Product Description
This book teaches distance-learning students how to program in Delphi, a major computer language used to design a variety of programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Received in good condition and in two weeks time
I am happy regarding the leading time to receive the book, I obtained it within two weeks' time.

The carton packaging is okay as the book was in good condition on reception.

I will definitely continue to buy books online via amazon.com

Good start
This is a good book to get started with whether you are familiar with programming on not.I worked my way through the book from the beginning but stopped eventually when I realized I was getting a bit board and needed bigger challenges.I also use it as a reference occasionally.

Best Delphi book for beginners!
If you are new to programming, and want to learn Delphi... This is your book.

I found the book interesting, and very well structured. It can take any beginner and make them a programmer in a few weeks.

The problem with most computer books for beginners, is that they are written by programmers that already know how to program. So many minor details that confuse beginners are often left out. Besides, this book is really fun. ... Read more

Product Description
With a new name and a new focus on CORBA, database drivers, andMicrosoft Back Office applications, Inprise/Borland Delphi is enjoyinga resurgence, with a growing user base of more than 300,000 programmers whouse Delphi for rapid development of enterprise computing applications. Notto rest on success, the latest version of Delphi, Version 5, adds Javainteroperability and further expansion and refinement of the3-tierapplication framework introduced in Delphi 4. Delphi in a Nutshell starts with the Delphi object model, coversthe use of the IDE in detail, and shows how to use RTTI (Run Time Type Information)for efficient programming. Later chapters include working with the windowsAPI and concurrent programming tips and techniques. The rest of the bookis the most complete Delphi Pascal language reference available in print,detailing every language element with complete syntax, examplesand methods for use. The book concludes with a look at the compiler,and compiler directives discussed in depth.Amazon.com Review
Aimed at the working Delphi developer, Delphi in a Nutshell is an effective desktop reference to this popular programming tool. Besides listing all core classes and methods, this book also provides a host of expert dos and don'ts for mastering the newest features in Delphi's Object Pascal.

The heart of this book is its reference sections on built-in Delphi language features and other useful information on this development tool. Each entry has a guide to syntax, a description of all parameters and return values, and code samples, plus many entries feature "tricks and tips" with additional information. While this title concentrates on the "core" language (instead of Delphi's extensive support for visual components), there's little doubt that it will be useful if you work with the tool on a daily basis.

The book also delivers an advanced guide to ramping up on the latest and greatest in new language features in Object Pascal. Material on using classes, and the type of information features available in today's Delphi, are particularly effective. There are a lot of smart tips on proper class design techniques, including using properties, constructors, and destructors. (Delphi has its own conventions here, and this book will fill you in if you are coming to Object Pascal from another programming language.) Along the way, the author offers numerous expert nuggets on when to use (and when to avoid) using certain features. Whether you are a novice or a more experienced developer, this tutorial and reference is all you need to be productive with the latest and greatest in object-oriented programming with Delphi. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered: Overview of Delphi Object Pascal, units and libraries, data and string types, exception handling, file I/O, classes and objects, inheritance, constructors and destructors, interfaces, reference counting, Windows messages, memory management strategies, virtual method tables (VMTs), properties, using TypInfo, virtual and dynamic methods, automated methods and COM, Delphi type information and RTTI, concurrent programming with threads, synchronization, thread local storage techniques, Delphi language reference, system constants, operator reference, compiler directives, code samples, and programming tips. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Classic Language Reference book
This is a must have book for any Delphi developer.I use mine continuously.The others are on the bookshelf.But this book needs an update.The book was written in year 2000 and is at version 5, 4 releases behind current.I still give it five stars because it's indispensable.

A desk reference with in-depth information
This is an excellent desk reference book for Delphi, with great in-depth information of Delphi's Object Model, RTTI, ans SysUtil. Nonthless, be warned that it does not tell you how to write Delphi code specifically; therefore it is really not a book for Delphi beginners.

Meanwhile, this book is comparable to the classic "Inside C++ Object Model" by Stanley Lippman, but with more, let alone the English writting of this book is more concise, accurate, and easy to follow.

In a nutshell, 8 years after this book's first print, still every page, every line, and every wordfrom this book is gem for serious Delphi developers.

Highly recommended!

Too Much Work
Material is presented out of order and not readable to anyone who has not already mastered the subject.

