
P.Birthday;
WriteLn(P.Age); // 31
WriteLn(P.IsAdult); // TRUE
// record constructors (modern Delphi)
P := TPerson.Create; // zero-initializes
P.Name := 'Bob';
// variant record
V.IsInt := True;
V.IntVal := 42;
WriteLn(V.IntVal); // 42
V.IsInt := False;
V.FloatVal := 3.14;
WriteLn(V.FloatVal); // 3.14
end;Sets & Enums
Sets are Delphi's unique feature — a collection of values from an enumeration or subrange (max 256 elements). Operators: + (union), - (difference), * (intersection), = (equality), <= (subset), in (membership). Include/Exclude are efficient single-element add/remove. Sets are stored as bitmaps (very fast). Common uses: TFontStyles (fsBold, fsItalic), set of Char for validation (['0'..'9']), days of week. Enums are ordinal types — iterate with Low() to High(), convert to string with GetEnumName. Sets make flag combinations elegant and type-safe.
type
// enumeration
TDay = (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun);
TColor = (Red, Green, Blue);
// set type (collection of enum values)
TDays = set of TDay;
TColors = set of TColor;
TChars = set of Char; // set of characters
var
Weekdays: TDays;
MyColors: TColors;
D: TDay;
Digits: TChars;
C: Char;
begin
// set operations
Weekdays := [Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri];
MyColors := [Red, Blue];
// add and remove
Include(Weekdays, Sat); // Weekdays := Weekdays + [Sat]
Exclude(Weekdays, Sun); // Weekdays := Weekdays - [Sun]
// set operators
Weekdays := Weekdays + [Sat]; // union
Weekdays := Weekdays - [Sat]; // difference
Weekend := [Sat, Sun];
if Weekdays * Weekend = [] then // intersection is empty
WriteLn('No overlap');
// membership test
if Mon in Weekdays then
WriteLn('Monday is a weekday');
// iterate enum
for D := Low(TDay) to High(TDay) do
WriteLn(D); // 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (ord values)
// convert enum to string
WriteLn(GetEnumName(TypeInfo(TDay), Ord(Mon))); // 'Mon'
// set of Char (common for validation)
Digits := ['0'..'9'];
C := '5';
if C in Digits then
WriteLn('Is a digit');
// set comparison
if MyColors = [Red, Blue] then
WriteLn('Equal sets');
if [Red] <= MyColors then // subset
WriteLn('Red is included');
end;TList, TDictionary & Generics
System.Generics.Collections provides type-safe collections: TList<T> (dynamic array), TDictionary<K,V> (hash map), TQueue<T> (FIFO), TStack<T> (LIFO), THashSet<T> (unique elements). All are generic (compile-time type checking, no casts). TList has Add/Remove/Delete/Sort/Contains/IndexOf. TDictionary has Add/Remove/TryGetValue/Keys/Values. TObjectList<T> owns its objects (frees them automatically) — use it when the list should manage object lifetimes. Always wrap in try..finally to Free (these are objects, not records).
uses
System.Generics.Collections;
var
Nums: TList<Integer>;
Ages: TDictionary<string, Integer>;
Unique: THashSet<string>;
Queue: TQueue<string>;
Stack: TStack<Integer>;
i: Integer;
K: string;
V: Integer;
begin
// TList<T>: dynamic array (generic)
Nums := TList<Integer>.Create;
try
Nums.Add(1);
Nums.Add(2);
Nums.AddRange([3, 4, 5]);
WriteLn(Nums.Count); // 5
WriteLn(Nums[0]); // 1 (0-indexed)
Nums[0] := 100;
Nums.Remove(2); // by value
Nums.Delete(0); // by index
Nums.Sort; // sort in place
Nums.Reverse;
if Nums.Contains(3) then
WriteLn('Found');
for i in Nums do
WriteLn(i);
finally
Nums.Free;
end;
// TDictionary<TKey, TValue>: hash map
Ages := TDictionary<string, Integer>.Create;
try
Ages.Add('Alice', 30);
Ages.Add('Bob', 25);
Ages['Eve'] := 28; // add or update
if Ages.TryGetValue('Alice', V) then
WriteLn('Alice is ', V); // 30
for K in Ages.Keys do
WriteLn(K);
for V in Ages.Values do
WriteLn(V);
Ages.Remove('Bob');
finally
Ages.Free;
end;
// TQueue<T> (FIFO) and TStack<T> (LIFO)
Queue := TQueue<string>.Create;
try
Queue.Enqueue('first');
Queue.Enqueue('second');
WriteLn(Queue.Dequeue); // 'first'
finally
Queue.Free;
end;
// TObjectList<T> (owns its objects — frees them on Clear/Free)
// uses System.Generics.Collections;
// var People: TObjectList<TPerson>;
// People := TObjectList<TPerson>.Create;
// People.Add(TPerson.Create); // freed when People is freed
end;Array Algorithms & Sorting
TArray is a utility class for array operations: Sort (with optional custom IComparer), BinarySearch (fast search on sorted arrays), Reverse, Copy. TComparer<T>.Construct creates a comparison function inline (anonymous method). Sorting by a field requires a custom comparer. BinarySearch returns a Boolean and the found index — the array MUST be sorted first. For complex searches, a linear loop with Break is simple and clear. TArray.Sort is a quicksort (O(n log n) average).
uses
System.Generics.Collections, System.Generics.Defaults;
var
Nums: TArray<Integer>;
People: TArray<TPerson>;
i: Integer;
begin
// sort an array
Nums := TArray<Integer>.Create(5, 3, 1, 4, 2);
TArray.Sort<Integer>(Nums);
// Nums = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
// sort descending (custom comparer)
TArray.Sort<Integer>(Nums, TComparer<Integer>.Construct(
function(const L, R: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := R - L; // reverse comparison
end));
// binary search (array must be sorted)
TArray.Sort<Integer>(Nums);
var Found: Boolean := TArray.BinarySearch<Integer>(Nums, 3, i);
if Found then
WriteLn('Found at index ', i);
// sort array of records by a field
type TPerson = record Name: string; Age: Integer; end;
SetLength(People, 3);
People[0] := TPerson.Create('Alice', 30);
People[1] := TPerson.Create('Bob', 25);
People[2] := TPerson.Create('Carol', 28);
TArray.Sort<TPerson>(People, TComparer<TPerson>.Construct(
function(const L, R: TPerson): Integer
begin
Result := L.Age - R.Age; // sort by age
end));
for i := 0 to High(People) do
WriteLn(People[i].Name, ': ', People[i].Age);
// reverse an array
TArray.Reverse<Integer>(Nums);
// copy an array
var Copy: TArray<Integer>;
Copy := Copy(Nums, 0, Length(Nums));
// find with a predicate
var FoundIdx: Integer := -1;
for i := 0 to High(People) do
if People[i].Age > 28 then
begin
FoundIdx := i;
Break;
end;
end;Procedures, Functions & Parameters
Procedures & Functions
Procedures (no return value) and Functions (return a value) are Delphi's subroutines. The Result variable is the return value — assign to it (the function returns when it ends). Exit() returns immediately with a value (modern syntax). Forward declarations let you call a function before its body is defined (useful for mutual recursion). Functions can return any type, including records, arrays, and objects. Exit without a value just leaves the procedure. The Result variable is implicitly declared and matches the return type.
// Procedure: performs an action (no return value)
procedure Greet(Name: string);
begin
WriteLn('Hello, ', Name, '!');
end;
// Function: returns a value
function Add(A, B: Integer): Integer;
begin
Result := A + B; // Result is the return variable
// Exit(42); // alternative: return immediately with 42
end;
// Function with multiple return paths
function Classify(Score: Integer): string;
begin
if Score >= 90 then
Exit('A'); // return immediately
if Score >= 80 then
Exit('B');
Result := 'F'; // default return
end;
// Function returning a record
function MakePoint(X, Y: Integer): TPoint;
begin
Result.X := X;
Result.Y := Y;
end;
// forward declaration (use before full definition)
function Calc(X: Integer): Integer; forward;
procedure Demo;
var
Sum: Integer;
P: TPoint;
begin
Greet('Alice'); // procedure call
Sum := Add(3, 4); // function call
WriteLn(Sum); // 7
WriteLn(Classify(85)); // B
P := MakePoint(3, 4);
WriteLn(Calc(10));
end;
function Calc(X: Integer): Integer;
begin
Result := X * 2;
end;Parameters: Const, Var, Out, Default
const: read-only parameter (also avoids copying strings/arrays — efficient). var: pass by reference (modifies caller's variable — like ref in C#). out: output-only (caller doesn't initialize; function sets it). Default parameters must come last. Open array parameters (array of T) accept any array or a literal [1,2,3] — use const for efficiency. const is preferred for strings and arrays (no copy); use var only when you need to modify the caller's value. Open arrays are 0-indexed regardless of the source array's bounds.
// const: can't be modified (also efficient for strings/arrays)
procedure Show(const S: string);
begin
WriteLn(S);
// S := 'new'; // ERROR: can't modify const
end;
// var: pass by reference (can modify caller's variable)
procedure Swap(var A, B: Integer);
var
Temp: Integer;
begin
Temp := A;
A := B;
B := Temp;
end;
// out: output-only parameter (caller doesn't need to initialize)
procedure GetValues(out X, Y: Integer);
begin
X := 10;
Y := 20;
end;
// default parameters (must be at the end)
function Power(Base: Double; Exp: Integer = 2): Double;
begin
Result := Power(Base, Exp); // Math.Power
end;
// open array parameter (accepts any array)
function Sum(const Values: array of Integer): Integer;
var
i: Integer;
begin
Result := 0;
for i := 0 to High(Values) do
Result := Result + Values[i];
end;
// 'const' for open arrays (efficient — no copy)
procedure ShowAll(const Items: array of string);
var
S: string;
begin
for S in Items do
WriteLn(S);
end;
var
X, Y: Integer;
Nums: array[0..4] of Integer;
begin
Swap(X, Y); // var: modifies X and Y
GetValues(X, Y); // out: sets X and Y
WriteLn(Power(3)); // 9 (Exp defaults to 2)
WriteLn(Power(2, 10)); // 1024
WriteLn(Sum([1, 2, 3, 4, 5])); // 15 (open array literal)
ShowAll(['a', 'b', 'c']);
end;Overloading & Default Parameters
Overloading lets multiple routines share a name with different parameter lists — the compiler picks the best match. The 'overload' directive is required. Overloading is cleaner than inventing different names (AddInt, AddDouble). Default parameters are an alternative — callers can omit them. Prefer overloading when the logic differs by type; use defaults for optional values. Ambiguity (two overloads that match equally) is a compile error. Overloads must differ in parameter count or types (return type alone isn't enough).
// overloading: same name, different parameters
function Add(A, B: Integer): Integer; overload;
begin
Result := A + B;
end;
function Add(A, B: Double): Double; overload;
begin
Result := A + B;
end;
function Add(A, B, C: Integer): Integer; overload;
begin
Result := A + B + C;
end;
function Add(const Values: array of Integer): Integer; overload;
var
i: Integer;
begin
Result := 0;
for i := 0 to High(Values) do
Result := Result + Values[i];
end;
// default parameters (alternative to some overloads)
function CreateRect(Left, Top: Integer; Width: Integer = 100;
Height: Integer = 50): TRect;
begin
Result := Rect(Left, Top, Left + Width, Top + Height);
end;
var
R: TRect;
begin
WriteLn(Add(1, 2)); // 3 (Integer overload)
WriteLn(Add(1.5, 2.5)); // 4.0 (Double overload)
WriteLn(Add(1, 2, 3)); // 6 (3-arg overload)
WriteLn(Add([1, 2, 3, 4])); // 10 (array overload)
R := CreateRect(10, 20); // uses defaults: 100x50
R := CreateRect(10, 20, 200); // Width=200, Height=50
R := CreateRect(10, 20, 200, 100); // all specified
end;Anonymous Methods & Closures
Anonymous methods (closures) are inline functions/procedures assigned to 'reference to' types. They capture variables from their enclosing scope (closures). 'reference to function'/'reference to procedure' are the delegate types. Anonymous methods enable functional programming: higher-order functions (Apply takes a function), closures (MakeMultiplier returns a function that remembers Factor), and custom comparers (TComparer<T>.Construct). They're essential for generics sorting, event handlers, and callbacks. The captured variables are heap-allocated (they outlive the enclosing function).
type
TMathFunc = reference to function(X: Integer): Integer;
TNotifyProc = reference to procedure(Msg: string);
// function that takes a function
function Apply(Func: TMathFunc; Values: array of Integer): Integer;
var
i: Integer;
begin
Result := 0;
for i := 0 to High(Values) do
Result := Result + Func(Values[i]);
end;
// function that returns a function (closure)
function MakeMultiplier(Factor: Integer): TMathFunc;
begin
Result := function(X: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := X * Factor; // captures Factor
end;
end;
var
Double: TMathFunc;
Triple: TMathFunc;
begin
// anonymous method (inline function)
Double := function(X: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := X * 2;
end;
WriteLn(Double(21)); // 42
// use with higher-order functions
WriteLn(Apply(Double, [1, 2, 3, 4])); // 20 (2+4+6+8)
// closure: captures the Factor variable
Triple := MakeMultiplier(3);
WriteLn(Triple(5)); // 15
// anonymous procedure
var Log: TNotifyProc := procedure(Msg: string)
begin
WriteLn('[LOG] ', Msg);
end;
Log('Hello');
// use with TList.Sort (custom comparison)
var Nums: TList<Integer>;
Nums := TList<Integer>.Create;
try
Nums.AddRange([5, 3, 1, 4, 2]);
Nums.Sort(TComparer<Integer>.Construct(
function(const L, R: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := L - R;
end));
finally
Nums.Free;
end;
end;Recursion & Helper Routines
Recursion is a function calling itself — needs a base case to terminate. Factorial and Fibonacci are classic examples. Tail recursion (where the recursive call is the last operation) can be optimized by the compiler. Nested procedures/functions are declared inside another routine and can access its variables (lexical scoping) — useful for helpers that don't need to be visible outside. Watch for stack overflow with deep recursion (use iteration for large inputs). Memoization (caching results) can speed up recursive algorithms like Fibonacci.
// classic recursion
function Factorial(N: Integer): Integer;
begin
if N <= 1 then
Result := 1
else
Result := N * Factorial(N - 1);
end;
// tail recursion (compiler may optimize)
function SumRange(N: Integer; Acc: Integer = 0): Integer;
begin
if N = 0 then
Result := Acc
else
Result := SumRange(N - 1, Acc + N);
end;
// Fibonacci (naive — exponential time)
function Fib(N: Integer): Integer;
begin
if N < 2 then
Result := N
else
Result := Fib(N - 1) + Fib(N - 2);
end;
// nested procedure (helper with access to outer variables)
procedure ProcessData(Data: array of Integer);
var
Total: Integer;
procedure SumAll; // nested, sees Total and Data
var
i: Integer;
begin
Total := 0;
for i := 0 to High(Data) do
Total := Total + Data[i];
end;
function Average: Double; // nested function
begin
if Length(Data) = 0 then
Result := 0
else
Result := Total / Length(Data);
end;
begin
SumAll; // calls nested procedure
WriteLn('Sum: ', Total);
WriteLn('Avg: ', Average:0:2);
end;
begin
WriteLn(Factorial(5)); // 120
WriteLn(SumRange(10)); // 55
WriteLn(Fib(10)); // 55
ProcessData([1, 2, 3, 4, 5]);
end;Classes & OOP
Class Definition, Constructor & Destructor
Classes are reference types (heap-allocated, accessed via pointers). Create is the constructor; Destroy is the destructor (always override; called by Free). 'inherited' calls the base class's method. Fields use the F prefix by convention. Properties (property X: Type read GetX write SetX) provide controlled access — callers use P.Age but the setter validates. Visibility: private (unit-only in older Delphi; strict private is truly private), protected (subclasses), public (everyone), published (RTTI, for forms/inspectors). Always wrap object creation in try..finally to ensure Free is called.
type
TPerson = class
private
FName: string; // private field (convention: F prefix)
FAge: Integer;
procedure SetAge(Value: Integer); // setter for validation
protected
// visible to subclasses
function GetDescription: string; virtual;
public
constructor Create(Name: string; Age: Integer); // constructor
destructor Destroy; override; // destructor
// properties (with getters/setters)
property Name: string read FName; // read-only
property Age: Integer read FAge write SetAge; // validated
property Description: string read GetDescription;
// method
function Greet: string; virtual;
end;
constructor TPerson.Create(Name: string; Age: Integer);
begin
inherited Create; // call base constructor (TObject.Create)
FName := Name;
FAge := Age;
end;
destructor TPerson.Destroy;
begin
// free owned objects here
inherited; // call base destructor
end;
procedure TPerson.SetAge(Value: Integer);
begin
if (Value < 0) or (Value > 150) then
raise ERangeError.Create('Invalid age');
FAge := Value;
end;
function TPerson.GetDescription: string;
begin
Result := Format('%s (%d)', [FName, FAge]);
end;
function TPerson.Greet: string;
begin
Result := 'Hi, I am ' + FName;
end;
var
P: TPerson;
begin
P := TPerson.Create('Alice', 30);
try
WriteLn(P.Greet); // Hi, I am Alice
WriteLn(P.Description); // Alice (30)
P.Age := 31; // uses setter
// P.Age := 200; // raises ERangeError
finally
P.Free; // calls destructor
end;
end;Properties & Indexed Properties
Properties encapsulate field access with getters/setters. Read-only properties have only a 'read' specifier. The 'default' directive makes an indexed property the default — so L[i] works instead of L.Items[i]. Properties can have direct field access (read FCount) or method access (read GetItem write SetItem) for validation/computation. Indexed properties enable array-like syntax. Published properties (published section) are visible to RTTI and the form designer. Properties are Delphi's way to expose data safely — always prefer them over public fields.
type
TList = class
private
FItems: array of Integer;
FCount: Integer;
function GetItem(Index: Integer): Integer;
procedure SetItem(Index: Integer; Value: Integer);
public
constructor Create;
destructor Destroy; override;
procedure Add(Value: Integer);
// default array property (enables List[i] syntax)
property Items[Index: Integer]: Integer read GetItem write SetItem; default;
property Count: Integer read FCount;
end;
constructor TList.Create;
begin
inherited Create;
FCount := 0;
end;
destructor TList.Destroy;
begin
SetLength(FItems, 0);
inherited;
end;
function TList.GetItem(Index: Integer): Integer;
begin
if (Index < 0) or (Index >= FCount) then
raise ERangeError.Create('Index out of range');
Result := FItems[Index];
end;
procedure TList.SetItem(Index: Integer; Value: Integer);
begin
if (Index < 0) or (Index >= FCount) then
raise ERangeError.Create('Index out of range');
FItems[Index] := Value;
end;
procedure TList.Add(Value: Integer);
begin
Inc(FCount);
SetLength(FItems, FCount);
FItems[FCount - 1] := Value;
end;
var
L: TList;
begin
L := TList.Create;
try
L.Add(10);
L.Add(20);
WriteLn(L[0]); // 10 (default property — no need for L.Items[0])
L[1] := 99; // uses setter
WriteLn(L.Count); // 2
finally
L.Free;
end;
end;Inheritance & Polymorphism
Inheritance: TDog = class(TAnimal) means TDog inherits from TAnimal. 'virtual' marks a method for polymorphism; 'override' replaces it in a subclass. At runtime, the ACTUAL object's method runs (virtual dispatch) — calling Speak on a TAnimal reference that holds a TDog calls TDog.Speak. Static methods (Move) are determined by the variable's type, not the object's. 'inherited' calls the base method. Constructors can be virtual (factory pattern). Use virtual/override for polymorphism; static methods when behavior is fixed. Always free objects you create.
type
TAnimal = class
public
constructor Create; virtual; // virtual constructor (factory pattern)
function Speak: string; virtual; // virtual: can be overridden
function Move: string; // static: can't be overridden
end;
TDog = class(TAnimal)
public
constructor Create; override;
function Speak: string; override; // override the virtual method
end;
TCat = class(TAnimal)
public
function Speak: string; override;
end;
constructor TAnimal.Create;
begin
inherited;
end;
function TAnimal.Speak: string;
begin
Result := '...';
end;
function TAnimal.Move: string;
begin
Result := 'Moving';
end;
constructor TDog.Create;
begin
inherited Create; // call TAnimal.Create
WriteLn('Dog created');
end;
function TDog.Speak: string;
begin
Result := 'Woof';
end;
function TCat.Speak: string;
begin
Result := 'Meow';
end;
// polymorphism: array of base class, different behaviors
var
Animals: array of TAnimal;
i: Integer;
begin
SetLength(Animals, 3);
Animals[0] := TDog.Create;
Animals[1] := TCat.Create;
Animals[2] := TAnimal.Create;
for i := 0 to High(Animals) do
begin
WriteLn(Animals[i].Speak); // Woof, Meow, ... (virtual dispatch)
WriteLn(Animals[i].Move); // Moving, Moving, Moving (static)
end;
for i := 0 to High(Animals) do
Animals[i].Free;
end;Abstract Methods & Class Methods
Abstract classes (class abstract) can't be instantiated — they define a contract for subclasses. Abstract methods (virtual; abstract) have no implementation — subclasses MUST override them. This enforces that every shape provides Area/Perimeter. Class methods (class function/procedure) don't need an instance — call via TShape.ShapeCount. Class variables (class var) are shared across all instances. The Template Method pattern: TShape.Describe calls the abstract Area/Perimeter, which are filled in by subclasses. Abstract methods define 'what'; subclasses define 'how'.
type
TShape = class abstract // can't be instantiated directly
public
function Area: Double; virtual; abstract; // must be overridden
function Perimeter: Double; virtual; abstract;
procedure Describe; virtual;
// class method (no instance needed)
class function ShapeCount: Integer; static;
class var FCount: Integer; // class variable (shared)
end;
TCircle = class(TShape)
private
FRadius: Double;
public
constructor Create(Radius: Double);
function Area: Double; override;
function Perimeter: Double; override;
end;
TRectangle = class(TShape)
private
FWidth, FHeight: Double;
public
constructor Create(W, H: Double);
function Area: Double; override;
function Perimeter: Double; override;
end;
class function TShape.ShapeCount: Integer;
begin
Result := FCount;
end;
procedure TShape.Describe;
begin
WriteLn(Format('Area: %.2f, Perimeter: %.2f', [Area, Perimeter]));
end;
constructor TCircle.Create(Radius: Double);
begin
inherited Create;
FRadius := Radius;
Inc(FCount);
end;
function TCircle.Area: Double;
begin
Result := Pi * FRadius * FRadius;
end;
function TCircle.Perimeter: Double;
begin
Result := 2 * Pi * FRadius;
end;
var
S: TShape;
begin
// TShape.Create; // ERROR: abstract class can't be instantiated
S := TCircle.Create(5);
try
S.Describe; // Area: 78.54, Perimeter: 31.42
WriteLn(TShape.ShapeCount); // class method (no instance)
finally
S.Free;
end;
end;Interfaces & Multiple Inheritance
Interfaces are pure contracts (no fields, no implementation) — Delphi's way to achieve multiple inheritance of type. A class can implement many interfaces (TButton implements IComparable, IDrawable, IDisposable). Interfaces can have GUIDs for QueryInterface/as casts. TInterfacedObject provides reference counting — when the last interface reference goes out of scope, the object is freed automatically (don't call Free!). Use interfaces for decoupling: code depends on IDrawable, not TButton. The 'as' operator casts to an interface (throws if not supported). Interfaces are the backbone of Delphi's COM support and modern plugin architectures.
type
// interface: pure contract (no implementation, no fields)
IComparable = interface
function CompareTo(Other: TObject): Integer;
end;
IDrawable = interface
procedure Draw;
end;
// interfaces have GUIDs (for QueryInterface / as operator)
IDisposable = interface
['{12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789012}']
procedure Dispose;
end;
// class implementing multiple interfaces
TButton = class(TInterfacedObject, IComparable, IDrawable, IDisposable)
private
FLabel: string;
public
constructor Create(ALabel: string);
function CompareTo(Other: TObject): Integer;
procedure Draw;
procedure Dispose;
end;
constructor TButton.Create(ALabel: string);
begin
FLabel := ALabel;
end;
function TButton.CompareTo(Other: TObject): Integer;
begin
Result := CompareText(FLabel, (Other as TButton).FLabel);
end;
procedure TButton.Draw;
begin
WriteLn('Drawing button: ', FLabel);
end;
procedure TButton.Dispose;
begin
WriteLn('Disposing ', FLabel);
end;
var
Btn: TButton;
Drawable: IDrawable;
Comp: IComparable;
begin
Btn := TButton.Create('OK');
Btn.Draw;
// assign to interface variable (reference counting!)
Drawable := Btn as IDrawable;
Drawable.Draw;
Comp := Btn;
WriteLn(Comp.CompareTo(Btn)); // 0
// TInterfacedObject uses reference counting
// when the last interface reference is released, the object is freed
// (don't call Free on interface-referenced objects!)
end;Exceptions & Error Handling
Try...Except...Finally
try...except catches exceptions (like try/catch in C#). Each 'on E: ExceptionType do' handles a specific exception. try...finally ensures cleanup runs regardless of exceptions (no exception handling — use it for Free calls). The pattern is try...try...except...finally (inner except for handling, outer finally for cleanup). 'raise' (bare) re-raises the current exception. Exception is the base class; EFileNotFoundException, EInOutError are subclasses. Always put the most specific exception first and Exception (base) last. Never leave an empty except (silently swallows errors).
var
F: TextFile;
S: string;
begin
// try...except: catch exceptions
try
AssignFile(F, 'nonexistent.txt');
Reset(F);
ReadLn(F, S);
CloseFile(F);
except
on E: EFileNotFoundException do
WriteLn('File not found: ', E.Message);
on E: EInOutError do
WriteLn('I/O error: ', E.Message);
on E: Exception do // catch-all (must be last)
WriteLn('Unexpected: ', E.ClassName, ': ', E.Message);
end;
// try...finally: cleanup (always runs, even on exception)
var SL: TStringList;
SL := TStringList.Create;
try
SL.LoadFromFile('data.txt');
WriteLn(SL.Text);
finally
SL.Free; // ALWAYS runs, even if an exception occurred
end;
// combined: try...try...except...finally
SL := TStringList.Create;
try
try
SL.LoadFromFile('data.txt');
except
on E: Exception do
begin
WriteLn('Error loading: ', E.Message);
SL.Clear; // fallback
end;
end;
WriteLn(SL.Text);
finally
SL.Free;
end;
// re-raise
try
RiskyOperation;
except
on E: Exception do
begin
WriteLn('Logging: ', E.Message);
raise; // re-raise the same exception
end;
end;
end;Raising & Custom Exceptions
Raise creates an exception: raise ExceptionType.Create('message'). CreateFmt is like Format + Create. Custom exceptions inherit from Exception (or a specific subclass) and can carry extra data (TransactionId). When wrapping, preserve the original via SetInner or a constructor parameter. Custom exceptions let callers catch specific error types: catch ETransactionError separately from ERangeError. Always include a meaningful message. Common built-ins: ERangeError, EDivByZero, EConvertError, EFileNotFoundException, EAccessViolation, EListError.
uses
System.SysUtils;
// raise built-in exceptions
procedure CheckAge(Age: Integer);
begin
if Age < 0 then
raise ERangeError.CreateFmt('Age cannot be negative: %d', [Age]);
if Age > 150 then
raise ERangeError.Create('Age unrealistic');
end;
// raise with inner exception (wrapping)
function LoadConfig(Path: string): string;
begin
try
Result := TFile.ReadAllText(Path);
except
on E: Exception do
raise EConfigError.Create('Config load failed').SetInner(E);
end;
end;
// custom exception class
type
ETransactionError = class(Exception)
private
FTransactionId: string;
public
constructor Create(const Msg, TxnId: string);
property TransactionId: string read FTransactionId;
end;
constructor ETransactionError.Create(const Msg, TxnId: string);
begin
inherited Create(Msg);
FTransactionId := TxnId;
end;
// using the custom exception
procedure ProcessPayment(Amount: Double; TxnId: string);
begin
if Amount <= 0 then
raise ETransactionError.Create('Amount must be positive', TxnId);
// ... process
end;
var
E: Exception;
begin
try
CheckAge(-5);
except
on E: ERangeError do
WriteLn('Range error: ', E.Message);
end;
try
ProcessPayment(-100, 'TXN-001');
except
on E: ETransactionError do
WriteLn('Transaction ', E.TransactionId, ' failed: ', E.Message);
end;
end;Assertions & Debugging
Assert checks a condition and raises EAssertionFailed if false — use for invariants (conditions that must always be true). Assertions are disabled with {$C-} (or removed in release builds) — don't use them for input validation (use exceptions). OutputDebugString logs to the IDE's Event Log (no file I/O). TStopwatch measures elapsed time precisely. Exception.StackTrace needs debug info (.map file or JCLDebug/FastMM). {$IFDEF DEBUG} enables debug-only code. Use assertions for internal logic errors and exceptions for user/external errors.
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Diagnostics;
var
Age: Integer;
SW: TStopwatch;
begin
// Assert: checks a condition (only in {$C+} / debug builds)
Age := 30;
Assert(Age >= 0, 'Age should be non-negative');
// Assert(Age < 0, 'This will raise EAssertionFailed');
// {$C+} / {$C-}: enable/disable assertions
{$C-} // disable assertions (release builds)
Assert(False, 'This won''t fire');
{$C+} // re-enable
// OutputDebugString (visible in IDE debugger)
OutputDebugString('Processing started');
// TStopwatch for timing
SW := TStopwatch.StartNew;
Sleep(100);
SW.Stop;
WriteLn(Format('Elapsed: %d ms', [SW.ElapsedMilliseconds]));
// raise with stack trace (uses System.DebugUtils / JCLDebug)
try
raise Exception.Create('Test error');
except
on E: Exception do
begin
WriteLn(E.Message);
WriteLn(E.StackTrace); // needs debug info / map file
end;
end;
// conditional compilation
{$IFDEF DEBUG}
WriteLn('Debug build');
{$ELSE}
WriteLn('Release build');
{$ENDIF}
// Trace (simple logging)
{$IFDEF DEBUG}
WriteLn('[TRACE] Entering ProcessData');
{$ENDIF}
end;Exception Handling Patterns
Common exception patterns: (1) Retry loops — wrap a fallible operation in a try/except inside a while loop, re-raising after MaxRetries. (2) Fallback values — catch a specific exception (EConvertError) and return a default; only swallow exceptions you genuinely expect. (3) Resource protection — always wrap Create/Free in try/finally so objects are freed even on exception (this is the single most important Delphi idiom). (4) Multiple resources — nest try/finally blocks; acquire each resource inside its own protected block. (5) Validation — raise specific exception types (EArgumentException, ERangeError) early with descriptive messages. Never catch Exception and silently continue — at minimum log it. Prefer try/finally for cleanup and try/except for genuine recovery.
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Classes;
// Pattern 1: Retry with backoff
function DownloadWithRetry(const URL: string; MaxRetries: Integer): string;
var
Attempt: Integer;
Done: Boolean;
begin
Attempt := 0;
Done := False;
while (not Done) and (Attempt < MaxRetries) do
begin
Inc(Attempt);
try
Result := DoDownload(URL); // may raise EDownloadError
Done := True;
except
on E: Exception do
begin
if Attempt >= MaxRetries then
raise; // re-raise after final attempt
Sleep(Attempt * 500); // exponential-ish backoff
end;
end;
end;
end;
// Pattern 2: Fallback / default value
function SafeReadInt(const SL: TStringList; const Key: string; Default: Integer): Integer;
begin
try
Result := StrToInt(SL.Values[Key]);
except
on EConvertError do
Result := Default; // swallow and use default
end;
end;
// Pattern 3: Resource protection (always Free)
procedure ProcessFile(const Path: string);
var
SL: TStringList;
begin
SL := TStringList.Create;
try
SL.LoadFromFile(Path);
Transform(SL);
SL.SaveToFile(Path + '.bak');
finally
SL.Free; // guaranteed cleanup
end;
end;
// Pattern 4: Acquire multiple resources safely
procedure CopyFile(const Src, Dst: string);
var
SrcList, DstList: TStringList;
begin
SrcList := TStringList.Create;
try
SrcList.LoadFromFile(Src);
DstList := TStringList.Create;
try
DstList.Assign(SrcList);
DstList.SaveToFile(Dst);
finally
DstList.Free;
end;
finally
SrcList.Free;
end;
end;
// Pattern 5: Validation with multiple checks
procedure ValidateUser(const Name: string; Age: Integer);
begin
if Name = '' then
raise EArgumentException.Create('Name required');
if Length(Name) > 50 then
raise EArgumentException.Create('Name too long');
if (Age < 0) or (Age > 150) then
raise ERangeError.CreateFmt('Invalid age: %d', [Age]);
end;Logging & Error Reporting
A production logger needs: (1) Thread safety — TCriticalSection serializes writes (multiple threads may log concurrently). (2) Severity levels — TLogLevel enum lets you filter (e.g., suppress llDebug in production). (3) Formatted output — DateTime + level + message per line, parsable later. (4) Flush after each write — so logs survive crashes (unflushed buffered writes are lost on AV). (5) Exception logging — LogException captures ClassName + Message + context. The log-and-re-raise pattern records the error but still lets upper layers handle it. For high-performance logging consider lock-free queues or external libraries (like Log4Delphi). Always Free the logger in finally to close the file handle.
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Classes, System.IOUtils, System.SyncObjs;
type
TLogLevel = (llDebug, llInfo, llWarning, llError, llFatal);
TLogger = class
private
FLock: TCriticalSection;
FFile: TextFile;
FMinLevel: TLogLevel;
function LevelToStr(L: TLogLevel): string;
public
constructor Create(const LogPath: string; MinLevel: TLogLevel);
destructor Destroy; override;
procedure Log(Level: TLogLevel; const Msg: string); overload;
procedure Log(Level: TLogLevel; const Fmt: string; const Args: array of const); overload;
procedure LogException(E: Exception; const Context: string);
end;
constructor TLogger.Create(const LogPath: string; MinLevel: TLogLevel);
begin
FLock := TCriticalSection.Create;
FMinLevel := MinLevel;
AssignFile(FFile, LogPath);
if FileExists(LogPath) then
Append(FFile)
else
Rewrite(FFile);
end;
destructor TLogger.Destroy;
begin
CloseFile(FFile);
FLock.Free;
inherited;
end;
function TLogger.LevelToStr(L: TLogLevel): string;
begin
case L of
llDebug: Result := 'DEBUG';
llInfo: Result := 'INFO';
llWarning: Result := 'WARN';
llError: Result := 'ERROR';
llFatal: Result := 'FATAL';
end;
end;
procedure TLogger.Log(Level: TLogLevel; const Msg: string);
begin
if Level < FMinLevel then Exit;
FLock.Enter;
try
WriteLn(FFile, Format('%s [%s] %s', [DateTimeToStr(Now), LevelToStr(Level), Msg]));
Flush(FFile); // ensure written to disk
finally
FLock.Leave;
end;
end;
procedure TLogger.Log(Level: TLogLevel; const Fmt: string; const Args: array of const);
begin
Log(Level, Format(Fmt, Args));
end;
procedure TLogger.LogException(E: Exception; const Context: string);
begin
Log(llError, '%s: %s: %s', [Context, E.ClassName, E.Message]);
end;
// Usage
var
Logger: TLogger;
begin
Logger := TLogger.Create('app.log', llInfo);
try
Logger.Log(llInfo, 'Application started');
try
RiskyOperation;
except
on E: Exception do
begin
Logger.LogException(E, 'RiskyOperation');
raise; // log and re-raise
end;
end;
finally
Logger.Free;
end;
end;File I/O & Streams
Text Files (Legacy & Modern)
Two approaches: Legacy (AssignFile/Reset/Rewrite/ReadLn/WriteLn/CloseFile) is classic Pascal — fine for simple text I/O but error-prone (no exceptions by default). Modern (TFile in System.IOUtils) is cleaner: WriteAllText, ReadAllText, ReadAllLines, AppendAllText, Exists. TFile methods raise exceptions on errors (use try...except). For large files, use StreamReader/StreamWriter (line by line, low memory). Always close files (CloseFile for legacy, or use try..finally). TFile is preferred for new code — it's safer and more consistent.
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Classes, System.IOUtils;
// LEGACY: AssignFile / ReadLn / WriteLn (Pascal-style)
var
F: TextFile;
Line: string;
begin
// write
AssignFile(F, 'output.txt');
Rewrite(F); // create/overwrite
try
WriteLn(F, 'Hello, File!');
WriteLn(F, 'Second line');
finally
CloseFile(F);
end;
// append
AssignFile(F, 'output.txt');
Append(F);
try
WriteLn(F, 'Appended line');
finally
CloseFile(F);
end;
// read line by line
AssignFile(F, 'output.txt');
Reset(F); // open for reading
try
while not EOF(F) do
begin
ReadLn(F, Line);
WriteLn(Line);
end;
finally
CloseFile(F);
end;
end;
// MODERN: TFile (System.IOUtils)
var
Content: string;
Lines: TArray<string>;
begin
// write all text
TFile.WriteAllText('output.txt', 'Hello, World!');
// append
TFile.AppendAllText('log.txt', 'New entry' + sLineBreak);
// read all text
Content := TFile.ReadAllText('output.txt');
// read all lines
Lines := TFile.ReadAllLines('data.csv');
for Line in Lines do
WriteLn(Line);
// write all lines
TFile.WriteAllLines('nums.txt', ['one', 'two', 'three']);
// file exists?
if TFile.Exists('data.txt') then
WriteLn('Found');
end;TStringList for Files & CSV
TStringList is the easiest way to handle text files and simple CSVs. LoadFromFile/SaveToFile read/write the entire file (one line per item). CommaText splits/joins comma-separated values; DelimitedText uses a custom Delimiter. Values[] handles key=value pairs (like a simple INI file). Sorted=True auto-sorts; Find does a binary search (faster than IndexOf on sorted lists). Duplicates controls behavior on adding duplicates (dupIgnore, dupAccept, dupError). For complex CSV (quoted fields with commas), use a dedicated CSV parser. TStringList is 0-indexed.
uses
System.Classes;
var
SL: TStringList;
i: Integer;
begin
SL := TStringList.Create;
try
// load a text file (one line per item)
SL.LoadFromFile('data.txt');
// iterate lines
for i := 0 to SL.Count - 1 do
WriteLn(SL[i]);
// add and save
SL.Add('New line');
SL.SaveToFile('output.txt');
// CSV handling (CommaText)
SL.Clear;
SL.CommaText := 'Alice,30,NYC';
WriteLn(SL[0]); // Alice
WriteLn(SL[1]); // 30
WriteLn(SL[2]); // NYC
// custom delimiter
SL.Clear;
SL.Delimiter := '|';
SL.DelimitedText := 'a|b|c';
// key=value pairs (INI-style)
SL.Clear;
SL.Values['name'] := 'Alice';
SL.Values['age'] := '30';
WriteLn(SL.Values['name']); // Alice
SL.SaveToFile('config.ini');
// sorted list (auto-sorts on Add)
SL.Clear;
SL.Sorted := True;
SL.Add('cherry');
SL.Add('apple');
SL.Add('banana');
// SL is now: apple, banana, cherry
// find (binary search — list must be sorted)
if SL.Find('banana', i) then
WriteLn('Found at ', i);
// duplicate handling
SL.Duplicates := dupIgnore; // ignore duplicates (sorted only)
SL.Duplicates := dupError; // raise on duplicates
finally
SL.Free;
end;
end;Streams & Binary I/O
TFileStream is low-level byte I/O (Read/Write buffers, Position for seeking). TBinaryWriter/Reader write/read typed values (Int32, Double, String, Boolean) — read order must match write order. TStreamReader/Writer handle text with encoding (UTF-8, ASCII, Unicode) — use them for text files with non-ASCII characters. All streams must be freed (try..finally). fmCreate creates/overwrites; fmOpenRead opens read-only; fmOpenWrite opens for writing. For large files, read line-by-line with StreamReader (low memory) instead of LoadFromFile (loads entire file).
uses
System.Classes, System.SysUtils;
var
FS: TFileStream;
BR: TBinaryReader;
BW: TBinaryWriter;
SR: TStreamReader;
SW: TStreamWriter;
Buffer: TBytes;
i: Integer;
begin
// TFileStream: low-level file access
FS := TFileStream.Create('data.bin', fmCreate); // fmCreate, fmOpenRead, fmOpenWrite
try
// write bytes
SetLength(Buffer, 4);
Buffer[0] := 1; Buffer[1] := 2; Buffer[2] := 3; Buffer[3] := 4;
FS.Write(Buffer[0], Length(Buffer));
// read
FS.Position := 0; // rewind
SetLength(Buffer, 4);
FS.Read(Buffer[0], 4);
finally
FS.Free;
end;
// TBinaryWriter / TBinaryReader (typed binary I/O)
BW := TBinaryWriter.Create('data.bin');
try
BW.Write(42); // Integer
BW.Write(3.14); // Double
BW.Write('Hello'); // length-prefixed string
BW.Write(True); // Boolean
finally
BW.Free;
end;
BR := TBinaryReader.Create('data.bin');
try
WriteLn(BR.ReadInt32); // 42
WriteLn(BR.ReadDouble); // 3.14
WriteLn(BR.ReadString); // Hello
WriteLn(BR.ReadBoolean); // TRUE
finally
BR.Free;
end;
// TStreamReader / TStreamWriter (text, with encoding)
SW := TStreamWriter.Create('utf8.txt', False, TEncoding.UTF8);
try
SW.WriteLine('Hello, UTF-8!');
SW.WriteLine('héllo wörld');
finally
SW.Free;
end;
SR := TStreamReader.Create('utf8.txt', TEncoding.UTF8);
try
while not SR.EndOfStream do
WriteLn(SR.ReadLine);
finally
SR.Free;
end;
end;Directory & Path Operations
System.IOUtils provides TPath, TFile, TDirectory for modern file operations. TPath.Combine joins paths safely (cross-platform). TPath.GetTempFileName creates a unique temp file. TDirectory.GetFiles supports search patterns and recursive search (soAllDirectories). TFile.Copy/Move/Delete are simple file operations. TFileInfo gives file metadata (size, timestamps). Always use TPath methods instead of string concatenation for paths (handles separators correctly). These classes work on Windows, macOS, and Linux (FireMonkey/FMX).