Oldie but Goodie
This book is a fair reference for the intermediate programmer. However, it stops at Delphi 5, so it's use for those using later versions of Delphi will find a lot missing. The book is organized fairly well and it is easy to find answers to questions that are pertinent up through Delphi 5. It does have some tutorial content, but that is limited and for those seeking programming with Delphi education would be better off with other books. This book is best used as a supplement to an instructional book, like the Cantu books.

Keep this on my bookshelf
Ray has written an excellent desktop reference for Delphi. I really liked the explanation of the SysUtils unit. I found that there were functions in there that I had written myself, if I had only known I would have saved myself some time. The Language reference with the Tips and Tricks is excellent, helps make more sense of the sometimes archaic online help. My only complaint is that this is the ONLY Delphi book published by O'Reilly, I would love to see a Learning, Programming, or Mastering book! ... Read more

Product Description

If you thought programming was nothing more than bits-and-bytesdrudgery, you haven't tried Borland's Delphi development packagefor creating Windows and Windows 95 applications. Now with supportfor 32-bit programs in the latest release of Delphi, Delphi 2.0,creating even the most complex applications has never been easier.Delphi Programming For Dummies, 2nd Edition, shows youhow. In plain English, author and programming whiz Neil Rubenkingshows you how to...Create and run Delphi programs effectivelyWrite 32-bit programs with no more effort than it takes towrite 16-bit programsTake advantage of powerful components tailored for Windows95Design complex applications for Windows or Windows 95 usingDelphi's intuitive, visual interfaceGain insight into programming technique by studying Delphi-generatedcodePut all of Delphi's components to work for you

Delphi Programming For Dummies, 2nd Edition, also featuresNeil Rubenking's own top ten lists for Delphi, including...Ten of the most common Delphi mistakes and how to avoid themTen handy built-in Delphi functionsTen Windows API (Application Programming Interface) functionsto use with Delphi

Plus, a free Delphi programming cheat sheet is yours for the detaching-- keep it close by for quick reminders and tips whenever youuse Delphi. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Delphi Programing For Dummies
For a beginner in Delphi this book is great! It shows some great examples that can actually be used in real world. Most are not covered by other publications.I have been programming in Delphi for 3 Years and I still go back and take a look at it from time to time.

An excellent book to start working with Delphi
Delphi Programming for Dummies is excellent. The book is structured veryclearly. The reader is introduced to Delphi very carefully and smoothly.When no technical words are necessary, none are used. The language used isvery natural and sometimes even funny. This makes this book actuallypleasant to read. The great thing is that this book (as promised by thetitle) does explain a lot about the programming part of Delphi, and notjust about the components (which are also described). A great way to startworking with Delphi. ... Read more

Product Description
Documents the creation of 32-bit console applications for Windows 95 and NT. Includes a suite of powerful Delphi components that encapsulates the most important Internet protocols including finger, FTP, and email. Includes the most complete, detailed system-level drag-and-drop coverage in the business, including both Delphi-based drag-and-drop and Windows drag-and-drop. Covers all the details of enabling creation of Windows DLLs right in Delphi. Explains the undocumented mechanisms for passing dynamic data to the routines in the obscure Math unit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Total waste of time and money
Most code samples don't even compile. A third of the book is wasted on some fictional account of an idiotic detective (what does that have to do with Delphi programming??). The technical info is scarce, and there isn't any depth whatsoever. Not worth the effort of opening the package.

No satisfaction with code or publisher!
Much of the code was ommitted on the CD. The code that is there does not work. There are no updates on the publisher's site as specified in the book. One of the authors who replied to my emails was sympathetic, but was also dissatisfied with the publisher. The chapter on hierarchical databases was the worst offender - and the main reason I bought the book.So much promise, so little gain.However, it was written well and I like the explanations.Raymond Kennington ... Read more

Product Description
A programmer's guide to creating and using VCLs, Delphi's version of custom controls. VCLs (Visual Component Library objects) can literally be "drawn" onto an application as it is built--automatically producing and inserting code as they are placed. This book covers the use of VCLs as well as building several VCLs from scratch. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chap 3 is usefull
TComm: a very usefull component, but errors are invoked within WindowsXP.. ... Read more

Product Description
With the richly featured Delphi programming language you can create customized applications that are as easy-to-use as they are powerful. Now, so you can avoid reinventing the wheel -- or just get a big boost up the learning curve -- there's Delphi Programming Problem Solver, a thorough and authoritative resource for anyone using Delphi to build database features and functionality. In Delphi Programming Problem Solver, respected author, columnist, and programming expert Neil Rubenking shares the benefit of his extensive experience on the whole range of Delphi development areas, including...