uses
System.IOUtils, System.SysUtils;
var
Files: TArray<string>;
Dirs: TArray<string>;
Path: string;
i: Integer;
begin
// TPath (cross-platform path handling)
Path := TPath.Combine('folder', 'sub', 'file.txt'); // folder/sub/file.txt
WriteLn(TPath.GetFileName('C:\temp\data.txt')); // data.txt
WriteLn(TPath.GetExtension('photo.JPG')); // .JPG
WriteLn(TPath.GetFileNameWithoutExtension('data.txt')); // data
WriteLn(TPath.GetDirectoryName('C:\temp\data.txt')); // C:\temp
WriteLn(TPath.GetFullPath('data.txt')); // absolute path
// temp files
WriteLn(TPath.GetTempFileName); // creates a temp file
WriteLn(TPath.GetTempPath); // temp directory
// special folders
WriteLn(TPath.GetDocumentsPath);
WriteLn(TPath.GetHomePath);
// TDirectory
TDirectory.CreateDirectory('backup\2024\june');
Files := TDirectory.GetFiles('C:\temp', '*.txt');
for i := 0 to High(Files) do
WriteLn(Files[i]);
// recursive search
Files := TDirectory.GetFiles('C:\temp', '*.*', TSearchOption.soAllDirectories);
Dirs := TDirectory.GetDirectories('C:\temp');
for i := 0 to High(Dirs) do
WriteLn(Dirs[i]);
if TDirectory.Exists('old') then
TDirectory.Delete('old', True); // recursive delete
// TFile operations
TFile.Copy('source.txt', 'dest.txt', True); // overwrite
TFile.Move('old.txt', 'new.txt');
TFile.Delete('unwanted.txt');
// file info
var Info: TFileInfo := TFileInfo.Create('data.txt');
try
WriteLn(Info.Length); // size in bytes
WriteLn(Info.CreationTime);
WriteLn(Info.LastWriteTime);
WriteLn(Info.Extension);
finally
Info.Free;
end;
end;INI Files & JSON
TIniFile reads/writes INI config files (sections in [brackets], key=value). ReadString/ReadInteger/ReadBool have default values (returned if the key is missing). INI files are simple, human-readable configs — good for user preferences. For structured data, use JSON (System.JSON). TJSONObject builds/parses JSON objects; TJSONArray for arrays. AddPair adds key-value; GetValue<T> retrieves typed values. ParseJSONValue parses a JSON string. JSON is ideal for APIs, complex configs, and data exchange. For REST clients, use TRESTClient or Indy components.
uses
System.IniFiles, System.JSON, System.SysUtils;
// INI files (simple config)
var
Ini: TIniFile;
begin
Ini := TIniFile.Create('config.ini');
try
// write
Ini.WriteString('User', 'Name', 'Alice');
Ini.WriteInteger('User', 'Age', 30);
Ini.WriteBool('User', 'Active', True);
Ini.WriteDateTime('Session', 'LastLogin', Now);
// read (with defaults)
WriteLn(Ini.ReadString('User', 'Name', 'Unknown')); // Alice
WriteLn(Ini.ReadInteger('User', 'Age', 0)); // 30
WriteLn(Ini.ReadBool('User', 'Active', False)); // TRUE
// read a whole section
var SL: TStringList;
SL := TStringList.Create;
try
Ini.ReadSection('User', SL);
// SL = ['Name', 'Age', 'Active']
finally
SL.Free;
end;
finally
Ini.Free;
end;
end;
// JSON (System.JSON)
var
Obj: TJSONObject;
Arr: TJSONArray;
JSON: string;
i: Integer;
begin
// build JSON
Obj := TJSONObject.Create;
try
Obj.AddPair('name', 'Alice');
Obj.AddPair('age', TJSONNumber.Create(30));
Obj.AddPair('active', TJSONBool.Create(True));
var Hobbies := TJSONArray.Create;
Hobbies.Add('reading').Add('coding');
Obj.AddPair('hobbies', Hobbies);
JSON := Obj.ToJSON;
// {"name":"Alice","age":30,"active":true,"hobbies":["reading","coding"]}
finally
Obj.Free;
end;
// parse JSON
Obj := TJSONObject.ParseJSONValue(JSON) as TJSONObject;
try
WriteLn(Obj.GetValue<string>('name')); // Alice
WriteLn(Obj.GetValue<Integer>('age')); // 30
Arr := Obj.GetValue<TJSONArray>('hobbies');
for i := 0 to Arr.Count - 1 do
WriteLn(Arr.Items[i].Value); // reading, coding
finally
Obj.Free;
end;
end;VCL Components Deep Dive
Form & Component Lifecycle
VCL forms follow a strict lifecycle: OnCreate (allocate resources, initialize) → OnShow (form becomes visible) → OnActivate → OnResize → OnPaint → ... → OnCloseQuery (can cancel closing) → OnClose → OnDestroy (free resources). Always pair OnCreate with OnDestroy for resource management. OnCloseQuery lets you prevent closing (set CanClose := False). Sender is the component that triggered the event. Components own their children — freeing a form frees all its components automatically.
type
TMainForm = class(TForm)
Edit1: TEdit;
Button1: TButton;
procedure FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
procedure FormShow(Sender: TObject);
procedure FormCloseQuery(Sender: TObject; var CanClose: Boolean);
procedure FormDestroy(Sender: TObject);
procedure Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
private
FData: TStringList;
public
property Data: TStringList read FData;
end;
procedure TMainForm.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
begin
FData := TStringList.Create; // allocate in OnCreate
Caption := 'My App v1.0';
end;
procedure TMainForm.FormShow(Sender: TObject);
begin
Edit1.SetFocus; // focus when form is visible
end;
procedure TMainForm.FormCloseQuery(Sender: TObject; var CanClose: Boolean);
begin
CanClose := MessageDlg('Close?', mtConfirmation, [mbYes, mbNo], 0) = mrYes;
end;
procedure TMainForm.FormDestroy(Sender: TObject);
begin
FData.Free; // free in OnDestroy (pairs with OnCreate)
end;Common VCL Controls
VCL provides a rich set of controls: TEdit (single-line text), TMemo (multi-line text), TLabel (non-editable text), TButton, TCheckBox, TRadioButton, TComboBox (dropdown), TListBox (selectable list). TStrings is the foundation collection (Lines, Items are TStrings). ItemIndex selects items (0-based, -1 = none). ComboBox styles: csDropDown (editable), csDropDownList (read-only). RadioGroup groups radio buttons with an ItemIndex. Sorted auto-sorts items. PasswordChar masks input in TEdit.
// Edit, Memo, Label, Button, CheckBox, RadioButton
Edit1.Text := 'Hello';
Edit1.MaxLength := 50;
Edit1.PasswordChar := '*'; // mask input
Memo1.Lines.Add('Line 1'); // TStrings collection
Memo1.Lines.LoadFromFile('notes.txt');
Memo1.WordWrap := True;
Memo1.ScrollBars := ssVertical;
// ComboBox & ListBox
ComboBox1.Items.Add('Option A');
ComboBox1.ItemIndex := 0; // select first
ComboBox1.Style := csDropDownList; // read-only selection
ListBox1.Items.Add('Item 1');
ListBox1.Sorted := True;
ShowMessage(ListBox1.Items[ListBox1.ItemIndex]);
// CheckBox & RadioButton
if CheckBox1.Checked then
ShowMessage('Checked');
RadioGroup1.Items.Add('Red');
RadioGroup1.Items.Add('Green');
RadioGroup1.ItemIndex := 0;StringGrid & DBGrid
TStringGrid displays tabular data in a spreadsheet-like grid. Cells[Col, Row] accesses individual cells (0-indexed). FixedRows/FixedCols create non-scrolling headers. ColWidths/RowHeights customize sizes. Options like goEditing (editable cells), goColSizing (resize columns), goRowSelect enable behaviors. OnDrawCell allows custom rendering with the Canvas. TDBGrid connects directly to a DataSet (TTable, TQuery) via a TDataSource — it automatically displays and edits database records. Use TDBGrid for database data, TStringGrid for in-memory data.
// TStringGrid - spreadsheet-like grid
StringGrid1.RowCount := 5;
StringGrid1.ColCount := 4;
StringGrid1.FixedRows := 1; // header row
StringGrid1.FixedCols := 0;
// set headers
StringGrid1.Cells[0, 0] := 'Name';
StringGrid1.Cells[1, 0] := 'Age';
StringGrid1.Cells[2, 0] := 'City';
// populate data
StringGrid1.Cells[0, 1] := 'Alice';
StringGrid1.Cells[1, 1] := '30';
StringGrid1.Cells[2, 1] := 'NYC';
// customize appearance
StringGrid1.ColWidths[0] := 120;
StringGrid1.RowHeights[0] := 30;
StringGrid1.Options := StringGrid1.Options + [goEditing, goColSizing];
// onDrawCell for custom rendering
procedure TForm1.StringGrid1DrawCell(Sender: TObject; ACol, ARow: Integer;
Rect: TRect; State: TGridDrawState);
begin
if ARow = 0 then
StringGrid1.Canvas.Font.Style := [fsBold];
StringGrid1.Canvas.TextRect(Rect, Rect.Left + 4, Rect.Top + 2,
StringGrid1.Cells[ACol, ARow]);
end;TTreeView & TListView
TTreeView displays hierarchical (tree) data using TTreeNode objects. AddChild creates nested nodes. Expand(True) recursively expands. GetNext traverses depth-first; GetNextSibling traverses level-by-level. BeginUpdate/EndUpdate batch changes for performance. TListView displays items in various view styles: vsIcon, vsSmallIcon, vsList, vsReport (columns). Caption is the first column; SubItems holds subsequent columns. Both support owner-data (virtual) mode for large datasets via OnGetNodeData/OnData events.
// TTreeView - hierarchical data
var
RootNode, ChildNode: TTreeNode;
begin
TreeView1.Items.BeginUpdate;
try
TreeView1.Items.Clear;
RootNode := TreeView1.Items.Add(nil, 'Root');
ChildNode := TreeView1.Items.AddChild(RootNode, 'Child 1');
TreeView1.Items.AddChild(RootNode, 'Child 2');
TreeView1.Items.AddChild(ChildNode, 'Grandchild');
RootNode.Expand(True); // expand all children
finally
TreeView1.Items.EndUpdate;
end;
// iterate
var Node := TreeView1.Items.GetFirstNode;
while Node <> nil do
begin
ShowMessage(Node.Text);
Node := Node.GetNext; // depth-first traversal
end;
end;
// TListView - report view with columns
ListView1.ViewStyle := vsReport;
ListView1.Columns.Add.Caption := 'Name';
ListView1.Columns.Add.Caption := 'Size';
var Item := ListView1.Items.Add;
Item.Caption := 'file.txt';
Item.SubItems.Add('1.2 KB');Dialogs & Common Components
Delphi provides standard dialog components: TOpenDialog/TSaveDialog (file selection), TOpenPictureDialog (image preview), TColorDialog, TFontDialog, TPrintDialog. Execute returns True if user clicked OK. Filter sets file type patterns ('Description|*.ext'). MessageDlg shows modal message boxes with types (mtInformation, mtWarning, mtError, mtConfirmation) and button sets ([mbYes, mbNo, mbOK, mbCancel]). InputBox/InputQuery get user text input. TPageControl manages tabbed interfaces with TTabSheet pages. All dialogs are non-visual components placed on the form.
// File dialogs
if OpenDialog1.Execute then
ShowMessage('Selected: ' + OpenDialog1.FileName);
if SaveDialog1.Execute then
ShowMessage('Save to: ' + SaveDialog1.FileName);
OpenDialog1.Filter := 'Text files (*.txt)|*.txt|All files (*.*)|*.*';
OpenDialog1.DefaultExt := 'txt';
OpenDialog1.Options := [ofFileMustExist, ofAllowMultiSelect];
// Color & Font dialogs
if ColorDialog1.Execute then
Panel1.Color := ColorDialog1.Color;
if FontDialog1.Execute then
Label1.Font := FontDialog1.Font;
// Message dialogs
case MessageDlg('Delete file?', mtWarning, [mbYes, mbNo, mbCancel], 0) of
mrYes: DeleteFile('temp.txt');
mrNo: ShowMessage('Cancelled');
end;
// InputBox & InputQuery
var Name := InputBox('Login', 'Enter name:', 'guest');
var Value: string;
if InputQuery('Settings', 'Port:', Value) then
ShowMessage('Port: ' + Value);
// TPageControl (tabs)
var TabSheet := TTabSheet.Create(PageControl1);
TabSheet.PageControl := PageControl1;
TabSheet.Caption := 'Tab 1';Event-Driven Programming
Events & Event Handlers
Events in Delphi are method pointers (procedure of object). TNotifyEvent is the standard event type: procedure(Sender: TObject) of object. Events are properties — assign handlers at design time (Object Inspector) or runtime. Always check Assigned() before calling an event handler (it may be nil if unassigned). Sender is the object that triggered the event. Custom events use 'of object' to bind to instance methods. var parameters (like var Key: Char in OnKeyPress) let handlers modify values — set Key := #0 to suppress input.
// Event type declaration
type
TNotifyEvent = procedure(Sender: TObject) of object;
TKeyPressEvent = procedure(Sender: TObject; var Key: Char) of object;
TCounter = class
private
FValue: Integer;
FOnChange: TNotifyEvent;
FOnThresholdReached: TThresholdEvent;
public
property Value: Integer read FValue write SetValue;
property OnChange: TNotifyEvent read FOnChange write FOnChange;
end;
procedure TCounter.SetValue(const NewValue: Integer);
begin
if FValue <> NewValue then
begin
FValue := NewValue;
if Assigned(FOnChange) then // check before calling
FOnChange(Self); // trigger event
end;
end;
// assigning handler at runtime
Counter1.OnChange := CounterChangeHandler;
procedure TForm1.CounterChangeHandler(Sender: TObject);
begin
Label1.Caption := 'Value: ' + IntToStr((Sender as TCounter).Value);
end;Delegates & Method Pointers
Method pointers ('of object') carry both the method address and the object instance — they're closures over Self. Regular procedure pointers (without 'of object') point to standalone functions. Method pointers enable callbacks, strategy patterns, and event systems. Assigning Op := Calc.Add stores the reference; calling Op(10, 20) invokes Calc.Add on the Calc instance. Anonymous methods (reference to function) are a modern alternative with closure semantics. Method pointers are the backbone of Delphi's event-driven VCL/FMX architecture.
type
TMathFunc = function(X, Y: Integer): Integer of object;
TCalculator = class
function Add(X, Y: Integer): Integer;
function Subtract(X, Y: Integer): Integer;
function Multiply(X, Y: Integer): Integer;
end;
function TCalculator.Add(X, Y: Integer): Integer;
begin
Result := X + Y;
end;
// store and invoke method reference
var
Calc: TCalculator;
Op: TMathFunc;
begin
Calc := TCalculator.Create;
try
Op := Calc.Add; // method pointer
ShowMessage(IntToStr(Op(10, 20))); // 30
Op := Calc.Subtract;
ShowMessage(IntToStr(Op(10, 20))); // -10
finally
Calc.Free;
end;
end;
// regular procedure pointers (not of object)
type
TSimpleFunc = function(X: Integer): Integer;
function DoubleIt(X: Integer): Integer;
begin
Result := X * 2;
end;
var F: TSimpleFunc := DoubleIt;Anonymous Methods & Closures
Anonymous methods (reference to function/procedure) are inline closures that capture variables from their enclosing scope. 'reference to' types are the modern alternative to method pointers — they capture variables by reference, so changes to captured variables affect the closure. This enables functional patterns: map/filter/reduce, callbacks, and deferred execution. TFunc<T,TResult> and TProc<T> are generic aliases in System.SysUtils. Anonymous methods are essential for parallel programming (PPL) and modern Delphi idioms. Captured variables outlive their declaring scope.
type
TFuncInt = reference to function(X: Integer): Integer;
TProcStr = reference to procedure(const S: string);
procedure Apply(const Func: TFuncInt; Values: array of Integer);
var
I: Integer;
begin
for I := 0 to High(Values) do
WriteLn(Func(Values[I]));
end;
var
Multiplier: Integer;
Double: TFuncInt;
begin
Multiplier := 2;
// anonymous method captures Multiplier (closure)
Double := function(X: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := X * Multiplier;
end;
Apply(Double, [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]); // 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Multiplier := 3;
Apply(Double, [1, 2, 3]); // 3, 6, 9 (captures by reference!)
// anonymous procedure
var Log: TProcStr := procedure(const S: string)
begin
WriteLn('[LOG] ' + S);
end;
Log('Hello');
end;Message Handling & Windows Messages
VCL is built on Windows messages. The 'message' directive handles specific messages (WM_LBUTTONDOWN, WM_KEYDOWN, etc.). Message records (TWMMouse, TWMKeyDown) are typed overlays on TMessage. Always call inherited to let default processing occur (unless you want to suppress the message). WndProc intercepts ALL messages before dispatch — use sparingly for cross-cutting concerns. PostMessage is asynchronous (returns immediately); SendMessage is synchronous (waits for the handler). WM_USER + N defines custom messages. This is the foundation of the Windows event-driven model.
type
TMyForm = class(TForm)
private
procedure WMMouseDown(var Msg: TWMMouse); message WM_LBUTTONDOWN;
procedure WMKeyDown(var Msg: TWMKeyDown); message WM_KEYDOWN;
procedure WMNCHitTest(var Msg: TWMNCHitTest); message WM_NCHITTEST;
protected
procedure WndProc(var Message: TMessage); override;
end;
// handle specific Windows message
procedure TMyForm.WMMouseDown(var Msg: TWMMouse);
begin
inherited; // call default handler
ShowMessage(Format('Click at %d, %d', [Msg.XPos, Msg.YPos]));
end;
// intercept all messages
procedure TMyForm.WndProc(var Message: TMessage);
begin
if Message.Msg = WM_CLOSE then
begin
if MessageDlg('Close?', mtConfirmation, [mbYes, mbNo], 0) = mrNo then
Exit; // swallow the message
end;
inherited WndProc(Message); // pass to default
end;
// post/send custom messages
const
WM_MYMESSAGE = WM_USER + 100;
PostMessage(Handle, WM_MYMESSAGE, 0, 0); // async, returns immediately
SendMessage(Handle, WM_MYMESSAGE, 0, 0); // sync, waits for handlerApplication Events & Idle Processing
TApplicationEvents centralizes app-level events: OnIdle (fires when message queue is empty), OnException (global exception handler), OnMinimize/OnRestore, OnHint (status bar hints), OnMessage (all Windows messages). OnIdle with Done := False creates a tight loop; use carefully. TTimer fires OnTimer at intervals (Interval in ms) — it's message-based, so it won't fire during blocking operations. Application.ProcessMessages pumps the message queue during long operations (prevents 'Not Responding') but can cause reentrancy bugs. TThread.Queue/Synchronize marshal UI updates from background threads to the main thread.
type
TForm1 = class(TForm)
ApplicationEvents1: TApplicationEvents;
procedure AppIdle(Sender: TObject; var Done: Boolean);
procedure AppException(Sender: TObject; E: Exception);
procedure AppMinimize(Sender: TObject);
end;
// OnIdle - runs when app has no pending messages
procedure TForm1.AppIdle(Sender: TObject; var Done: Boolean);
begin
Label1.Caption := 'Idle...';
Done := True; // False = keep calling Idle
end;
// global exception handler
procedure TForm1.AppException(Sender: TObject; E: Exception);
begin
LogError(E.Message);
ShowMessage('Error: ' + E.Message);
end;
// TTimer - periodic events
procedure TForm1.Timer1Timer(Sender: TObject);
begin
StatusBar1.Panels[0].Text := TimeToStr(Now);
end;
// TThread.Queue / TThread.Synchronize - marshal to main thread
TThread.Queue(nil,
procedure
begin
Label1.Caption := 'Updated from background';
end);
// ProcessMessages - pump message queue
while LongOperationRunning do
begin
DoChunk;
Application.ProcessMessages; // keep UI responsive
end;Database Access with FireDAC
Connection & Query Basics
FireDAC is Delphi's modern universal data access framework supporting SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, InterBase, and more. TFDConnection manages the database connection (set DriverName and Params). TFDQuery executes SQL with parameters (:param syntax) — always use parameters to prevent SQL injection. ExecSQL runs INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE/DDL (no result set); Open runs SELECT (returns a cursor). FieldByName('col').AsString/AsInteger reads values. Navigate with Next/Prev/First/Last; Eof marks the end. FireDAC replaces the older dbExpress and BDE technologies.
uses
FireDAC.Comp.Client, FireDAC.Comp.DataSet, FireDAC.Stan.Param;
var
FDConn: TFDConnection;
Query: TFDQuery;
begin
FDConn := TFDConnection.Create(nil);
Query := TFDQuery.Create(nil);
try
// connection string (SQLite example)
FDConn.DriverName := 'SQLite';
FDConn.Params.Database := 'app.db';
FDConn.Connected := True;
Query.Connection := FDConn;
// execute non-query (DDL/DML)
Query.ExecSQL('CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS users ' +
'(id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY, name TEXT, age INTEGER)');
// parameterized insert (prevents SQL injection)
Query.SQL.Text := 'INSERT INTO users (name, age) VALUES (:name, :age)';
Query.ParamByName('name').AsString := 'Alice';
Query.ParamByName('age').AsInteger := 30;
Query.ExecSQL;
// select with parameters
Query.SQL.Text := 'SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > :minAge';
Query.ParamByName('minAge').AsInteger := 18;
Query.Open;
while not Query.Eof do
begin
ShowMessage(Query.FieldByName('name').AsString);
Query.Next;
end;
finally
Query.Free;
FDConn.Free;
end;
end;TFDTable & Live Bindings
TFDTable opens an entire table (SELECT * FROM tablename) — convenient for simple CRUD but less efficient than TFDQuery for large tables. Dataset navigation: First/Next/Prior/Last/MoveBy. Locate searches by field values (returns True if found). Editing: Append/Insert (new row) or Edit (existing), then set fields, then Post (commit) or Cancel (revert). Filter restricts visible rows (client-side). IndexFieldNames sorts records. Connect TFDTable/TFDQuery to TDataSource, then to TDBGrid/TDBEdit for automatic data-aware UI. Live Bindings (FMX) provide visual binding of controls to data fields.
var
Table: TFDTable;
begin
Table := TFDTable.Create(nil);
try
Table.Connection := FDConn;
Table.TableName := 'users';
Table.Open; // SELECT * FROM users
// navigate
Table.First;
while not Table.Eof do
begin
ShowMessage(Table.FieldByName('name').AsString);
Table.Next;
end;
// locate a record
if Table.Locate('name', 'Alice', []) then
ShowMessage('Found Alice');
// edit/insert/post
Table.Append; // or Insert / Edit
Table.FieldByName('name').AsString := 'Bob';
Table.FieldByName('age').AsInteger := 25;
Table.Post; // commit to dataset
// filter
Table.Filter := 'age > 20';
Table.Filtered := True;
// index for sorting
Table.IndexFieldNames := 'name';
finally
Table.Free;
end;
end;
// connect to DBGrid via DataSource
DataSource1.DataSet := Table;
DBGrid1.DataSource := DataSource1;Transactions & Batch Operations
Transactions ensure atomicity — all operations succeed or none do. StartTransaction/Commit/Rollback wrap related operations. Without explicit transactions, FireDAC auto-commits each statement (slow for bulk inserts). Array DML (Execute(count, startAt)) sends parameterized batches in one round-trip — dramatically faster for bulk inserts (10-100x speedup). Always wrap transactions in try/except to Rollback on failure. For long transactions, consider isolation levels (xiReadCommitted, xiRepeatableRead). Connection pooling (TFDManager) improves multi-threaded performance.
var
FDConn: TFDConnection;
Query: TFDQuery;
I: Integer;
begin
FDConn := TFDConnection.Create(nil);
Query := TFDQuery.Create(nil);
try
FDConn.DriverName := 'SQLite';
FDConn.Params.Database := 'app.db';
FDConn.Connected := True;
Query.Connection := FDConn;
// explicit transaction
FDConn.StartTransaction;
try
Query.SQL.Text := 'INSERT INTO users (name, age) VALUES (:n, :a)';
for I := 1 to 1000 do
begin
Query.ParamByName('n').AsString := 'User' + IntToStr(I);
Query.ParamByName('a').AsInteger := 20 + (I mod 50);
Query.ExecSQL;
end;
FDConn.Commit; // commit all
except
FDConn.Rollback; // undo all on error
raise;
end;
// batch execute (Array DML - very fast)
Query.SQL.Text := 'INSERT INTO logs (msg) VALUES (:m)';
Query.Params.ArraySize := 100;
for I := 0 to 99 do
Query.Params[0].AsStrings[I] := 'Log entry ' + IntToStr(I);
Query.Execute(100, 0); // execute 100 times at once
finally
Query.Free;
FDConn.Free;
end;
end;Stored Procedures & Metadata
TFDStoredProc calls database stored procedures. Set StoredProcName and parameters (ParamType: ptInput, ptOutput, ptInputOutput, ptResult). ExecProc runs procedures that don't return cursors; Open runs those that return result sets. Stored procedures encapsulate business logic server-side for performance and security. TFDMetaInfoQuery queries database schema (tables, columns, indexes, constraints) — useful for building dynamic tools, ORMs, or schema browsers. MetaInfoKind options: mkTables, mkColumns, mkIndexes, mkPrimaryKey, mkForeignKeys. FireDAC also supports schema caching for offline metadata access.
// call stored procedure
var
SP: TFDStoredProc;
begin
SP := TFDStoredProc.Create(nil);
try
SP.Connection := FDConn;
SP.StoredProcName := 'get_user_by_id';
SP.Params.ParamByName('@user_id').AsInteger := 42;
// output parameter
SP.Params.ParamByName('@name').ParamType := ptOutput;
SP.ExecProc; // execute (no cursor)
ShowMessage(SP.ParamByName('@name').AsString);
// or Open if it returns a result set
SP.Open;
ShowMessage(SP.FieldByName('name').AsString);
finally
SP.Free;
end;
end;
// metadata - list tables
var
Meta: TFDMetaInfoQuery;
begin
Meta := TFDMetaInfoQuery.Create(nil);
try
Meta.Connection := FDConn;
Meta.MetaInfoKind := mkTables; // or mkColumns, mkIndexes
Meta.Open;
while not Meta.Eof do
begin
ShowMessage(Meta.FieldByName('TABLE_NAME').AsString);
Meta.Next;
end;
finally
Meta.Free;
end;
end;FireDAC Memory Table & Local SQL
TFDMemTable is an in-memory dataset — perfect for caching, temporary data, and unit testing without a database. Define fields with FieldDefs, then CreateDataSet. AppendRecord adds rows. Supports indexes, filters, and all dataset navigation. Local SQL (TFDLocalSQL) lets you run SQL queries against any TDataSet (including TFDMemTable, TClientDataSet, even Excel via ODBC) — enabling joins between memory tables and database tables. This is powerful for ETL, reporting, and building data layers that work offline. TFDMemTable can also load/save to binary or JSON files for persistence.
uses FireDAC.Comp.Client, FireDAC.Stan.Intf;
var
MemTable: TFDMemTable;
begin
MemTable := TFDMemTable.Create(nil);
try
// define schema in code
MemTable.FieldDefs.Add('id', ftInteger);
MemTable.FieldDefs.Add('name', ftString, 50);
MemTable.FieldDefs.Add('salary', ftCurrency);
MemTable.CreateDataSet; // create in-memory table
// populate
MemTable.AppendRecord([1, 'Alice', 75000]);
MemTable.AppendRecord([2, 'Bob', 68000]);
MemTable.AppendRecord([3, 'Carol', 82000]);
// index & filter
MemTable.IndexFieldNames := 'salary';
MemTable.Filter := 'salary > 70000';
MemTable.Filtered := True;
// Local SQL - query any TDataSet with SQL
var LocalSQL := TFDLocalSQL.Create(nil);
try
LocalSQL.Connection := FDConn; // or a dedicated connection
LocalSQL.DataSets.AddDataSet(MemTable, 'employees');
LocalSQL.Active := True;
var Q := TFDQuery.Create(nil);
try
Q.Connection := FDConn;
Q.Open('SELECT * FROM employees WHERE salary > :min ORDER BY name');
// query in-memory data with full SQL!
finally
Q.Free;
end;
finally
LocalSQL.Free;
end;
finally
MemTable.Free;
end;
end;Generics & Anonymous Methods
Generic Classes & Methods
Generics (introduced in Delphi 2009) enable type-safe containers and algorithms. TStack<T> works with any type T — the compiler generates specialized versions. This eliminates runtime casts (no TObject casting) and catches type errors at compile time. Generic type parameters use <T> syntax. Generic methods, classes, records, and interfaces are all supported. Constraints (class, constructor, interface) restrict what types can be used. The RTL provides TList<T>, TDictionary<TKey,TValue>, TQueue<T>, TStack<T>, TObjectList<T> in System.Generics.Collections.
type
TStack<T> = class
private
FItems: array of T;
FCount: Integer;
public
procedure Push(const Value: T);
function Pop: T;
function Peek: T;
function Count: Integer;
end;
procedure TStack<T>.Push(const Value: T);
begin
if FCount = Length(FItems) then
SetLength(FItems, FCount * 2 + 4);
FItems[FCount] := Value;
Inc(FCount);
end;
function TStack<T>.Pop: T;
begin
if FCount = 0 then
raise Exception.Create('Stack empty');
Dec(FCount);
Result := FItems[FCount];
end;
// usage - type-safe, no casts
var
IntStack: TStack<Integer>;
StrStack: TStack<string>;
begin
IntStack := TStack<Integer>.Create;
IntStack.Push(42);
IntStack.Push(99);
ShowMessage(IntToStr(IntStack.Pop)); // 99
StrStack := TStack<string>.Create;
StrStack.Push('Hello');
ShowMessage(StrStack.Pop); // Hello
end;Generic Constraints
Generic constraints restrict type parameters: 'class' (must be a class type), 'constructor' (must have a parameterless Create constructor — enables T.Create), 'record' (must be a value type), interface names (must implement the interface). Multiple constraints are comma-separated. Constraints enable calling methods on T (e.g., T.Create with the constructor constraint). Without constraints, you can only assign/compare T (no method calls). Type inference sometimes lets you omit explicit type parameters. Constraints are essential for building type-safe frameworks and ORMs.
type
// T must be a class
TRepository<T: class> = class
function Find(Id: Integer): T;
end;
// T must be a class with a parameterless constructor
TFactory<T: class, constructor> = class
function CreateInstance: T;
end;
// T must implement IComparable
TSorter<T: IComparable> = class
procedure Sort(var Arr: array of T);
end;
// multiple constraints
TManager<T: class, constructor, IComparable> = class
end;
function TFactory<T>.CreateInstance: T;
begin
Result := T.Create; // allowed because of 'constructor' constraint
end;
// type inference
type
TPair<TKey, TValue> = class
Key: TKey;
Value: TValue;
constructor Create(const K: TKey; const V: TValue);
end;
var
P: TPair<string, Integer>;
begin
P := TPair<string, Integer>.Create('age', 30);
end;TList<T> & TDictionary<TKey,TValue>
System.Generics.Collections provides type-safe containers: TList<T> (dynamic array), TDictionary<TKey,TValue> (hash map), TQueue<T> (FIFO), TStack<T> (LIFO), TObjectList<T> (owns its objects — frees them automatically). Sort uses default comparison; TComparer<T>.Construct creates custom comparers with anonymous methods. FindIndex/Predicate-based search uses anonymous function predicates. TryGetValue returns True and outputs the value if found (avoids exception). AddOrSetValue updates or inserts. TObjectList<T> with OwnsObjects := True automatically frees contained objects when the list is freed — preventing memory leaks.
uses System.Generics.Collections, System.Generics.Defaults;
var
List: TList<Integer>;
Dict: TDictionary<string, Integer>;
ObjList: TObjectList<TPerson>;
begin
// TList<T>
List := TList<Integer>.Create;
try
List.AddRange([3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2, 6]);
List.Sort; // 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
List.BinarySearch(5, var Idx); // fast lookup in sorted list
// custom comparer
List.Sort(TComparer<Integer>.Construct(
function(const L, R: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := R - L; // descending
end));
// find with predicate
var Found := List.FindIndex(
function(const X: Integer): Boolean
begin
Result := X > 4;
end);
finally
List.Free;
end;
// TDictionary
Dict := TDictionary<string, Integer>.Create;
try
Dict.Add('apple', 5);
Dict.Add('banana', 3);
Dict.AddOrSetValue('apple', 10); // update or insert
if Dict.TryGetValue('banana', var Count) then
ShowMessage(Count.ToString);
// iterate
for var Pair in Dict do
ShowMessage(Pair.Key + ': ' + Pair.Value.ToString);
finally
Dict.Free;
end;
end;Anonymous Methods as Callbacks
Anonymous methods enable functional programming in Delphi. 'reference to function' types are closures — they capture variables from their enclosing scope. Higher-order functions like Map and Filter take functions as parameters, enabling concise data transformations. TFunc<T,TResult> and TProc<T> are built-in generic delegate types. Closures capture variables by reference, so they reflect later changes. This pattern replaces verbose callback interfaces and is essential for PPL (Parallel Programming Library), event handlers, and LINQ-style operations. Anonymous methods are reference-counted and managed automatically.
uses System.SysUtils;
type
TFunc<T, TResult> = reference to function(Arg: T): TResult;
TProc<T> = reference to procedure(Arg: T);
// higher-order functions
function Map<T, TResult>(const Source: array of T;
const Mapper: TFunc<T, TResult>): TArray<TResult>;
var
I: Integer;
begin
SetLength(Result, Length(Source));
for I := 0 to High(Source) do
Result[I] := Mapper(Source[I]);
end;
function Filter<T>(const Source: array of T;
const Predicate: TFunc<T, Boolean>): TArray<T>;
var
I, Count: Integer;
begin
Count := 0;
SetLength(Result, Length(Source));
for I := 0 to High(Source) do
if Predicate(Source[I]) then
begin
Result[Count] := Source[I];
Inc(Count);
end;
SetLength(Result, Count);
end;
// usage with closures
var
Numbers: array of Integer;
Doubled, Evens: TArray<Integer>;
Threshold: Integer;
begin
Numbers := [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10];
Threshold := 5;
Doubled := Map<Integer, Integer>(Numbers,
function(X: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := X * 2;
end);
// closure captures Threshold
Evens := Filter<Integer>(Numbers,
function(X: Integer): Boolean
begin
Result := (X > Threshold) and (X mod 2 = 0);
end);
end;Generic Interfaces & TComparer
Generic interfaces enable type-safe contracts: IRepository<T> works with any entity type. Combined with reference counting (TInterfacedObject), this provides automatic memory management — interfaces are reference-counted, freed when the last reference drops. TComparer<T>.Construct creates an IComparer<T> from an anonymous comparison function — used by Sort, BinarySearch, and SortedDictionary. Generic interfaces are the foundation of dependency injection in Delphi (register IRepository<TUser>, inject into services). The Spring4D framework extends this with a full DI container. Generic constraints (class, constructor) ensure T can be instantiated.
type
IComparable<T> = interface
function CompareTo(const Other: T): Integer;
end;
IRepository<T> = interface
function GetById(Id: Integer): T;
function GetAll: TArray<T>;
procedure Save(const Entity: T);
procedure Delete(Id: Integer);
end;
TMemoryRepository<T: class, constructor> = class(TInterfacedObject, IRepository<T>)
private
FItems: TList<T>;
public
constructor Create;
destructor Destroy; override;
function GetById(Id: Integer): T;
function GetAll: TArray<T>;
procedure Save(const Entity: T);
procedure Delete(Id: Integer);
end;
// custom comparer for sorting objects
type
TPerson = class
Name: string;
Age: Integer;
end;
var
People: TObjectList<TPerson>;
begin
People := TObjectList<TPerson>.Create;
People.Sort(TComparer<TPerson>.Construct(
function(const L, R: TPerson): Integer
begin
Result := CompareText(L.Name, R.Name); // sort by name
end));
end;RTTI & Reflection
Extended RTTI Basics
Extended RTTI (Runtime Type Information), introduced in Delphi 2010, provides full reflection: inspect types, properties, methods, and fields at runtime. TRTTIContext is the entry point. GetType returns TRttiType for a class. GetProperties enumerates published properties. GetValue/SetValue read/write property values dynamically using TValue (a variant-like type). Only 'published' members have RTTI by default (use {$RTTI EXPLICIT ...} directive for more). RTTI powers serialization (JSON/XML), ORMs, dependency injection, and visual designers. It has a small performance overhead but enables powerful metaprogramming.
uses System.RTTI, System.TypInfo;
type
TPerson = class
private
FName: string;
FAge: Integer;
published
property Name: string read FName write FName;
property Age: Integer read FAge write FAge;
end;
var
Ctx: TRTTIContext;
RType: TRttiType;
Prop: TRttiProperty;
Person: TPerson;
begin
Person := TPerson.Create;
try
Person.Name := 'Alice';
Person.Age := 30;
Ctx := TRTTIContext.Create;
try
RType := Ctx.GetType(TPerson);
// enumerate properties
for Prop in RType.GetProperties do
begin
WriteLn(Prop.Name, ': ', Prop.PropertyType.Name);
// read value
if Prop.IsReadable then
WriteLn(' Value: ', Prop.GetValue(Person).ToString);
// write value
if Prop.IsWritable then
Prop.SetValue(Person, TValue.From<string>('Bob'));
end;
// get specific property
Prop := RType.GetProperty('Name');
ShowMessage(Prop.GetValue(Person).AsString);
finally
Ctx.Free;
end;
finally
Person.Free;
end;
end;Method Invocation & Attributes
RTTI can invoke methods dynamically via TRttiMethod.Invoke — pass arguments as TValue array. Attributes (TCustomAttribute subclasses) attach metadata to types, properties, and methods using [Attribute] syntax. GetAttributes retrieves them at runtime. This enables validation frameworks ([Required], [MaxLength]), ORM mapping ([Table], [Column]), and serialization control ([JsonProperty]). Attributes are a powerful metaprogramming feature — the compiler stores them in RTTI, and frameworks read them to drive behavior. Method invocation via RTTI is slower than direct calls but essential for scripting, DI, and dynamic dispatch.
uses System.RTTI;
type
TValidatorAttribute = class(TCustomAttribute)
private
FMaxLen: Integer;
public
constructor Create(MaxLen: Integer);
property MaxLen: Integer read FMaxLen;
end;
TUser = class
private
FName: string;
public
[Validator(50)]
property Name: string read FName write FName;
function Greet(const Greeting: string): string;
end;
constructor TValidatorAttribute.Create(MaxLen: Integer);
begin
FMaxLen := MaxLen;
end;
var
Ctx: TRTTIContext;
RType: TRttiType;
Prop: TRttiProperty;
Attr: TCustomAttribute;
Method: TRttiMethod;
User: TUser;
Result: TValue;
begin
User := TUser.Create;
User.Name := 'Alice';
Ctx := TRTTIContext.Create;
try
RType := Ctx.GetType(TUser);
// read attributes
Prop := RType.GetProperty('Name');
for Attr in Prop.GetAttributes do
begin
if Attr is TValidatorAttribute then
WriteLn('Max length: ', TValidatorAttribute(Attr).MaxLen);
end;
// invoke method by name
Method := RType.GetMethod('Greet');
Result := Method.Invoke(User, ['Hello']);
ShowMessage(Result.AsString); // Hello, Alice
finally
Ctx.Free;
User.Free;
end;
end;Type Discovery & Enumeration
TRTTIContext.GetTypes enumerates all types with RTTI in the compiled program — useful for plugin discovery, ORM model scanning, and building type browsers. FindType locates a type by qualified name ('UnitName.TypeName'). TRttiType provides GetFields (all fields), GetMethods (all methods), GetProperties (published properties). TypeKind distinguishes classes, records, interfaces, enums, etc. AsInstance.MetaclassType gives the class reference for instantiation. This enables frameworks that auto-discover and wire up components. The Spring4D and DORM frameworks use this for automatic ORM mapping. RTTI enumeration is slow — cache results for repeated use.
uses System.RTTI;
var
Ctx: TRTTIContext;
Types: TArray<TRttiType>;
T: TRttiType;
Field: TRttiField;
Method: TRttiMethod;
begin
Ctx := TRTTIContext.Create;
try
// enumerate ALL types in the program
Types := Ctx.GetTypes;
// find types by name
T := Ctx.FindType('Unit1.TPerson');
if T <> nil then
ShowMessage('Found: ' + T.QualifiedName);
// filter: all classes in a unit
for T in Types do
begin
if (T.TypeKind = tkClass) and T.QualifiedName.StartsWith('MyApp.') then
begin
WriteLn('Class: ', T.Name);
// enumerate fields
for Field in T.GetFields do
WriteLn(' Field: ', Field.Name, ': ', Field.FieldType.Name);
// enumerate methods
for Method in T.GetMethods do
WriteLn(' Method: ', Method.Name,
' - ', Method.MethodType.ToString);
end;
end;
// create instance via RTTI
var Instance := T.AsInstance.MetaclassType.Create;
try
// use instance...
finally
Instance.Free;
end;
finally
Ctx.Free;
end;
end;TValue & Dynamic Typing
TValue is Delphi's dynamic value type — a tagged union holding any type with its type information. From<T> wraps a value; AsType<T>/AsInteger/AsString unwrap it. IsType<T> checks the type. TryAsType attempts safe conversion. TValue is essential for RTTI (property values, method arguments) and enables dynamic typing in a statically-typed language. It's similar to C#'s 'object' with type info, or Python's dynamic nature. TValue handles primitives, strings, objects, arrays, and records. Use it when building serializers, script engines, or generic data layers. It has overhead vs. direct typing but provides maximum flexibility.
uses System.RTTI;
var
V: TValue;
I: Integer;
S: string;
D: Double;
Obj: TObject;
begin
// wrap values
V := TValue.From<Integer>(42);
ShowMessage(V.ToString); // '42'
I := V.AsInteger; // unwrap
V := TValue.From<string>('Hello');
S := V.AsString;
// type checking
if V.IsType<string> then
ShowMessage('It is a string');
// conversion
V := TValue.From<Integer>(100);
D := V.AsExtended; // 100.0
// boxing objects
var Person := TPerson.Create;
try
V := TValue.From<TPerson>(Person);
if V.IsObject then
ShowMessage(V.AsObject.ClassName); // 'TPerson'
finally
Person.Free;
end;
// array of TValue for method invocation
var Args: array of TValue;
SetLength(Args, 2);
Args[0] := TValue.From<Integer>(10);
Args[1] := TValue.From<Integer>(20);
// try conversion
V := TValue.From<string>('123');
if V.TryAsType<Integer>(I) then
ShowMessage(IntToStr(I)); // 123
end;Serialization with RTTI
RTTI enables automatic serialization — converting objects to/from JSON, XML, or any format without manual mapping code. ObjectToJSON iterates published properties, reads values via RTTI, and builds a TJSONObject. JSONToObject reverses the process. This pattern powers REST clients, configuration systems, and ORM layers. The REST.Json unit provides TJson.ObjectToJsonString and TJson.JsonToObject for this out of the box. For production use, add attributes ([JsonProperty('name')]) to control field names, and handle nested objects, arrays, and custom types. RTTI-based serialization is slower than hand-written mappers but far more maintainable.