Writing and using Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) containing Delphi forms.Executing and controlling other programs.Accepting files dragged-and-dropped from File Manager or Explorer.Adding an always-on-top command to the system menu.Affixing the Windows 95 help button to forms.Using the power of the new Rich Edit component.Creating owner-draw and bitmap menu items.Using forms as components of other forms.Building metafiles and enhanced metafiles.And internationalizing programs using resource-storage DLLs.Plus, on Delphi Programming Problem Solver's accompanying bonus disk, you get valuable, ready-to-use programs written by the author and performance-tested on many major platforms:

Delphi 1.0/Windows for Workgroups 3.11Delphi 1.0/Windows 95Delphi 2.0/Windows 95Delphi 2.0/Windows NT 3.51 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A gem: full of useful and practical techniques
Neil Rubenking's (the author of the immensely popular Delphi Programming For Dummies) book is a treasure trove of helpful techniques that will benefit every Delphi programmer. For example, he has the best "force a single instance of a running program" code example I've seen. The only complaint I have is that the index isn't as good as it could be.Not for beginning Delphi programmers, but even those with moderate Delphi experience will benefit from the eclectic mix of topics covered in this book.

Each Delphi programmer here now has his own copy.
A full range of techniques and tricks about Delphi and Windows integration. Each technique is presented using a very well focused program, i.e. the minimal piece of clean and elegant Delphi code demonstrating the solution. Even better, the problems and solutions (about 200 of them) presented in this book are really useful! On the first day we got the book, we found ready made solutions to problems we had discovered but hadn't solved before (or hadn't found time to investigate before). This is one of the rare books we don't share: each Delphi programmer here now has his own copy.

it sounds that it include so many tricks.
It lack of the real world database application. The most cases I encounter is to manipulate the datas that a company makes.I need to analysis it for the manager to view. Maybe you can add it to the book in your next edition. best regards Alfred Yang from Taiwan

A must-have for every Delphi programmer
Not for the beginner, this book really delivers on the promise of its title. An hour after opening it, I was doing things I'd wanted to do for a long time.Rubenking starts by showing you how to take control of a form's basic appearance -- yes, you can remove the caption and keep the border! He goes onto help you make Delphi's various components behave the way you'd like, and includes information on accessing helpful Windows API functions. Some ofthe other topics are date math, DLLs, the application object, data-aware controls -- and lots more. Sophisticated topics are explained in comprehensiblelanguage. Both the 16- and 32-bit versions are covered. This book can help you reach the next level of Delphi programming in a short time ... Read more

Product Description
--This update of our award-winning book is a must for every Delphi programmer.--Includes all updated applications, plus an in-depth discussion of COM, Corba, and ActiveX.--Excellent for all levels of Delphi knowledge; beginner to experienced programmer. Learn to stretch Delphi to the limit!Amazon.com Review
Whether you class yourself as just a beginner or have long been a lover of Borland's much-acclaimed object-oriented development tool, Mastering Delphi 6 has plenty to offer you. Written by world-renowned Delphi expert Marco Cantù, this edition, marking the release of Delphi 6, continues the tradition of excellence, balancing attention to detail with the author's unfussy, very readable style, which makes this a book that's accessible to all. While you will need an understanding of the basics of Pascal, even that is catered to by the inclusion of an easy-to-understand Pascal tutorial as one of the four bonus "chapters" on the accompanying CD-ROM. The CD-ROM also includes example source code and the full searchable text of the book in Acrobat format.

Much of the introductory material included in previous editions has been removed in favor of plenty of exposure to the enhancements available in Delphi 6. Among others, these include CLX, the new cross-platform component library, dbExpress, the new database engine, and Delphi's extensive support for e-business and Web development. There is also improved coverage of some of Delphi's longer-standing features.

Designed in a tutorial format, this book bristles with practical programming. In all, there are around 300 examples, each one supported by Cantù's clear explanation of the key skills in view. From the foundations of Delphi's object-oriented class library through to a whole section devoted to building Web applications, no information is left unexplored. If you are looking to lever your skills and harness the power of Delphi 6 for your applications, look no further than this excellent resource. --Peter Lunn, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

VERY nice book
I bought it for a project I was working on and I must say I'm impress. It has examples for every single scenario and give you the small and big picture of Delphi development.