uses System.RTTI, System.JSON;
function ObjectToJSON(Obj: TObject): TJSONObject;
var
Ctx: TRTTIContext;
RType: TRttiType;
Prop: TRttiProperty;
Val: TValue;
begin
Result := TJSONObject.Create;
Ctx := TRTTIContext.Create;
try
RType := Ctx.GetType(Obj.ClassType);
for Prop in RType.GetProperties do
begin
if not Prop.IsReadable then Continue;
Val := Prop.GetValue(Obj);
case Val.Kind of
tkString, tkUString:
Result.AddPair(Prop.Name, Val.AsString);
tkInteger:
Result.AddPair(Prop.Name, TJSONNumber.Create(Val.AsInteger));
tkFloat:
Result.AddPair(Prop.Name, TJSONNumber.Create(Val.AsExtended));
tkEnumeration:
Result.AddPair(Prop.Name, TJSONBool.Create(Val.AsBoolean));
end;
end;
finally
Ctx.Free;
end;
end;
procedure JSONToObject(Obj: TObject; const JSON: TJSONObject);
var
Ctx: TRTTIContext;
RType: TRttiType;
Prop: TRttiProperty;
Pair: TJSONPair;
begin
Ctx := TRTTIContext.Create;
try
RType := Ctx.GetType(Obj.ClassType);
for Prop in RType.GetProperties do
begin
if not Prop.IsWritable then Continue;
Pair := JSON.FindPair(Prop.Name);
if Pair <> nil then
begin
case Prop.PropertyType.TypeKind of
tkString, tkUString:
Prop.SetValue(Obj, TValue.From<string>(Pair.JsonValue.Value));
tkInteger:
Prop.SetValue(Obj, TValue.From<Integer>((Pair.JsonValue as TJSONNumber).AsInt));
end;
end;
end;
finally
Ctx.Free;
end;
end;Interfaces & COM
Interface Basics & Reference Counting
Interfaces define contracts (method signatures) without implementation. TInterfacedObject provides reference counting — when the last interface reference drops, the object is freed automatically (no need to call Free). This is Delphi's automatic memory management for interface objects. GUIDs (['{...}']) enable COM interop and InterfaceAs/Supports checks. A class can implement multiple interfaces (TShape implements both IMovable and IDrawable). Interface properties are allowed (must have read/write methods). Always use interface types (IMovable) not class types (TShape) for reference counting to work. Mixing object and interface references can cause premature freeing.
type
IMovable = interface
['{A1B2C3D4-E5F6-7890-ABCD-EF1234567890}'] // GUID (optional)
procedure MoveTo(X, Y: Integer);
function GetPosition: TPoint;
property Position: TPoint read GetPosition;
end;
IDrawable = interface
procedure Draw(Canvas: TCanvas);
end;
TShape = class(TInterfacedObject, IMovable, IDrawable)
private
FX, FY: Integer;
public
procedure MoveTo(X, Y: Integer);
function GetPosition: TPoint;
procedure Draw(Canvas: TCanvas);
end;
procedure TShape.MoveTo(X, Y: Integer);
begin
FX := X;
FY := Y;
end;
// usage - reference counted automatically
var
Shape: IMovable;
begin
Shape := TShape.Create; // ref count = 1
Shape.MoveTo(100, 200);
ShowMessage(Format('%d, %d', [Shape.Position.X, Shape.Position.Y]));
// when Shape goes out of scope, ref count drops to 0, object freed
end;Dependency Injection with Interfaces
Interfaces enable Dependency Injection — pass dependencies (ILogger, IUserDataAccess) through constructors rather than hardcoding them. This decouples TUserService from concrete implementations: swap TConsoleLogger for TFileLogger without changing TUserService. TUserService itself isn't ref-counted (inherits from TObject, not TInterfacedObject) so it needs manual Free. For full DI, use a container (Spring4D, DSharp) that resolves dependencies by interface type: Container.RegisterType<ILogger, TConsoleLogger>; Container.Build; Service := Container.Resolve<TUserService>. DI improves testability (inject mocks), maintainability, and modularity. Always depend on abstractions (interfaces), not concretions.
type
ILogger = interface
procedure Log(const Msg: string);
end;
IUserDataAccess = interface
function GetUser(Id: Integer): string;
end;
TConsoleLogger = class(TInterfacedObject, ILogger)
procedure Log(const Msg: string);
end;
TDatabaseAccess = class(TInterfacedObject, IUserDataAccess)
function GetUser(Id: Integer): string;
end;
TUserService = class
private
FLogger: ILogger;
FDataAccess: IUserDataAccess;
public
constructor Create(ALogger: ILogger; ADataAccess: IUserDataAccess);
function GetUserName(Id: Integer): string;
end;
constructor TUserService.Create(ALogger: ILogger; ADataAccess: IUserDataAccess);
begin
FLogger := ALogger;
FDataAccess := ADataAccess;
end;
function TUserService.GetUserName(Id: Integer): string;
begin
FLogger.Log('Fetching user ' + IntToStr(Id));
Result := FDataAccess.GetUser(Id);
end;
// wire up dependencies (manual DI)
var
Logger: ILogger;
DataAccess: IUserDataAccess;
Service: TUserService;
begin
Logger := TConsoleLogger.Create;
DataAccess := TDatabaseAccess.Create;
Service := TUserService.Create(Logger, DataAccess);
try
ShowMessage(Service.GetUserName(42));
finally
Service.Free; // TUserService is not ref-counted (not TInterfacedObject)
end;
end;COM Interop
COM (Component Object Model) lets Delphi interact with Windows applications and libraries. CreateOleObject creates COM objects via late binding (Variant type — no compile-time checking, but simple). Import Type Library generates early-bound units with typed interfaces (IntelliSense, type checking, better performance). IUnknown is the base COM interface with AddRef/Release/QueryInterface for reference counting. stdcall is the COM calling convention. CoCreateInstance is the low-level API. Common COM uses: Office automation (Excel, Word), ADO (database), shell integration, WMI queries. Always call CoInitialize before COM operations in threads. COM objects are apartment-threaded — marshal between threads carefully.
uses
Winapi.ActiveX, System.Win.ComObj;
// create COM object (e.g., Excel)
var
Excel: Variant;
Workbook: Variant;
Sheet: Variant;
begin
Excel := CreateOleObject('Excel.Application');
try
Excel.Visible := True;
Workbook := Excel.Workbooks.Add;
Sheet := Workbook.Worksheets[1];
// write data
Sheet.Cells[1, 1].Value := 'Name';
Sheet.Cells[1, 2].Value := 'Score';
Sheet.Cells[2, 1].Value := 'Alice';
Sheet.Cells[2, 2].Value := 95;
// formula
Sheet.Cells[3, 2].Value := '=AVERAGE(B2:B2)';
Workbook.SaveAs('C:\report.xlsx');
finally
Excel.Quit;
end;
end;
// import type library for early binding
// Component → Import Component → Import Type Library
// generates a unit with typed interfaces (early binding, IntelliSense)
// IUnknown - base COM interface
type
IMyComObject = interface(IUnknown)
['{...}']
function DoSomething: HResult; stdcall;
end;
// CoCreateInstance for low-level COM
var
Obj: IUnknown;
MyObj: IMyComObject;
begin
CoCreateInstance(CLASS_MyComObject, nil, CLSCTX_INPROC_SERVER,
IMyComObject, MyObj);
MyObj.DoSomething;
end;Implements & Aggregation
The 'implements' directive delegates an interface to a property — composition over inheritance. TDataService exposes ICache by delegating to FCache (a TMemoryCache). This is cleaner than inheriting and lets you mix-and-match behaviors. Supports() checks if an object implements an interface (uses QueryInterface internally). As operator performs a checked interface cast. Interface delegation enables the decorator pattern (wrap a cache with logging), strategy pattern (swap cache implementations), and clean separation of concerns. COM's QueryInterface is the underlying mechanism — every interfaced object can be queried for any interface it supports.
type
ICache = interface
function Get(const Key: string): string;
procedure Put(const Key, Value: string);
end;
TMemoryCache = class(TInterfacedObject, ICache)
private
FDict: TDictionary<string, string>;
public
constructor Create;
destructor Destroy; override;
function Get(const Key: string): string;
procedure Put(const Key, Value: string);
end;
TDataService = class(TInterfacedObject, ICache)
private
FCache: ICache;
public
constructor Create(ACache: ICache);
// 'implements' delegates ICache to FCache
property Cache: ICache read FCache implements ICache;
end;
// usage - TDataService exposes ICache via delegation
var
Service: ICache;
begin
Service := TDataService.Create(TMemoryCache.Create);
Service.Put('key1', 'value1'); // delegates to TMemoryCache
ShowMessage(Service.Get('key1'));
end;
// QueryInterface / Supports
var
Obj: TInterfacedObject;
Intf: ICache;
begin
Obj := TMemoryCache.Create;
if Supports(Obj, ICache, Intf) then
Intf.Put('a', 'b');
end;Weak & Unsafe References
Reference counting can cause memory leaks with circular references (parent↔child). [Weak] breaks cycles — it tracks the reference but doesn't increment the ref count, and is automatically nilled when the target is freed. [Unsafe] is a raw pointer (no tracking, no ref count) — fastest but dangerous (dangling pointers). Use [Weak] for parent/back references, observer patterns, and event subscriptions. The default (strong) reference increments ref count and keeps the object alive. Delphi's ARC (deprecated in favor of [Weak]) used to handle this automatically on mobile. On desktop, interfaces use manual reference counting — [Weak] is essential for cycle-free designs. Always pair strong and weak references correctly.
type
TParent = class;
TChild = class;
TParent = class(TInterfacedObject)
private
FChild: TChild;
procedure ChildCallback(const Msg: string);
public
destructor Destroy; override;
property Child: TChild read FChild;
end;
TChild = class(TInterfacedObject)
private
// [Weak] avoids circular reference counting (parent-child cycle)
[Weak] FParent: TParent;
FCallback: TProc<string>;
public
constructor Create(AParent: TParent);
property Parent: TParent read FParent;
end;
// [Unsafe] - raw pointer, no ref counting at all
// [Weak] - tracked but doesn't increment ref count
// (default) - strong reference, increments ref count
destructor TParent.Destroy;
begin
FChild := nil; // releases strong ref
inherited;
end;
// without [Weak], this creates a memory leak:
// Parent holds Child (ref=1), Child holds Parent (ref=1)
// neither ref count ever reaches 0 → leak
var
Parent: TParent;
begin
Parent := TParent.Create;
// when Parent goes out of scope, both are freed correctly
end;Multithreading & PPL
TThread Basics
TThread is the foundation of Delphi multithreading. Override Execute with the background work. Check Terminated periodically for graceful cancellation. TThread.Synchronize executes code on the main thread (blocking — waits for it to complete); TThread.Queue is asynchronous (posts and returns immediately). NEVER access UI controls from background threads — always use Synchronize or Queue. FreeOnTerminate := True auto-frees the thread when Execute finishes. CreateAnonymousThread creates a one-shot thread from an anonymous method — convenient for simple tasks. For production code, prefer PPL (TTask) over raw TThread for better composition and error handling.
type
TWorkerThread = class(TThread)
private
FResult: Integer;
protected
procedure Execute; override;
public
property Result: Integer read FResult;
end;
procedure TWorkerThread.Execute;
var
I: Integer;
begin
FResult := 0;
for I := 1 to 100 do
begin
if Terminated then Break; // check for cancellation
FResult := FResult + I;
Sleep(10); // simulate work
end;
// update UI from background thread
TThread.Synchronize(nil,
procedure
begin
Form1.Label1.Caption := 'Done: ' + IntToStr(FResult);
end);
end;
// create and run
var
Worker: TWorkerThread;
begin
Worker := TWorkerThread.Create(True); // suspended
Worker.FreeOnTerminate := True; // auto-free when done
Worker.Start; // begin execution
end;
// TThread.CreateAnonymousThread - quick one-off
TThread.CreateAnonymousThread(
procedure
var I: Integer;
begin
for I := 1 to 10 do
TThread.Queue(nil,
procedure
begin
Form1.Label1.Caption := IntToStr(I);
end);
end).Start;Parallel Programming Library (PPL)
The Parallel Programming Library (PPL) in System.Threading provides high-level concurrency: TTask (fire-and-forget async), TTask.Future<T> (async with return value), and parallel loops. Tasks use the thread pool automatically — no need to manage threads. WaitForAll/WaitForAny compose multiple tasks. Future.Value blocks until the result is ready (like a promise). PPL is the modern alternative to raw TThread — cleaner, composable, and integrates with async/await patterns. Tasks capture exceptions and re-raise them when you access .Value, enabling proper error propagation. Use TEvent/TCountdownEvent for fine-grained synchronization between tasks.
uses System.Threading, System.SyncObjs;
// TTask - async operations
var
Task: ITask;
begin
Task := TTask.Create(
procedure
begin
Sleep(2000); // simulate work
TThread.Queue(nil,
procedure
begin
ShowMessage('Task done');
end);
end);
Task.Start;
end;
// TTask.WaitForAll - wait for multiple tasks
var
Tasks: array of ITask;
begin
SetLength(Tasks, 3);
Tasks[0] := TTask.Create(procedure begin DownloadFile('a.txt'); end);
Tasks[1] := TTask.Create(procedure begin DownloadFile('b.txt'); end);
Tasks[2] := TTask.Create(procedure begin DownloadFile('c.txt'); end);
for var T in Tasks do T.Start;
// wait for all (with timeout)
if TTask.WaitForAll(Tasks, 30000) then
ShowMessage('All downloads complete')
else
ShowMessage('Timeout');
end;
// TTask.Future<T> - async with return value
var
Future: IFuture<string>;
begin
Future := TTask.Future<string>(
function: string
begin
Result := FetchDataFromServer; // long operation
end);
// do other work...
ShowMessage('Result: ' + Future.Value); // blocks until ready
end;Parallel For & Loops
TParallel.For parallelizes loops across the thread pool — iterations run concurrently on multiple cores. Use &For (escaped keyword) since 'for' is reserved. For CPU-bound loops with independent iterations, this can give near-linear speedup on multi-core machines. CRITICAL: shared state (like Sum) must be protected with locks (TCriticalSection) or use TInterlocked.Increment for atomic operations. State.Break stops the loop (like break). State.ShouldExit checks if Break was called. Avoid parallelizing loops with few iterations or heavy I/O (thread pool gets exhausted). Stride controls iteration stepping. Nested parallel loops rarely help — the outer loop already saturates cores.
uses System.Threading, System.SyncObjs;
// TParallel.For - parallelized loop
var
Sum: Integer;
Lock: TCriticalSection;
I: Integer;
begin
Sum := 0;
Lock := TCriticalSection.Create;
try
TParallel.&For(1, 1000000,
procedure(Index: Integer)
begin
// thread-safe accumulation
Lock.Enter;
try
Sum := Sum + Index;
finally
Lock.Leave;
end;
end);
ShowMessage('Sum: ' + IntToStr(Sum));
finally
Lock.Free;
end;
end;
// with stride and state
TParallel.&For(1, 100,
procedure(Index: Integer; var State: TParallelLoopState)
begin
if Index = 50 then
State.Break; // stop after current iterations
// process Index...
end);
// TParallel.For with step (stride)
TParallel.&For(0, 99, 2, // 0, 2, 4, 6, ...
procedure(Index: Integer)
begin
ProcessEven(Index);
end);
// nested parallel loops (use sparingly)
TParallel.&For(0, 9,
procedure(I: Integer)
begin
TParallel.&For(0, 9,
procedure(J: Integer)
begin
Matrix[I, J] := Compute(I, J);
end);
end);Synchronization Primitives
System.SyncObjs provides synchronization primitives: TCriticalSection (mutex — only one thread enters at a time), TEvent (signal between threads — SetEvent wakes, WaitFor blocks), TMonitor (lock any object — like Java/C# monitors with Wait/Pulse), TInterlocked (atomic Increment/Decrement/Exchange/CompareExchange — lock-free). TCriticalSection is the most common — always pair Enter/Leave with try/finally. TEvent.WaitFor returns wrSignaled, wrTimeout, or wrAbandoned. TMonitor.Wait temporarily releases the lock and blocks; Pulse/PulseAll wake waiters. TInterlocked is fastest for simple counters — no lock overhead. Choose the right primitive: CriticalSection for exclusive access, Event for signaling, Interlocked for atomic counters.
uses System.SyncObjs;
// TCriticalSection - mutual exclusion
var
CS: TCriticalSection;
begin
CS := TCriticalSection.Create;
try
CS.Enter;
try
// exclusive access to shared data
finally
CS.Leave;
end;
finally
CS.Free;
end;
end;
// TEvent - signaling between threads
var
Event: TEvent;
begin
Event := TEvent.Create(nil, True, False, ''); // manual reset
try
// thread 1: wait
if Event.WaitFor(5000) = wrSignaled then
ShowMessage('Signaled');
// thread 2: signal
Event.SetEvent; // wake waiting threads
Event.ResetEvent; // clear signal
finally
Event.Free;
end;
end;
// TMonitor - lock any object
var
List: TList<Integer>;
begin
TMonitor.Enter(List);
try
List.Add(42);
finally
TMonitor.Exit(List);
end;
// TMonitor.Wait / Pulse (like Java wait/notify)
TMonitor.Enter(List);
try
while List.Count = 0 do
TMonitor.Wait(List, 1000); // release lock, wait
TMonitor.PulseAll(List); // wake waiting threads
finally
TMonitor.Exit(List);
end;
end;
// TInterlocked - atomic operations
TInterlocked.Increment(Counter);
TInterlocked.Exchange(Value, 42);Thread Pool & Async/Await Pattern
TThreadPool manages a pool of worker threads — reusing threads avoids creation overhead. Set min/max threads based on your workload (CPU-bound: ~core count, I/O-bound: more). TTask.Run is shorthand for Create+Start. ContinueWith chains tasks — runs after the antecedent completes, enabling pipelines. Task.Status (Created, WaitingToRun, Running, Completed, Canceled, Faulted) tracks lifecycle. ICancellation enables cooperative cancellation — check IsCancelled periodically in long tasks. For true async/await, Delphi doesn't have language-level await, but TTask.Future + .Value provides equivalent semantics. The OmniThreadLibrary (OTL) offers higher-level abstractions (pipelines, message passing) built on top of PPL.
uses System.Threading, System.SyncObjs;
// configure thread pool
var
Pool: TThreadPool;
begin
Pool := TThreadPool.Create;
try
Pool.SetMaxWorkerThreads(8);
Pool.SetMinWorkerThreads(2);
// use pool with TTask
TTask.Run(
procedure
begin
// runs on the pool
end, Pool);
finally
Pool.Free;
end;
end;
// async/await pattern using futures
function FetchDataAsync: IFuture<TStrings>;
begin
Result := TTask.Future<TStrings>(
function: TStrings
begin
Result := TStringList.Create;
// simulate slow fetch
TThread.Sleep(2000);
Result.LoadFromFile('data.txt');
end);
end;
// chain tasks
var
Task1, Task2: ITask;
begin
Task1 := TTask.Run(
procedure
begin
DownloadFile('part1.zip');
end);
// Task2 runs after Task1 completes
Task2 := Task1.ContinueWith(
procedure(const ATask: ITask)
begin
if ATask.Status = TTaskStatus.Completed then
ProcessFile('part1.zip')
else
ShowMessage('Download failed');
end);
end;
// cancellation
var
Cancel: ICancellation;
begin
Cancel := TTask.CurrentTask.Cancellation;
while not Cancel.IsCancelled do
begin
DoChunk;
Sleep(100);
end;
end;Network Programming with Indy
TCP Client & Server (Indy)
Indy (Internet Direct) is Delphi's bundled networking library. TIdTCPClient connects to servers — WriteLn/ReadLn for line-based protocols, Write/Read for binary. ConnectTimeout prevents hanging. TIdTCPServer listens for connections — OnExecute runs in a thread per client (AContext represents each connection). Indy uses blocking sockets (simpler model — no callbacks), so server handlers run in worker threads. Always handle disconnects gracefully. For high-performance servers, consider ICS (overlapped I/O) or Synapse. Indy components are non-visual — drop on a form or create in code. Set Active := True to start listening. DefaultPort sets the listening port.
uses IdTCPClient, IdTCPServer, IdContext;
// TCP Client
var
Client: TIdTCPClient;
Response: string;
begin
Client := TIdTCPClient.Create(nil);
try
Client.Host := 'example.com';
Client.Port := 8080;
Client.ConnectTimeout := 5000;
Client.Connect;
try
Client.IOHandler.WriteLn('Hello Server');
Response := Client.IOHandler.ReadLn;
ShowMessage('Server: ' + Response);
finally
Client.Disconnect;
end;
finally
Client.Free;
end;
end;
// TCP Server
type
TForm1 = class(TForm)
IdTCPServer1: TIdTCPServer;
procedure FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
procedure ServerExecute(AContext: TIdContext);
end;
procedure TForm1.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
begin
IdTCPServer1.DefaultPort := 8080;
IdTCPServer1.OnExecute := ServerExecute;
IdTCPServer1.Active := True;
end;
procedure TForm1.ServerExecute(AContext: TIdContext);
var
Msg: string;
begin
Msg := AContext.Connection.IOHandler.ReadLn;
AContext.Connection.IOHandler.WriteLn('Echo: ' + Msg);
if Msg = 'quit' then
AContext.Connection.Disconnect;
end;HTTP Client (TIdHTTP)
TIdHTTP is Indy's HTTP client — supports GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, headers, cookies, and SSL/TLS. For HTTPS, attach TIdSSLIOHandlerSocketOpenSSL (requires OpenSSL DLLs: libeay32/ssleay32 or libcrypto/libssl). Request.ContentType and CustomHeaders set request metadata. POST accepts a string body (for JSON/APIs) or TStrings (for form data). EIdHTTPProtocolException catches HTTP errors (404, 500, etc.) with ErrorCode and ErrorMessage. For modern REST clients, consider TRESTClient (built-in, no OpenSSL dependency) or TNetHTTPClient (lighter weight). Always free HTTP and SSL handler in finally blocks. Set Http.HandleRedirects := True to follow 301/302 redirects automatically.
uses IdHTTP, IdSSLOpenSSL, System.JSON;
var
Http: TIdHTTP;
SSL: TIdSSLIOHandlerSocketOpenSSL;
Response: string;
JSON: TJSONObject;
Params: TStringList;
begin
Http := TIdHTTP.Create(nil);
SSL := TIdSSLIOHandlerSocketOpenSSL.Create(nil);
try
Http.IOHandler := SSL;
SSL.SSLOptions.Method := sslvTLSv1_2;
Http.Request.ContentType := 'application/json';
Http.Request.CustomHeaders.AddValue('Authorization', 'Bearer token123');
// GET request
Response := Http.Get('https://api.example.com/users');
ShowMessage(Response);
// POST with JSON body
JSON := TJSONObject.Create;
try
JSON.AddPair('name', 'Alice');
JSON.AddPair('age', 30);
Response := Http.Post('https://api.example.com/users', JSON.ToJSON);
finally
JSON.Free;
end;
// POST form data
Params := TStringList.Create;
try
Params.Add('username=alice');
Params.Add('password=secret');
Response := Http.Post('https://api.example.com/login', Params);
finally
Params.Free;
end;
// handle errors
try
Http.Get('https://api.example.com/missing');
except
on E: EIdHTTPProtocolException do
ShowMessage('HTTP ' + IntToStr(E.ErrorCode) + ': ' + E.ErrorMessage);
end;
finally
SSL.Free;
Http.Free;
end;
end;SMTP Email (TIdSMTP)
TIdSMTP sends email via SMTP servers. TIdMessage represents the email (From, Recipients, Subject, Body). For Gmail/Office365, use TLS (Port 587, utUseExplicitTLS) or SSL (Port 465, utUseImplicitTLS). Gmail requires an 'App Password' (not your regular password) with 2FA enabled. TIdAttachmentFile adds file attachments. For HTML emails, set ContentType := 'text/html'. For multipart (HTML + plain text + attachments), use TIdMessageBuilderHTML. Common ports: 25 (unencrypted/relay), 465 (SSL), 587 (STARTTLS). Always wrap Connect/Send in try/finally to ensure Disconnect. For receiving email, use TIdPOP3 or TIdIMAP4.
uses IdSMTP, IdMessage, IdSSLOpenSSL, IdExplicitTLSClientServerBase;
var
SMTP: TIdSMTP;
Msg: TIdMessage;
SSL: TIdSSLIOHandlerSocketOpenSSL;
begin
SMTP := TIdSMTP.Create(nil);
Msg := TIdMessage.Create(nil);
SSL := TIdSSLIOHandlerSocketOpenSSL.Create(nil);
try
// SMTP config (Gmail example)
SMTP.Host := 'smtp.gmail.com';
SMTP.Port := 587;
SMTP.UseTLS := utUseExplicitTLS;
SMTP.IOHandler := SSL;
SSL.SSLOptions.Method := sslvTLSv1_2;
SMTP.Username := '[email protected]';
SMTP.Password := 'app-password';
// message
Msg.From.Address := '[email protected]';
Msg.From.Name := 'My App';
Msg.Recipients.Add.Address := '[email protected]';
Msg.Subject := 'Test from Delphi';
Msg.Body.Text := 'Hello,' + sLineBreak + 'This is a test email.';
// attachment
var Attachment := TIdAttachmentFile.Create(Msg.MessageParts,
'C:\report.pdf');
// HTML body
Msg.ContentType := 'text/html';
Msg.Body.Text := '<h1>Hello</h1><p>HTML email from Delphi</p>';
// connect and send
SMTP.Connect;
try
SMTP.Send(Msg);
ShowMessage('Email sent!');
finally
SMTP.Disconnect;
end;
finally
SSL.Free;
Msg.Free;
SMTP.Free;
end;
end;UDP & Raw Sockets
UDP is connectionless — no handshake, no guaranteed delivery, but faster than TCP. TIdUDPClient.Send fires datagrams; ReceiveString waits for responses with timeout. BroadcastEnabled sends to 255.255.255.255 (all devices on LAN) — useful for service discovery. TIdUDPServer.OnUDPRead receives datagrams; ABinding.PeerIP/PeerPort identify the sender. UDP is ideal for: DNS, SNMP, game state updates, streaming media, and discovery protocols. For reliability over UDP, implement ACK/retry at the application level. TIdBytes is Indy's byte array type — use BytesToString/ToBytes for conversion. For raw socket control (raw IP packets, custom protocols), use the WinSock2 unit or Synapse library.
uses IdUDPClient, IdUDPServer, IdSocketHandle;
// UDP Client (connectionless, fire-and-forget)
var
UDP: TIdUDPClient;
begin
UDP := TIdUDPClient.Create(nil);
try
UDP.Host := '255.255.255.255'; // broadcast
UDP.Port := 9999;
UDP.BroadcastEnabled := True;
UDP.Send('DISCOVER');
// receive response
var Response: string;
UDP.ReceiveString(Response, 1000); // timeout 1s
ShowMessage(Response);
finally
UDP.Free;
end;
end;
// UDP Server
type
TForm1 = class(TForm)
IdUDPServer1: TIdUDPServer;
procedure FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
procedure UDPRead(AThread: TIdUDPListenerThread;
const AData: TIdBytes; ABinding: TIdSocketHandle);
end;
procedure TForm1.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
begin
IdUDPServer1.DefaultPort := 9999;
IdUDPServer1.OnUDPRead := UDPRead;
IdUDPServer1.Active := True;
end;
procedure TForm1.UDPRead(AThread: TIdUDPListenerThread;
const AData: TIdBytes; ABinding: TIdSocketHandle);
var
Msg: string;
begin
Msg := BytesToString(AData);
// reply to sender
ABinding.SendTo(ABinding.PeerIP, ABinding.PeerPort,
ToBytes('ACK: ' + Msg));
end;
// raw socket with TIdIOHandlerSocket
// for low-level protocols, use WinSock2 unit directlyFTP & REST Client
TIdFTP provides FTP client functionality — Connect, List, Put (upload), Get (download), MakeDir, ChangeDir. Passive mode (Passive := True) works through NAT/firewalls. UseTLS secures FTP (FTPS). For SFTP (SSH-based), use a third-party library (libssh2, SecureBlackbox). TRESTClient/TRESTRequest/TRESTResponse are built-in REST components (no OpenSSL dependency) — ideal for modern API consumption. Resource uses {param} placeholders filled by AddUrlSegment. Execute sends the request; RESTResponse.Content holds the body; JSONValue parses JSON automatically. REST components support OAuth2, basic auth, and custom authenticators. For high-performance REST, consider TNetHTTPClient (lighter) or Indy's TIdHTTP for maximum control.
uses IdFTP, IdFTPCommon, IdExplicitTLSClientServerBase;
// FTP client
var
FTP: TIdFTP;
begin
FTP := TIdFTP.Create(nil);
try
FTP.Host := 'ftp.example.com';
FTP.Username := 'user';
FTP.Password := 'pass';
FTP.Passive := True; // NAT-friendly mode
FTP.UseTLS := utUseExplicitTLS;
FTP.Connect;
try
// list directory
var Listing: TStringList := TStringList.Create;
try
FTP.List(Listing);
for var S in Listing do
ShowMessage(S);
finally
Listing.Free;
end;
// change directory
FTP.ChangeDir('/uploads');
// upload/download
FTP.Put('C:\local.txt', 'remote.txt');
FTP.Get('remote.txt', 'C:\downloaded.txt');
// create/remove directory
FTP.MakeDir('newfolder');
FTP.RemoveDir('oldfolder');
finally
FTP.Disconnect;
end;
finally
FTP.Free;
end;
end;
// REST Client (built-in, no Indy needed)
uses REST.Client, REST.Types;
var
RESTClient: TRESTClient;
RESTRequest: TRESTRequest;
RESTResponse: TRESTResponse;
begin
RESTClient := TRESTClient.Create('https://api.example.com');
RESTRequest := TRESTRequest.Create(RESTClient);
RESTResponse := TRESTResponse.Create(nil);
try
RESTRequest.Resource := 'users/{id}';
RESTRequest.Method := TRESTRequestMethod.rmGET;
RESTRequest.Params.AddUrlSegment('id', '42');
RESTRequest.Params.AddItem('fields', 'name,email', pkGETorPOST);
RESTRequest.Execute;
ShowMessage(RESTResponse.Content); // JSON response
// access JSON fields directly
ShowMessage(RESTResponse.JSONValue.GetValue<string>('name'));
finally
RESTResponse.Free;
RESTRequest.Free;
RESTClient.Free;
end;
end;DLL & BPL Packages
Creating & Using DLLs
DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries) share code across applications. Use 'library' keyword (not 'program') to build a DLL. 'exports' lists functions available to external callers. stdcall is the standard Windows calling convention (C/C++, VB, C# compatible). Static import (external) links at compile time — DLL must exist at runtime. Dynamic loading (LoadLibrary/GetProcAddress) loads at runtime — enables plugins and optional features. FreeLibrary unloads the DLL. PChar (PWideChar) is the standard string type for DLL exports (shared memory, no Delphi-specific types). NEVER export Delphi strings, objects, or interfaces directly — they're Delphi-internal. Use ShareMem unit for Delphi-to-Delphi string sharing (requires BorlndMM.dll).
// --- MyLib.dpr (DLL project) ---
library MyLib;
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Classes;
// exported function (stdcall for compatibility)
function Add(A, B: Integer): Integer; stdcall;
begin
Result := A + B;
end;
// exported procedure
procedure ShowMessage(const Msg: PChar); stdcall;
begin
WriteLn(Msg);
end;
// export table
exports
Add name 'Add',
ShowMessage name 'ShowMessage';
begin
end.
// --- MainApp.dpr (consumer) ---
// static import
function Add(A, B: Integer): Integer; stdcall; external 'MyLib.dll';
procedure ShowMsg(const Msg: PChar); stdcall; external 'MyLib.dll';
begin
ShowMessage(IntToStr(Add(3, 4))); // 7
end;
// dynamic loading (load at runtime)
var
LibHandle: THandle;
AddFunc: function(A, B: Integer): Integer; stdcall;
begin
LibHandle := LoadLibrary('MyLib.dll');
if LibHandle <> 0 then
try
@AddFunc := GetProcAddress(LibHandle, 'Add');
if Assigned(@AddFunc) then
ShowMessage(IntToStr(AddFunc(10, 20)));
finally
FreeLibrary(LibHandle);
end;
end;Sharing Objects via Interfaces
Sharing objects across DLL boundaries is tricky — Delphi classes can't be exported directly (different memory managers, different RTTI). The solution: use interfaces with GUIDs. The DLL exports a factory function (CreatePlugin) that returns an IPlugin. The host app defines the same interface (same GUID!) and calls the factory. Interface reference counting handles cleanup automatically. Use PChar for strings (not Delphi string) to avoid memory manager conflicts. This is the plugin architecture pattern — load DLLs dynamically, create plugins via factory, communicate via interfaces. For full plugin systems, consider the plugin framework in Delphi or use packages (BPL) which share the RTL and allow direct class sharing.
// --- PluginDLL.dpr ---
library PluginDLL;
type
IPlugin = interface
['{12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789012}']
function GetName: PChar; stdcall;
function Execute(const Input: PChar): PChar; stdcall;
procedure Free; stdcall;
end;
TMyPlugin = class(TInterfacedObject, IPlugin)
public
function GetName: PChar; stdcall;
function Execute(const Input: PChar): PChar; stdcall;
procedure Free; stdcall;
end;
function TMyPlugin.GetName: PChar;
begin
Result := 'My Plugin v1.0';
end;
function TMyPlugin.Execute(const Input: PChar): PChar;
begin
Result := PChar('Processed: ' + Input);
end;
// factory function - creates and returns the plugin
function CreatePlugin: IPlugin; stdcall;
begin
Result := TMyPlugin.Create;
end;
exports CreatePlugin;
// --- HostApp.dpr ---
type
IPlugin = interface
['{12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789012}']
function GetName: PChar; stdcall;
function Execute(const Input: PChar): PChar; stdcall;
procedure Free; stdcall;
end;
var
CreatePlugin: function: IPlugin; stdcall;
Plugin: IPlugin;
Handle: THandle;
begin
Handle := LoadLibrary('PluginDLL.dll');
if Handle <> 0 then
try
@CreatePlugin := GetProcAddress(Handle, 'CreatePlugin');
if Assigned(@CreatePlugin) then
begin
Plugin := CreatePlugin;
ShowMessage(Plugin.GetName);
ShowMessage(Plugin.Execute('test'));
end;
finally
FreeLibrary(Handle);
end;
end;BPL Packages (Borland Package Library)
BPLs (Borland Package Libraries) are Delphi-specific shared libraries — they share the Delphi RTL, allowing direct class/object sharing (unlike DLLs). Build with 'package' keyword. Runtime packages reduce EXE size (shared code in .bpl files) and enable hot-swappable modules. LoadPackage/UnloadPackage load BPLs dynamically — GetClass finds registered classes by name. RegisterClass/UnRegisterClass make classes discoverable. BPLs require the Delphi RTL BPLs (rtl.bpl, vcl.bpl) to be deployed. Use BPLs for: plugin architectures (share Delphi types directly), modular applications (load features on demand), and reducing memory (shared code loaded once). For cross-language sharing, use DLLs; for Delphi-only, BPLs are more powerful.
// --- MyPackage.dpk (runtime package) ---
package MyPackage;
requires
rtl,
vcl;
contains
MyUnit in 'MyUnit.pas',
MyForm in 'MyForm.pas' {Form1};
// compile: dcc32 -B MyPackage.dpk
// produces MyPackage.bpl (shared runtime package)
// --- Using the package ---
// Option 1: link statically (compile-time reference)
// Project → Options → Packages → Runtime packages → add MyPackage.bpl
// Option 2: load dynamically with LoadPackage
var
PackageModule: THandle;
FormClass: TPersistentClass;
begin
PackageModule := LoadPackage('MyPackage.bpl');
try
// register and use forms/classes from the package
FormClass := GetClass('TForm1');
if FormClass <> nil then
with TFormClass(FormClass).Create(Application) do
try
ShowModal;
finally
Free;
end;
finally
UnloadPackage(PackageModule);
end;
end;
// RegisterClass in the package's unit:
unit MyForm;
interface
uses Vcl.Forms;
type
TForm1 = class(TForm)
end;
implementation
initialization
RegisterClass(TForm1); // make class discoverable
finalization
UnRegisterClass(TForm1);
end.Memory Management Across Boundaries
The #1 DLL pitfall: freeing memory in one module that was allocated in another. Each module has its own memory manager — mixing them causes heap corruption and crashes. Solutions: (1) ShareMem — shares BorlndMM.dll, but requires deployment of that DLL. (2) Caller-allocates pattern — caller provides buffer, DLL fills it (safest, language-agnostic). (3) SimpleShareMem/FastMM — modern shared memory manager (FastMM is default since Delphi 2006). (4) Callback-based freeing — DLL provides a free function. For PChar returns, use StrNew/StrDispose (Windows API, shared). For production Delphi-to-Delphi, use BPLs (shared RTL) or SimpleShareMem. For cross-language, always use the caller-allocates pattern. Never pass Delphi string/object/interface types across DLL boundaries without a shared memory manager.
// PROBLEM: different memory managers in EXE and DLL
// → crashes when freeing memory allocated in another module
// Solution 1: ShareMem (Delphi-to-Delphi only)
// First unit in both EXE and DLL .dpr file:
uses
ShareMem; // uses BorlndMM.dll as shared memory manager
// Solution 2: Caller allocates, caller frees (safest)
// DLL fills a buffer provided by the caller
procedure GetData(Buffer: PChar; var BufSize: Integer); stdcall;
var
Data: string;
begin
Data := 'Hello from DLL';
BufSize := Length(Data) + 1;
if Buffer <> nil then
StrLCopy(Buffer, PChar(Data), BufSize);
end;
// caller:
var
Size: Integer;
Buffer: PChar;
begin
GetData(nil, Size); // query size
GetMem(Buffer, Size); // allocate
try
GetData(Buffer, Size); // fill
ShowMessage(Buffer);
finally
FreeMem(Buffer); // caller frees
end;
end;
// Solution 3: Use SafeCall / COM-style allocation
// Solution 4: Use FastMM as shared manager (modern approach)
// Add SimpleShareMem unit (uses FastMM) to both projects
// Solution 5: Return only simple types / PChar with callback
type
TFreeCallback = procedure(Ptr: Pointer); stdcall;
function CreateString(out S: PChar; FreeProc: TFreeCallback): Boolean; stdcall;
begin
S := StrNew('Allocated in DLL');
Result := True;
// caller calls FreeProc(S) which calls StrDispose in the DLL
end;Resource Files & Embedding
Resource files embed binary data (images, icons, sounds, strings, version info) into the EXE/DLL — no external files needed. Create a .rc script, compile with brcc32 (or let the IDE auto-compile). {$R file.res} links it. TResourceStream reads RCDATA resources as a stream. LoadIcon/LoadString use Windows API for specific resource types. Resources are read-only at runtime but keep everything in one file (great for deployment). Common uses: application icons, splash screen images, default config, WAV sounds, version info (file properties dialog), localized strings. For large data, consider compressing before embedding. Resource IDs can be names (strings) or numbers. RT_RCDATA is the generic binary resource type.
// --- Resource script (.rc file) ---
// MyResources.rc:
// LOGO RCDATA "logo.png"
// ICON1 ICON "app.ico"
// VERSION VERSIONINFO ...
// WAVE1 WAVE "sound.wav"
// STR1 STRINGTABLE { "Hello" }
// compile: brcc32 MyResources.rc → MyResources.res
// or add .rc to project (auto-compiled)
// --- In .dpr ---
{$R MyResources.res} // link resource
// --- Loading resources ---
uses System.Classes, Vcl.Graphics, Winapi.Windows;
// load RCDATA (binary data)
var
Stream: TResourceStream;
begin
Stream := TResourceStream.Create(HInstance, 'LOGO', RT_RCDATA);
try
Image1.Picture.LoadFromStream(Stream);
finally
Stream.Free;
end;
end;
// load icon
var
Icon: TIcon;
begin
Icon := TIcon.Create;
try
Icon.Handle := LoadIcon(HInstance, 'ICON1');
Image1.Picture.Icon.Assign(Icon);
finally
Icon.Free;
end;
end;
// load string resource
var
S: string;
Buffer: array[0..255] of Char;
begin
LoadString(HInstance, 1, Buffer, SizeOf(Buffer));
S := Buffer;
end;
// embed a file as resource at compile time
// {$R 'data.bin' 'data.bin'} // or use .rcDebugging & Performance Tuning
Debugger & Breakpoints
Delphi's IDE debugger is powerful: set breakpoints by clicking the gutter. Conditional breakpoints break only when an expression is true (e.g., i > 100). Log/trace breakpoints log messages without stopping — great for monitoring loops. asm int 3 end creates a hard breakpoint in code (CPU trap). OutputDebugString logs to the Event Log window (and DebugView tool). Assert checks conditions in debug builds (disabled with {$C-} or assertions off in release). DebugHook is non-zero when running in the IDE. The Call Stack window traces the call chain; Threads window inspects all threads; Local Variables shows current scope. Enable 'Use Debug DCUs' to step into RTL/VCL source code.
// Conditional breakpoints (set in IDE):
// Break when expression is true
// e.g., (i > 100) and (List.Count > 0)
// Log breakpoints (no break, just log):
// Log message: "Iteration {i}, Count={List.Count}"
// Trace points / Action breakpoints:
// Run macro or evaluate expression on hit
// Code-based breakpoints:
var
I: Integer;
begin
for I := 1 to 1000 do
begin
// break only when condition met
if (I mod 100 = 0) and DebugHook <> 0 then
asm int 3 end; // hard breakpoint (CPU trap)
// or use OutputDebugString for logging
OutputDebugString(PChar('Processing ' + IntToStr(I)));
end;
end;
// Assert (only in debug builds)
Assert(List.Count > 0, 'List must not be empty');
// DebugHook: 0 = release, 1 = IDE, 2 = IDE step-over
if DebugHook <> 0 then
ShowMessage('Running in debugger');
// Watch and Evaluate expressions in IDE:
// List.Count
// List[0].Name
// TMyObject(Obj).PrivateField (with "Use Debug DCUs")
// Call Stack window shows the call chain
// Threads window shows all active threads
// Local Variables shows current scope variablesException Handling & Stack Traces
Delphi exceptions: try/except catches errors, try/finally guarantees cleanup. Exception classes form a hierarchy: Exception → EDivByZero, EAccessViolation, EListError, EAbort (silent), etc. 'on E: ExceptionType do' catches specific types; the base 'on E: Exception do' catches all. 'raise;' re-raises the current exception (preserves stack trace). EAbort (or Abort procedure) raises a silent exception (no dialog). TApplicationEvents.OnException is the global handler — catches unhandled exceptions. For stack traces, use JCL (JclDebug) or MadExcept/ExceptionHunter — they capture call stacks, register dumps, and even email crash reports. Always log exceptions for post-mortem debugging. Never swallow exceptions silently in production.