I highly recommended.

"Time marches on..."
I have had other books by Marco Cantu, including "Mastering Delphi 4".His style of writing is gentle, albeit at times a bit repetitive.He certainly has an over all grasp of Delphi and the "ancient history" of Borland leading up to it and demonstrates a close relationship with the company.His coverage of the "Visual Pascal" portion of the Delphi suite is helpful and fairly complete.Overall I rate this book ****.

The missing * is based on inadequate (in my opinion) coverage of graphics and printing.However, this might be more the result of Borland's inadequate facilities for these two important (to me, at least) areas of development.It seems that development environments have moved away from non-Web based software, and this trend is reflected in books of this calibre.

I did have a problem with the CD that is included with the book.On the CD is an Ebook version of the text.Unfortunately the Ebook wouldn't work on my computer.It turns out that Adobe made some changes to version 8 of Acrobat Reader which causes the Ebook to fail.The only "solution" Sybex offered was to install Acrobat Reader 4.0 from the CD after removing version 8 from the computer.They also told me that version 8 could then be reinstalled.They obviously did not try this, since it doesn't work.A side effect of simply leaving version 4.0 on the computer is that my e-mail client (Mozilla) no longer knows how to handle .PDF attachments.They (Sybex) have a lot of excuses of the form "The book was published in 2001..."

First Impression of Cantu's Delphi 6
I bought this book to learn Delphi.I have no prior experience in it.I am not even 4 pages into the book, and the author is already telling me that he is not going into any details on the basics of Delphi, but instead, is going to focus on enhancements concerning Version 6.He already assumes I am familiar with the Delphi IDE, and if I am not, I can go to his website and get the information I need.I went to his website, and it is more confusing than the book (needless to say, I cant find his "step by step instructions on Delphi IDE).I think this guy needs to jump off of "cloud 9", and step back down into the real world.I want to learn Delphi, not write a thesis on it, or go off on some intellectual space fantasy into the cosmos.I just want to learn Delphi!This book has over 1000 pages, and already assumes you know Delphi!

Cantu is overrated
I've read Mastering Delphi 3 and 6 and while Marco Cantu does a good job of exposing Delphi to beginners, his style is VERY lacking when it comes to advanced techniques.I also feel he is somewhat condescending in his explanation of technical matters and assumes that his reader is a near-complete neophyte (well that could also explain the popularity of his books).Still, the website complementing his books does show an effort to make it useful and attractive to his audience.

Fairly experienced programmer will find that his writing style in the Mastering Delphi series hobbles learning as in the effort to sound more 'friendly' by not adopting deeper technical terms he takes two paragraphs to explain something which a couple of sentences should suffice to.

So far so good
Just got this book the other day.Not too much of beginners book if you don't know Pascal.Worthwhile though for Delphi though.I'll learn the Pascal as I go along.There are other books for Pascal as well as the authors own website.Great book so far. ... Read more

Product Description
Another title in the successful Wordware Tomes series targeted for advanced Delphi programmers and developers that provides state-of-the-art coverage of Delphi as a database development tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A great project that wasn't finished
I have spent a lot of time studying this book.The early chapters are the best. The book needs work. It has a lot of valuable information, especially for a programming student who does not have much database experience. Unfortunately, it has a few glaring errors and omissions. The book has graphics that are labeled wrong. It refers to files on the accompanying CD that do not exist. I couldn't find an errata page on the Internet for the book.If the book were taken through a very serious editing process and re-published as a second edition, I might buy the new version.
However, the quality of the writing, the overall poor quality of the binding, and the annoyances of being mis-directed make this book a poor comparison to "Delphi 4 Unleashed" and the Tomes of Delphi "Algorithms and Data Structures." Buy this book, only if you gave up trying to read database chapters in the Delphi 4 Unleashed. Also, be prepared to make a few mental jumps when you try to follow the projects.

Text Is Slow, Sparse, Introductory; Save Your Money
If you do not know database, or you need a very slow introduction to both databases and how to use them in Delphi, this may be the book for you.The book touts itself as Advanced on its back cover level rating.I don't know what marketing manager came up with Advanced, but this book is not even Intermediate -- it is Introductory.Do you know relational databse design?Well, the table of contents divides this book into three parts, and Part One is relational database design.If you already know the basics, this is just a rehash of everything you already know.None of the examples in parts two and three could be called Advanced -- they are Introductory.This is a book for beginners.The only thing that might be a redeeming quality of this book is that the Appendix has an exhaustive list of BDE API calls, but if you don't need this text (sans examples, etc.), this book won't do you any good.I was very disappointed.CONCLUSION: LOOK ELSEWHERE.