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Diagnostics;
// structured exception handling
try
RiskyOperation;
except
on E: EDivByZero do
ShowMessage('Division error: ' + E.Message);
on E: EAccessViolation do
ShowMessage('Access violation at ' + E.Message);
on E: Exception do
begin
ShowMessage('Unexpected: ' + E.ClassName + ': ' + E.Message);
raise; // re-raise
end;
end;
// finally (always executes)
try
AcquireResource;
UseResource;
finally
ReleaseResource; // always runs
end;
// nested try/except/finally
try
try
RiskyCode;
except
on E: Exception do
begin
LogError(E);
raise EAbort.Create(''); // suppress display
end;
end;
finally
Cleanup;
end;
// global exception handler
procedure TForm1.ApplicationEvents1Exception(Sender: TObject; E: Exception);
begin
LogError(Format('%s: %s', [E.ClassName, E.Message]));
if not (E is EAbort) then
ShowMessage('Error: ' + E.Message);
end;
// get stack trace (with JCL or MadExcept)
// JclDebug: JclCreateStackInfo, JclLastExceptStackListProfiling & Performance
TStopwatch is the high-precision timer (uses QueryPerformanceCounter). Always benchmark before optimizing — don't guess. ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown := True catches leaks at program exit (debug builds). Common Delphi performance pitfalls: (1) String concatenation in loops creates copies — use TStringBuilder or pre-allocate. (2) SetLength in a loop reallocates — set size once. (3) Passing strings/arrays by value copies them — use 'const' for read-only parameters. (4) TStringList.Sorted + Find is O(log n); unsorted IndexOf is O(n). (5) TList<T>.Add is amortized O(1) but Insert at front is O(n). For deep profiling, use Sampling Profiler (free), AQTime, or GpProfile — they identify hotspots without code changes. Optimize the 20% of code that takes 80% of time.
uses System.Diagnostics;
// TStopwatch - precise timing
var
SW: TStopwatch;
Elapsed: Int64;
begin
SW := TStopwatch.StartNew;
try
ExpensiveOperation;
finally
SW.Stop;
ShowMessage(Format('Elapsed: %d ms', [SW.ElapsedMilliseconds]));
end;
end;
// benchmark comparison
function Benchmark(const Name: string; const Action: TProc): Int64;
var
SW: TStopwatch;
I: Integer;
begin
SW := TStopwatch.StartNew;
for I := 1 to 1000 do
Action;
SW.Stop;
WriteLn(Format('%s: %d ms', [Name, SW.ElapsedMilliseconds]));
Result := SW.ElapsedMilliseconds;
end;
// memory usage
var
Mem: TMemoryManagerState;
begin
GetMemoryManagerState(Mem);
ShowMessage(Format('Allocated: %d bytes', [Mem.TotalAllocated]));
// report memory leaks on shutdown
ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown := True; // shows leak dialog on exit
end;
// common optimizations:
// 1. Use TStringBuilder for heavy string concatenation
var SB := TStringBuilder.Create;
try
for var I := 1 to 10000 do
SB.Append('Line ').Append(I).AppendLine;
Result := SB.ToString;
finally
SB.Free;
end;
// 2. SetLength once, not in a loop
SetLength(Result, Count); // pre-allocate
for I := 0 to Count - 1 do
Result[I] := Compute(I);
// 3. Use const for strings/arrays (avoids copy)
procedure Process(const Data: string); // const = no copyMemory Management & Leaks
Memory management is Delphi's biggest source of bugs. Rule #1: every Create must have a matching Free. Use try/finally religiously. For automatic management, use interfaces (TInterfacedObject + reference counting) — no Free needed. TObjectList<T> with OwnsObjects := True frees contained objects automatically. ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown := True shows a dialog listing leaked objects at exit (debug only). FastMM (the default memory manager) in FullDebugMode logs leaks with allocation stack traces to a file — essential for tracking down leaks. Common leak patterns: missing try/finally, event handlers not removed, circular references (fix with [Weak]), threads not freed, global objects not freed in finalization. The unit's finalization section runs on shutdown — use it for global cleanup.
// Rule: every Create needs a Free (or use interfaces)
// Pattern 1: try/finally
var
Obj: TMyObject;
begin
Obj := TMyObject.Create;
try
Obj.DoWork;
finally
Obj.Free; // always freed
end;
end;
// Pattern 2: interface reference counting (automatic)
var
Obj: IMyInterface;
begin
Obj := TMyObject.Create; // TInterfacedObject
Obj.DoWork;
// freed automatically when Obj goes out of scope
end;
// Pattern 3: TObjectList (owns children)
var
List: TObjectList<TPerson>;
begin
List := TObjectList<TPerson>.Create(True); // OwnsObjects
try
List.Add(TPerson.Create('Alice'));
List.Add(TPerson.Create('Bob'));
// freeing List frees all TPerson objects
finally
List.Free;
end;
end;
// Detecting leaks
// 1. ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown := True;
// 2. FastMM (default since D2006) with FullDebugMode
// → logs leaks with stack traces to file
// 3. Set breakpoint on System._DebugIntfMemLeak (FastMM)
// Common leak causes:
// - Create without Free (missing try/finally)
// - Event handler assigned but never removed
// - Circular references (use [Weak])
// - TThread not freed (FreeOnTerminate := True)
// - Global objects not freed in finalization
// finalization section for globals
var
GlobalCache: TDictionary<string, TObject>;
initialization
GlobalCache := TDictionary<string, TObject>.Create;
finalization
GlobalCache.Free; // cleanup on shutdownCode Quality & Testing
DUnitX is the modern unit testing framework (replaces DUnit). [TestFixture] marks test classes, [Test] marks test methods, [Setup]/[TearDown] run before/after each test. [TestCase] parameterizes tests with inline data. Assert.AreEqual/IsTrue/WillRaise verify outcomes. Test-driven development (TDD): write tests first, then code. Tests catch regressions and document expected behavior. Delphi Mocks (or Spring4D mocking) creates mock objects from interfaces — Setup.Expect defines expectations, VerifyAll checks they were met. Mocking is essential for isolating units (mock database, network, file system). Aim for high coverage of business logic. Run tests in CI (continuous integration) to catch regressions early. Integration tests verify components work together; unit tests verify individual units in isolation.
// DUnitX - unit testing framework
uses DUnitX.TestFramework;
type
[TestFixture]
TCalculatorTests = class
public
[Setup]
procedure Setup;
[TearDown]
procedure TearDown;
[Test]
procedure TestAdd;
[Test]
[TestCase('A', '1,2,3')]
[TestCase('B', '10,20,30')]
procedure TestAddParam(A, B, Expected: Integer);
[Test]
procedure TestDivideByZero;
end;
procedure TCalculatorTests.TestAdd;
var
Calc: TCalculator;
begin
Calc := TCalculator.Create;
try
Assert.AreEqual(5, Calc.Add(2, 3));
Assert.AreNotEqual(6, Calc.Add(2, 3));
Assert.IsTrue(Calc.Add(0, 0) = 0);
finally
Calc.Free;
end;
end;
procedure TCalculatorTests.TestDivideByZero;
var
Calc: TCalculator;
begin
Calc := TCalculator.Create;
try
Assert.WillRaise(
procedure
begin
Calc.Divide(10, 0);
end, EDivByZero);
finally
Calc.Free;
end;
end;
// mock with interfaces
type
[Mock]
ILogger = interface
['{...}']
procedure Log(const Msg: string);
end;
// Delphi Mocks framework
var
MockLogger: TMock<ILogger>;
begin
MockLogger := TMock<ILogger>.Create;
MockLogger.Setup.Expect.Once.When.Log('test');
// ... use MockLogger.Object ...
MockLogger.VerifyAll; // asserts Log was called
end;Generics & Collections
Generic class declaration
Generics let you write type-safe containers without casts. Declare with <T> after the type name. The compiler generates a specialized version per type used. Use TArray<T> instead of array of for dynamic arrays in generic types.
type
TStack<T> = class
private
FItems: TArray<T>;
FCount: Integer;
public
procedure Push(const AValue: T);
function Pop: T;
function Peek: T;
function Count: Integer;
end;
procedure TStack<T>.Push(const AValue: T);
begin
if FCount = Length(FItems) then
SetLength(FItems, FCount * 2 + 4);
FItems[FCount] := AValue;
Inc(FCount);
end;TDictionary usage
TDictionary<K,V> is the generic hash map. Add raises on duplicate keys; OrAdd does upsert. TryGetValue returns false (not exception) on missing key. Always free dictionaries — they own no objects by default.
uses
System.Generics.Collections;
var
Dict: TDictionary<string, Integer>;
begin
Dict := TDictionary<string, Integer>.Create;
try
Dict.Add('apple', 5);
Dict.Add('banana', 3);
Dict.OrAdd('apple', 10); // add or replace
if Dict.TryGetValue('apple', Value) then
Writeln(Value);
for var Pair in Dict do
Writeln(Pair.Key, ': ', Pair.Value);
finally
Dict.Free;
end;
end;TList with comparer
TList<T>.Sort uses IComparer<T>. TComparer<T>.Construct wraps an anonymous function into a comparer. BinarySearch requires the list to be sorted with the same comparer. AddRange accepts an open array or another list.
var
List: TList<Integer>;
begin
List := TList<Integer>.Create;
try
List.AddRange([5, 2, 8, 1, 9]);
List.Sort; // ascending
// custom comparer (descending)
List.Sort(TComparer<Integer>.Construct(
function(const L, R: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := R - L;
end));
List.BinarySearch(8, Index); // requires sorted list
finally
List.Free;
end;
end;Generic constraints
Constraints limit which types can be substituted: 'class' (reference type), 'record' (value type), 'constructor' (parameterless constructor), or a specific ancestor class. Multiple constraints separated by commas. Without 'constructor' you cannot call T.Create.
type
TRepository<T: class, constructor> = class
public
function CreateInstance: T;
procedure Save(const AEntity: T);
end;
function TRepository<T>.CreateInstance: T;
begin
Result := T.Create; // requires 'constructor' constraint
end;
// multiple constraints: class, constructor, specific base
type
TControlFactory<T: TControl, constructor> = class ... end;Object ownership with TObjectDictionary
TObjectDictionary<K,V> extends TDictionary with ownership. Pass [doOwnsValues], [doOwnsKeys], or both. On Remove/Clear/Free, owned objects are freed automatically — prevents memory leaks in object collections.
var
Dict: TObjectDictionary<string, TButton>;
begin
// owns values — frees them automatically
Dict := TObjectDictionary<string, TButton>.Create([doOwnsValues]);
try
Dict.Add('btn1', TButton.Create(nil));
Dict.Add('btn2', TButton.Create(nil));
Dict.Remove('btn1'); // frees the TButton
finally
Dict.Free; // frees remaining buttons
end;
end;Anonymous Methods & Closures
Basic anonymous method
Anonymous methods are inline function references. TFunc<...> is for functions, TProc<...> for procedures. They capture variables from the enclosing scope (closures). Assignable to variables, passable as parameters.
var
Adder: TFunc<Integer, Integer, Integer>;
begin
Adder := function(A, B: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := A + B;
end;
Writeln(Adder(3, 4)); // 7
end;Closure capturing variables
Captured variables are heap-allocated and live as long as the anonymous method does. Each call to MakeMultiplier captures its own Factor — closures are independent. This is how factories and partial application work.
function MakeMultiplier(Factor: Integer): TFunc<Integer, Integer>;
begin
Result := function(X: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := X * Factor; // captures Factor
end;
end;
var
Double: TFunc<Integer, Integer>;
Triple: TFunc<Integer, Integer>;
begin
Double := MakeMultiplier(2);
Triple := MakeMultiplier(3);
Writeln(Double(10)); // 20
Writeln(Triple(10)); // 30
end;Higher-order functions
'reference to' declares a procedural type compatible with anonymous methods. Apply is a higher-order function — takes a function as argument. This enables map/filter/reduce patterns. Use TArray<Integer> for dynamic arrays.
type
TIntFunc = reference to function(X: Integer): Integer;
function Apply(const F: TIntFunc; Values: array of Integer): TArray<Integer>;
var
I: Integer;
begin
SetLength(Result, Length(Values));
for I := 0 to High(Values) do
Result[I] := F(Values[I]);
end;
var
Squared: TArray<Integer>;
begin
Squared := Apply(function(X: Integer): Integer
begin
Result := X * X;
end, [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]);
end;Event handlers with closures
Anonymous methods can replace traditional method-based event handlers, capturing context without fields. Useful for one-off handlers and reducing boilerplate. The captured Caption stays alive with the closure reference held by OnClick.
procedure SetupButton(Button: TButton; const Caption: string);
begin
Button.Caption := Caption;
Button.OnClick := procedure(Sender: TObject)
begin
ShowMessage(Caption + ' clicked!'); // captures Caption
end;
end;
// instead of:
// procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
// begin
// ShowMessage('Button1 clicked!');
// end;TThread with anonymous
CreateAnonymousThread wraps a closure in a thread — fire-and-forget background work. Use TThread.Queue (or Synchronize) to marshal UI updates back to the main thread. Never touch UI controls directly from a worker thread.
TThread.CreateAnonymousThread(
procedure
var
I: Integer;
begin
for I := 1 to 10 do
begin
TThread.Queue(nil,
procedure
begin
Memo1.Lines.Add('Progress: ' + I.ToString);
end);
Sleep(100);
end;
end).Start;Attributes & RTTI
Custom attribute declaration
Attributes are classes inheriting TCustomAttribute. Apply with [AttrName(...)] on types, fields, methods, properties. The compiler embeds them in RTTI. Constructor parameters become attribute arguments.
type
DisplayNameAttribute = class(TCustomAttribute)
private
FName: string;
public
constructor Create(const AName: string);
property Name: string read FName;
end;
constructor DisplayNameAttribute.Create(const AName: string);
begin
FName := AName;
end;
[DisplayName('User Account')]
TUser = class
[DisplayName('Full Name')]
FName: string;
end;Reading attributes via RTTI
TRttiContext is the entry point to RTTI. GetType returns TRttiType for a class. GetAttributes returns all attributes applied. Cast to your attribute type to read properties. RTTI requires the class to be in a unit compiled with {$M+} or derived from TPersistent.
uses
System.Rtti;
var
Ctx: TRttiContext;
RttiType: TRttiType;
Attr: TCustomAttribute;
begin
Ctx := TRttiContext.Create;
try
RttiType := Ctx.GetType(TUser);
for Attr in RttiType.GetAttributes do
if Attr is DisplayNameAttribute then
Writeln(DisplayNameAttribute(Attr).Name);
finally
Ctx.Free;
end;
end;Field and method RTTI
GetFields returns all public/published fields. SetValue/GetValue provide dynamic field access by name — useful for serializers and ORMs. GetMethods returns all methods including inherited. RTTI is slower than direct calls.
var
Ctx: TRttiContext;
FieldType: TRttiField;
Method: TRttiMethod;
User: TUser;
begin
Ctx := TRttiContext.Create;
try
User := TUser.Create;
try
for FieldType in Ctx.GetType(TUser).GetFields do
begin
Writeln(FieldType.Name, ': ', FieldType.FieldType.Name);
FieldType.SetValue(User, 'Alice'); // set by RTTI
end;
Writeln(FieldType.GetValue(User).AsString);
finally
User.Free;
end;
finally
Ctx.Free;
end;
end;Property RTTI and invocation
GetProperties returns published properties. IsReadable/IsWritable check accessors. GetValue/SetValue work on properties too. TypeKind (tkInteger, tkString, tkClass, etc.) lets you handle each type appropriately. This is how most Delphi serializers work.
var
Ctx: TRttiContext;
Prop: TRttiProperty;
Instance: TMyClass;
begin
Instance := TMyClass.Create;
try
for Prop in Ctx.GetType(TMyClass).GetProperties do
begin
if Prop.IsReadable then
Writeln(Prop.Name, ' = ', Prop.GetValue(Instance).ToString);
if Prop.IsWritable and (Prop.PropertyType.TypeKind = tkInteger) then
Prop.SetValue(Instance, 42);
end;
finally
Instance.Free;
end;
end;Method invocation by name
GetMethod finds a method by name (case-sensitive). Invoke calls it dynamically with TValue array arguments. TValue is a variant-like wrapper for any type. Useful for plugin systems, scripting, and late binding. Returns TValue — convert with AsInteger, AsString, etc.
var
Ctx: TRttiContext;
Method: TRttiMethod;
Args: array of TValue;
Result: TValue;
begin
Method := Ctx.GetType(TMyClass).GetMethod('CalculateTotal');
if Assigned(Method) then
begin
SetLength(Args, 2);
Args[0] := 10;
Args[1] := 20;
Result := Method.Invoke(MyInstance, Args);
Writeln(Result.AsInteger);
end;
end;Interfaces Deep Dive
Interface declaration and implementation
Interfaces define contracts without implementation. GUIDs (optional but recommended) enable 'as' casts and Supports(). TInterfacedObject provides reference counting. All interface methods must be implemented (no 'abstract' escape). Properties in interfaces need accessor methods.
type
IShape = interface
['{A1B2C3D4-E5F6-7890-ABCD-EF1234567890}']
function GetArea: Double;
function GetPerimeter: Double;
procedure Draw;
property Color: TColor read FColor write SetColor;
end;
TCircle = class(TInterfacedObject, IShape)
private
FRadius: Double;
FColor: TColor;
procedure SetColor(Value: TColor);
public
constructor Create(ARadius: Double);
function GetArea: Double;
function GetPerimeter: Double;
procedure Draw;
end;Reference counting and memory
Interface references are reference-counted. When the last interface reference goes out of scope, the object is freed. NEVER mix object and interface references to the same instance — the interface refcounting will free it while the object pointer still points to it. Pick one ownership model.
var
Shape: IShape;
begin
Shape := TCircle.Create(5.0); // refcount = 1
// ... use Shape ...
end; // refcount drops to 0, object freed automatically
// Mixing interface and object references — DANGER:
var
Obj: TCircle;
begin
Obj := TCircle.Create(5.0);
Shape := Obj; // refcount = 1
Shape := nil; // refcount = 0, Obj freed!
Obj.GetArea; // AV — dangling pointer
end;Interface inheritance and multiple interfaces
Interfaces can inherit from multiple parents. A class can implement multiple interfaces. Method resolution clauses (method = interface.method) resolve conflicts when multiple interfaces declare the same method. Use 'as' or Supports() to query for an interface at runtime.
type
IReadable = interface
function Read: string;
end;
IWritable = interface
procedure Write(const S: string);
end;
IStream = interface(IReadable, IWritable)
procedure Flush;
end;
TFileStream = class(TInterfacedObject, IStream, IReadable, IWritable)
// must implement all methods from all interfaces
end;Supports and as casts
Supports() checks if an object implements an interface — returns boolean, optionally returns the interface. 'as' cast does the same but raises EInvalidCast on failure. Supports() works on both objects and interface references. Requires the interface to have a GUID.
uses
System.SysUtils, System.TypInfo;
var
Obj: TObject;
Shape: IShape;
begin
Obj := TCircle.Create(5.0);
try
if Supports(Obj, IShape, Shape) then
Writeln(Shape.GetArea:0:2);
// 'as' cast — raises if not supported
Shape := Obj as IShape;
// type info
if Supports(Obj, IShape) then
Writeln('Obj supports IShape');
finally
Obj.Free; // object reference — must free manually
end;
end;Dependency injection pattern
Pass dependencies as interfaces — enables mocking, swapping implementations, and testability. The class depends on the abstraction (ILogger), not a concrete type. This is the foundation of DI containers like Spring4D. Interface ownership means the logger lives as long as the service holds the reference.
type
ILogger = interface
procedure Log(const Msg: string);
end;
TOrderService = class
private
FLogger: ILogger;
public
constructor Create(ALogger: ILogger);
procedure ProcessOrder(OrderId: Integer);
end;
constructor TOrderService.Create(ALogger: ILogger);
begin
FLogger := ALogger; // injected dependency
end;
procedure TOrderService.ProcessOrder(OrderId: Integer);
begin
FLogger.Log('Processing order ' + OrderId.ToString);
end;Memory Management Advanced
Try-finally pattern
Always pair allocation with Free in try-finally. Nest finally blocks for multiple resources. FreeAndNil (instead of Free) also clears the variable — useful for detecting use-after-free. Free is safe on nil — no need to check Assigned first.
var
List: TObjectList;
Stream: TFileStream;
begin
List := TObjectList.Create;
try
Stream := TFileStream.Create('data.bin', fmOpenRead);
try
// ... use Stream ...
finally
Stream.Free;
end;
finally
List.Free;
end;
end;Interface-based ownership
TInterfacedObject + interface reference = automatic cleanup. When the interface goes out of scope, the destructor runs. This is RAII in Delphi — wrap resources in interfaced objects for guaranteed cleanup without try-finally boilerplate.
type
TTempFile = class(TInterfacedObject)
private
FName: string;
public
constructor Create(const AName: string);
destructor Destroy; override;
end;
destructor TTempFile.Destroy;
begin
if FileExists(FName) then
DeleteFile(FName);
inherited;
end;
// usage:
var
Temp: TTempFile;
begin
Temp := TTempFile.Create('tmp.txt');
// ... use file ...
end; // Temp freed automatically (refcount)Weak references
Weak references break reference cycles. Without [Weak], two objects holding interface references to each other would never be freed (cycle). TComponent has built-in FreeNotification mechanism for weak references. [Weak] attribute requires RTTI and works on interface and class fields.
type
[Weak]
FParent: TComponent; // weak reference — no refcount increment
// or for interfaces:
[Weak]
FLogger: ILogger;
// TComponent uses notification-based weak refs:
type
TChild = class(TComponent)
private
FParent: TComponent;
public
property Parent: TComponent read FParent write FParent;
end;Records vs objects
Records are value types (stack, copied on assignment) — no memory management needed. Classes are reference types (heap, must be freed). Use records for small immutable data (points, dates, money). Use classes for polymorphic or large objects. Records can have methods and operators in modern Delphi.
type
TPoint = record // value type — stack allocated
X, Y: Double;
function Distance: Double;
end;
TPointObj = class // reference type — heap allocated
X, Y: Double;
function Distance: Double;
end;
var
P1, P2: TPoint;
O1, O2: TPointObj;
begin
P1 := P2; // copies values
O1 := O2; // copies reference (both point to same object)
end;Memory leak detection
ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown shows a dialog at exit listing leaked objects. FastMM (the default memory manager) detects leaks, double-frees, and use-after-free. For production, log leaks to file. Run leak checks regularly during development — easier to fix leaks as they're introduced.
uses
System.ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown;
begin
ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown := True;
// ... your code ...
// on app exit, leak report shown if any unfreed objects
end;
// FastMM4 (built into modern Delphi):
// - Detects leaks with call stack
// - Reports type and count of leaked objects
// - Use FullDebugMode for detailed diagnostics
// Manual check:
var
StartMem: Integer;
begin
StartMem := AllocMemSize;
// ... code under test ...
if AllocMemSize > StartMem then
Writeln('Memory leak detected');
end;FireMonkey (FMX)
Cross-platform form basics
FMX forms are cross-platform (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux). Same code, different native renderers. Use FMX.* units instead of Vcl.* Controls are vector-based (scale perfectly). Styles replace themes — visual appearance is data-driven.
unit MainForm;
interface
uses
System.SysUtils, System.Types, FMX.Forms, FMX.Controls,
FMX.Controls.Presentation, FMX.Edit, FMX.Buttons;
type
TFormMain = class(TForm)
EditName: TEdit;
ButtonSubmit: TSpeedButton;
procedure ButtonSubmitClick(Sender: TObject);
private
FName: string;
public
property Name: string read FName;
end;
var
FormMain: TFormMain;
implementation
procedure TFormMain.ButtonSubmitClick(Sender: TObject);
begin
FName := EditName.Text;
Close;
end;
end.Layouts and alignment
FMX uses Align (Client, Top, Bottom, Left, Right, None) and Margins/Padding for layout. TFlowLayout arranges children like CSS flexbox. TGridLayout makes a grid. Use TScaleBox for resolution-independent scaling. Layouts are themselves controls — nestable.
// Layout types: TLayout, TFlowLayout, TGridLayout, TScrollBox
var
Layout: TFlowLayout;
Btn: TButton;
begin
Layout := TFlowLayout.Create(Self);
Layout.Parent := Self;
Layout.Align := TAlignLayout.Client;
Layout.FlowDirection := TFlowDirection.LeftToRight;
Layout.Justify := TJustifyMode.SpaceBetween;
for var I := 1 to 5 do
begin
Btn := TButton.Create(Self);
Btn.Parent := Layout;
Btn.Text := 'Button ' + I.ToString;
Btn.Margins.Rect := RectF(5, 5, 5, 5);
end;
end;Styles and styling
Styles are collections of visual resources (brushes, fonts, effects) stored in .fsf or .style files. StyleLookup picks a named style for a control. TStyleManager switches global styles at runtime. FMX styles are vector — scale to any DPI. The Style Designer edits styles visually.
// Load a custom style
begin
TStyleManager.LoadFromFile('Dark.fsf');
TStyleManager.TrySetStyleFromResource('DarkStyle');
end;
// Apply style to a single control:
Button1.StyleLookup := 'cornerbutton';
// Read style in code:
var
StyleObj: TFmxObject;
begin
StyleObj := TStyleManager.ActiveStyle(Self).FindStyleResource('buttonstyle');
end;
// LiveBindings designer for visual data binding
// Tools > LiveBindings DesignerEffects and animations
Effects (Glow, Shadow, Blur, Reflection) are non-visual components parented to a control. Animations (TFloatAnimation, TColorAnimation, TPathAnimation) animate properties over time. Set Parent to the target control. Trigger/Start to begin. All GPU-accelerated — smooth on all platforms.
uses
FMX.Effects, FMX.Ani;
var
Glow: TGlowEffect;
Ani: TFloatAnimation;
begin
// Glow effect on a button
Glow := TGlowEffect.Create(Button1);
Glow.Parent := Button1;
Glow.GlowColor := TAlphaColors.Blue;
Glow.Enabled := True;
// Animate opacity
Ani := TFloatAnimation.Create(Button1);
Ani.Parent := Button1;
Ani.PropertyName := 'Opacity';
Ani.StartValue := 0;
Ani.EndValue := 1;
Ani.Duration := 0.5;
Ani.Start;
end;Platform services
Platform services abstract OS-specific features. Query with SupportsPlatformService — returns false on unsupported platforms. Always check before use. Common services: clipboard, dialogs, virtual keyboard, device info, screen. This pattern keeps your code cross-platform without {$IFDEF} blocks.
uses
FMX.Platform;
var
ScreenSvc: IFMXScreenService;
Size: TPoint;
begin
if TPlatformServices.Current.SupportsPlatformService(
IFMXScreenService, IInterface(ScreenSvc)) then
begin
Size := ScreenSvc.GetScreenSize;
Writeln(Size.X.ToString, 'x', Size.Y.ToString);
end;
end;
// Other services:
// IFMXClipboardService
// IFMXDialogService (async message boxes)
// IFMXVirtualKeyboardService
// IFMXDeviceServiceDatabase (FireDAC)
Connection setup
TFDConnection is the central FireDAC object. Set DriverName (SQLite, MSSQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, etc.) and Params. Connection definitions can be stored in a .ini file for reuse. Always set Connected := False before freeing. Use a TFDManager for connection pooling.
uses
FireDAC.Comp.Client, FireDAC.Stan.Def;
var
FDConn: TFDConnection;
begin
FDConn := TFDConnection.Create(nil);
try
FDConn.DriverName := 'SQLite';
FDConn.Params.Database := 'app.db';
FDConn.Params.Add('Encrypt=AES-256');
FDConn.Params.Password := 'secret';
FDConn.Connected := True;
// or use a connection definition file:
// FDConn.ConnectionDefName := 'MySQLite';
finally
FDConn.Free;
end;
end;Query execution
Use Open for SELECT (returns a cursor), ExecSQL for INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE (returns rows affected). ALWAYS use parameters — never concatenate values into SQL (injection risk). ParamByName is case-insensitive. FieldByName accesses columns by name. Eof/Next iterate rows.
var
Query: TFDQuery;
begin
Query := TFDQuery.Create(nil);
try
Query.Connection := FDConn;
// parameterized query (prevents SQL injection)
Query.SQL.Text := 'SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > :min_age';
Query.ParamByName('min_age').AsInteger := 18;
Query.Open;
while not Query.Eof do
begin
Writeln(Query.FieldByName('name').AsString);
Query.Next;
end;
// execute non-query (INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE)
Query.SQL.Text := 'INSERT INTO users (name, age) VALUES (:n, :a)';
Query.ParamByName('n').AsString := 'Alice';
Query.ParamByName('a').AsInteger := 30;
Query.ExecSQL;
finally
Query.Free;
end;
end;Transactions
StartTransaction/Commit/Rollback wrap atomic operations. If any statement fails, Rollback undoes all changes. Nested transactions use savepoints (partial rollback). Always wrap in try-except-raise to propagate the error after rollback. Without a transaction, each statement auto-commits.
FDConn.StartTransaction;
try
Query.SQL.Text := 'UPDATE accounts SET balance = balance - 100 WHERE id = 1';
Query.ExecSQL;
Query.SQL.Text := 'UPDATE accounts SET balance = balance + 100 WHERE id = 2';
Query.ExecSQL;
FDConn.Commit;
except
FDConn.Rollback;
raise;
end;
// nested transactions via savepoints:
FDConn.StartTransaction;
try
// ... work ...
FDConn.StartTransaction; // savepoint
try
// ... more work ...
FDConn.Commit;
except
FDConn.Rollback; // rolls back to savepoint
end;
finally
FDConn.Commit;
end;TFDTable and live data
TFDTable is a live, editable cursor over a table. Edit/Post modifies the current row. Append/Post inserts. Delete removes the current row. Changes go directly to the database. Use IndexFieldNames for ordering. For complex queries, use TFDQuery instead.
var
Table: TFDTable;
begin
Table := TFDTable.Create(nil);
try
Table.Connection := FDConn;
Table.TableName := 'users';
Table.IndexFieldNames := 'name'; // ORDER BY
Table.Open; // SELECT * FROM users
// edit current row
Table.Edit;
Table.FieldByName('age').AsInteger := 31;
Table.Post;
// insert new row
Table.Append;
Table.FieldByName('name').AsString := 'Bob';
Table.FieldByName('age').AsInteger := 25;
Table.Post;
// delete current row
Table.Delete;
finally
Table.Free;
end;
end;Batch updates and cached mode
CachedUpdates mode buffers changes in memory — apply them all at once with ApplyUpdates. Faster than per-row updates for bulk operations. CancelUpdates discards the buffer. Status shows the change type per row. Useful for disconnected scenarios and reducing round-trips.
Query.CachedUpdates := True;
Query.Open;
// make many changes locally
while not Query.Eof do
begin
Query.Edit;
Query.FieldByName('status').AsString := 'processed';
Query.Post;
Query.Next;
end;
// apply all changes in one transaction
FDConn.StartTransaction;
try
Query.ApplyUpdates;
FDConn.Commit;
except
FDConn.Rollback;
Query.CancelUpdates;
raise;
end;
// inspect change log:
Query.Status; // TUpdateStatus (usModified, usInserted, usDeleted)REST & HTTP
TRESTClient basics
TRESTClient holds the base URL. TRESTRequest builds the request (method, resource, params). TRESTResponse holds the result. URL segments ({id}) are substituted by AddUrlSegment. StatusCode/Content give the HTTP response. Free in reverse order of creation.
uses
REST.Client, REST.Types;
var
Client: TRESTClient;
Request: TRESTRequest;
Response: TRESTResponse;
begin
Client := TRESTClient.Create('https://api.example.com');
Request := TRESTRequest.Create(Client);
Response := TRESTResponse.Create(Client);
try
Request.Resource := '/users/{id}';
Request.Method := TRESTRequestMethod.rmGET;
Request.Params.AddUrlSegment('id', '42');
Request.Params.AddItem('fields', 'name,email', TRESTRequestParameterKind.pkGETorPOST);
Request.Execute;
if Response.StatusCode = 200 then
Writeln(Response.Content);
finally
Response.Free;
Request.Free;
Client.Free;
end;
end;JSON parsing
System.JSON provides TJSONObject, TJSONArray, TJSONValue. ParseJSONValue parses a string (returns TJSONValue — cast as needed). GetValue<T> reads typed values. AddPair/AddElement build JSON. All JSON objects must be freed — they're reference-counted only when owned by a parent.
uses
System.JSON;
var
JSON: TJSONObject;
Arr: TJSONArray;
Item: TJSONObject;
I: Integer;
begin
// parse
JSON := TJSONObject.ParseJSONValue('{"name":"Alice","age":30}') as TJSONObject;
try
Writeln(JSON.GetValue<string>('name'));
Writeln(JSON.GetValue<Integer>('age'));
finally
JSON.Free;
end;
// build
JSON := TJSONObject.Create;
try
JSON.AddPair('name', 'Bob');
JSON.AddPair('scores', TJSONArray.Create(90, 85, 92));
finally
JSON.Free;
end;
end;REST server with datasnap
DataSnap exposes Delphi methods as REST endpoints automatically. Method names become URL segments. Parameters map to URL segments or POST body. TJSONObject/TJSONArray are the standard return types. Apply attributes like [httppost] to specify HTTP verbs. Use TDSServerModule as the base class.
// ServerContainerUnit1.pas
type
TServerMethods1 = class(TDSServerModule)
function GetUsers: TJSONArray;
function GetUser(id: Integer): TJSONObject;
[httppost] function CreateUser(Data: TJSONObject): TJSONObject;
end;
function TServerMethods1.GetUsers: TJSONArray;
begin
Result := TJSONArray.Create;
// ... populate from DB ...
end;
// Access via URL:
// GET http://localhost:8080/datasnap/rest/TServerMethods1/GetUsers
// GET http://localhost:8080/datasnap/rest/TServerMethods1/GetUser/42
// POST http://localhost:8080/datasnap/rest/TServerMethods1/CreateUserIndy HTTP for low-level control
TIdHTTP (Indy) gives full control over HTTP — headers, cookies, redirects, timeouts. More verbose than TRESTClient but more flexible. For HTTPS, assign an SSL IOHandler (TIdSSLIOHandlerSocketOpenSSL). Set ReadTimeout/ConnectTimeout for production. Indy is synchronous — wrap in TThread for async.
uses
IdHTTP, IdGlobal;
var
Http: TIdHTTP;
Response: string;
PostData: TStringStream;
begin
Http := TIdHTTP.Create(nil);
try
Http.Request.ContentType := 'application/json';
Http.Request.CustomHeaders.AddValue('Authorization', 'Bearer token123');
// GET
Response := Http.Get('https://api.example.com/users');
// POST
PostData := TStringStream.Create('{"name":"Alice"}', TEncoding.UTF8);
try
Response := Http.Post('https://api.example.com/users', PostData);
finally
PostData.Free;
end;
Writeln(Http.ResponseCode); // 200, 404, etc.
finally
Http.Free;
end;
end;Async HTTP with tasks
Wrap REST calls in TTask.Run to avoid blocking the UI thread. Marshal UI updates back with TThread.Queue (async) or TThread.Synchronize (sync). Be careful with object lifetimes — the request must outlive the task. Consider TRESTRequest.ExecuteAsync for built-in async support.
uses
System.Threading, REST.Client;
var
Request: TRESTRequest;
begin
Request := TRESTRequest.Create(nil);
try
Request.Client := TRESTClient.Create('https://api.example.com/users');
Request.Client.Owner := Request;
TTask.Run(
procedure
begin
Request.Execute; // background thread
TThread.Queue(nil,
procedure
begin
// update UI on main thread
Memo1.Lines.Text := Request.Response.Content;
end);
end);
finally
// don't free Request here — task may still be running
end;
end;Multithreading (Parallel)
TThread basics
Subclass TThread and override Execute. Create(False) starts immediately; Create(True) requires .Start. FreeOnTerminate := True auto-frees — never call Free on such threads. Check Terminated periodically for graceful shutdown. Never touch UI from Execute — use Synchronize/Queue.
type
TWorker = class(TThread)
protected
procedure Execute; override;
public
constructor Create;
end;
procedure TWorker.Execute;
var
I: Integer;
begin
for I := 1 to 100 do
begin
if Terminated then Exit;
// ... work ...
Sleep(50);
end;
end;
constructor TWorker.Create;
begin
inherited Create(False); // False = start immediately
FreeOnTerminate := True; // auto-free on completion
end;TTask and futures
ITask/IFuture<T> from System.Threading are higher-level than TThread. Futures return a typed value — .Value blocks until the result is ready. Tasks are reference-counted (no manual Free). Use TTask.WaitForAll / WaitForAny to coordinate multiple tasks. Easier to use than raw TThread.
uses
System.Threading;
var
Task: ITask;
Future: IFuture<string>;
begin
// fire-and-forget task
Task := TTask.Create(
procedure
begin
// ... background work ...
end);
Task.Start;
// future — returns a value
Future := TTask.Future<string>(
function: string
begin
Sleep(1000);
Result := 'computed value';
end);
// ... do other work ...
Writeln(Future.Value); // blocks until ready
end;Parallel for loop
TParallel.For runs loop iterations in parallel across CPU cores. MUST synchronize shared state (use TCriticalSection or TInterlocked). Order of iteration is non-deterministic. Use TLoopState for break/continue. Faster for CPU-bound work; slower for trivial iterations due to overhead.
uses
System.Threading, System.SyncObjs;
var
Total: Integer;
Lock: TCriticalSection;
I: Integer;
begin
Lock := TCriticalSection.Create;
try
TParallel.For(1, 1000,
procedure(I: Integer)
begin
Lock.Enter;
try
Total := Total + ComputeExpensive(I);
finally
Lock.Leave;
end;
end);
finally
Lock.Free;
end;
end;Synchronization primitives
TCriticalSection: mutual exclusion (only one thread at a time). TEvent: signal between threads (SetEvent/WaitFor). TEvent with manual reset stays signaled until Reset. TInterlocked.Increment is atomic and faster than a critical section for simple counters. TMonitor (built into TObject) is another option.
uses
System.SyncObjs;
var
Lock: TCriticalSection;
Event: TEvent;
Count: Integer;
begin
Lock := TCriticalSection.Create;
Event := TEvent.Create(nil, True, False, '');
try
TThread.CreateAnonymousThread(
procedure
begin
Lock.Enter;
try
Inc(Count);
finally
Lock.Leave;
end;
Event.SetEvent; // signal completion
end).Start;
Event.WaitFor(INFINITE); // wait for signal
finally
Lock.Free;
Event.Free;
end;
end;TThread.Queue and Synchronize
UI controls can only be touched from the main thread. Synchronize blocks the worker until the main thread executes the anonymous method — use sparingly (causes serialization). Queue posts and continues — preferred for fire-and-forget UI updates. Pass nil as the thread arg to use the current thread.
// From a worker thread, update UI safely:
// Synchronous — blocks worker until main thread runs the code
TThread.Synchronize(nil,
procedure
begin
Label1.Caption := 'Done';
end);
// Asynchronous — posts to main thread queue, doesn't block
TThread.Queue(nil,
procedure
begin
Label1.Caption := 'Progress: 50%';
end);
// TThread.Queue is preferred for non-critical updates
// Synchronize for cases where you need the result before continuingPackages & Components
Package project basics
Packages (.bpl) are DLLs with Delphi metadata — share code between apps. 'requires' lists dependencies. 'contains' lists units in this package. Design-time packages install components into the IDE; runtime packages ship with the app. Split design/runtime to keep IDE bloat down.
// MyPackage.dpk
package MyPackage;
{$R *.res}
{$ALIGN 8}
{$ASSERTIONS ON}
{$DESIGNONLY MyDesignUnits} // design-time only
{$RUNONLY MyRuntimeUnits} // runtime only
requires
rtl,
vcl,
System.Generics.Collections;
contains
MyUnit1 in 'MyUnit1.pas',
MyUnit2 in 'MyUnit2.pas',
MyComponent in 'MyComponent.pas';
end.
// Build configurations:
// - Build (debug)
// - Release
// - Design-time (installs into IDE)
// - Runtime (deployed with app)Custom component skeleton
Derive from the closest existing class (TCustomLabel gives a label without published properties). Re-publish only the properties you want exposed. Register procedure adds the component to the IDE palette. 'default' sets the initial value (must match the constructor). Place Register in a design-time package.
unit MyLabel;
interface
uses
Vcl.Controls, Vcl.Graphics, Vcl.StdCtrls;
type
TMyLabel = class(TCustomLabel)
private
FHighlightColor: TColor;
procedure SetHighlightColor(Value: TColor);
protected
procedure Paint; override;
public
constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override;
published
property HighlightColor: TColor
read FHighlightColor write SetHighlightColor default clYellow;
property Caption;
property Font;
property OnClick;
end;
procedure Register;
implementation
procedure Register;
begin
RegisterComponents('MyPalette', [TMyLabel]);
end;Component properties and editors
TComponent is the base for non-visual components. Own sub-objects (FItems) — create in constructor, free in destructor. TStrings properties get a built-in string editor. RegisterPropertyEditor customizes the Object Inspector for specific properties. Use TPersistent for nested objects that need streaming.
type
TMyComponent = class(TComponent)
private
FItems: TStringList;
function GetItems: TStrings;
procedure SetItems(Value: TStrings);
public
constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override;
destructor Destroy; override;
published
property Items: TStrings read GetItems write SetItems;
end;
constructor TMyComponent.Create(AOwner: TComponent);
begin
inherited;
FItems := TStringList.Create;
end;
destructor TMyComponent.Destroy;
begin
FItems.Free;
inherited;
end;
// Property editor for rich editing in Object Inspector:
// RegisterPropertyEditor(TypeInfo(TStrings), TMyComponent, 'Items',
// TStringListProperty);Events and method pointers
Event types are procedural types with 'of object' — they hold both an object reference and a method pointer. Always check Assigned() before calling — nil events raise AVs. Do* methods (DoChange, DoClick) are the protected dispatchers that fire events. Subclasses can override Do* to intercept events.
type
TMyEvent = procedure(Sender: TObject; Value: Integer) of object;
TMyComponent = class(TComponent)
private
FOnChange: TMyEvent;
protected
procedure DoChange(Value: Integer);
published
property OnChange: TMyEvent read FOnChange write FOnChange;
end;
procedure TMyComponent.DoChange(Value: Integer);
begin
if Assigned(FOnChange) then
FOnChange(Self, Value);
end;
// 'of object' makes it a method pointer — must be assigned to a method
// (e.g., Form1.Button1Click). Always check Assigned before calling.Streaming and persistence
TPersistent enables streaming and Assign. Published properties are automatically saved to DFM files. Override Assign to support copying between objects. DefineProperties adds non-published data to the stream. WriteComponent/ReadComponent serialize to any TStream. This is how forms persist their state.
type
TMySettings = class(TPersistent)
private
FTimeout: Integer;
FTitle: string;
published
property Timeout: Integer read FTimeout write FTimeout default 30;
property Title: string read FTitle write FTitle;
end;
// TPersistent enables streaming (DFM, RTTI):
// - Inherits from TPersistent (gives Assign)
// - Published properties are streamed
// - Override AssignTo/Assign for custom copy
// Save to DFM automatically:
// - Component owned by a form is streamed
// - Sub-properties (TPersistent) are nested in DFM
// - Use DefineProperties for non-standard data
// Manual streaming:
var
Stream: TFileStream;
begin
Stream := TFileStream.Create('settings.bin', fmCreate);
try
Stream.WriteComponent(MyComponent);
finally
Stream.Free;
end;
end;Related Delphi snippets
Copy-paste ready code for common tasks.
Units and Classes
Define units with interface and implementation sections.
VCL Form Basics
Create a form with event handlers in Delphi VCL.
Properties and Events
Define properties and event handlers in Delphi.
Generics
Type-safe containers with generics in Delphi.
Interfaces and Reference Counting
Define interfaces with automatic reference counting.
Exception Handling
Try/Except/Finally in Delphi.
RTTI (Runtime Type Information)
Inspect types and properties at runtime.
FireDAC Database Access
Query SQL databases with FireDAC.
Was this helpful?