I found it useful
This book is probably not for the advanced Delphi programmer as it states, but I found it useful.

I come from an engineering background.Most of my prior programs are number crunching Fortran programs.I've switched toDelphi to do Windows programming.I had no database background.

Thisbook got me started with database theory, and database practice withDelphi.I must admit if I was a Delphi database expert and bought thisbook I would probably be dissapointed.But it fit my needs with gooddiscussion and examples for my level of database experience.

This book is great
Contrary to the opinions of most of the other people who have written reviews on this book, I thought it was great.I have been developing applications in C++Builder for about a year or so (and in Delphi for a fewyears before that), but never had to do anything too complicated withdatabases.I especially found Part II of the book extremely valueable andeasy to understand.

Even though this is a Delphi book it was invaluableto me in completing a C++Builder database application that I was requiredto write.

In my opinion, if you aren't advanced enough to know how to dodatabase programming in Delphi (or C++Builder), but would like to be, thisbook is for you.If you are already an accomplished database programmer,then you probably wouldn't look for a book like this in the first place.

Beginners Only
I got this because it was listed as for Advanced programmers.But it does little more the walk through some very simple examples of the basicdatabase issues of Delphi.If you are a beginner and need some handholding to get you started on topics you already have a detailedexplanation on.Then this book might help.But don't expect to learn muchfrom it by itself.I would get a copy cheap from someone experienced thatgot suckered in to buying it. ... Read more

Product Description
Written for Delphi developers and programmers who need to incorporate automation elements and other COM objects into their applications, this book teaches how to use the often-overlooked programming tools of Delphi to create powerful commercial products. It begins by discussing the Delphi integrated development environment, the user interface, and the principles of object-oriented programming. It then moves on to more complex topics such as VCL Delphi libraries, creating components, and creating simple COM objects, servers, and automation dispatchers. There is also information on how to use ActiveX controls in applications and how to create an ActiveX control from VCL Delphi components and forms.

Key Features
* Teaches developers how to create commercial quality applications with Delphi
* Compatible with Delphi 6
* Provides detailed coverage of VCL Delphi libraries, using ActiveX controls and COM objects
* Covers the Delphi integrated development environment, from the user interface to more sophisticated object-oriented programming principles
* Includes a thorough discussion of basic types and architecture of components, followed by methods to create your own Delphi components
* Contains a comprehensive list of WIN32 API error messages with value numbers and complete descriptions of the problem
* Provides schematics and source code for numerous projects discussed in the book ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Delphi Programming with COM and ActiveX
This book is a waste of paper. It just recycles
standard Borland information and does NOT cover
COM or Active X in a serious way.

If you are serious about COM, DON't BOTHER WITH THIS BOOK
***A V O I D ***T H I S *** B O O K !!!
In short, if you are serious about COM and ActiveX, or if you want to know in-depth detail info on COM or ActiveX in the context of Delphi, this book IS USELESS.The coverages on COM and ActiveX are, in my opinion, VERY VERY BASIC, NOT EVEN CLOSE.

There are total of 14 chapters, and the first 8 chapters, roughly 190 page, have little or nothing to do with COM and ActiveX.The author wasted 8 chapters in topics like Using Object Pascal and VCL to Develop Windows Applications, Exceptions and Interfaces in Delphi, Threading in Windows Applications, Working with Packages and components, Win32 API, Basic VCL Elements, Intoduction to Component Building, and Building Components.MOST OF THESE INFORMATION YOU CAN FIND IN THE DELPHI ON-LINE HELP.

Then, in the next 6 chapters, a total of 85 pages, the author went into COM Basics, Creating a Simple COM Object, Automation Servers, Using ActiveX Controls in Delphi, Creating ActiveX Controls, and Creating MTS Components.Don't be fooled by the titles of these chapters, you can find better information some where else, such as the Borland Delphi On-Line Help or other Delphi COM programming books.

....Though, a little bit out-dated, the Delphi COM Programming is, in my opinion, the best coverage on COM subject in the context of Delphi.

***A V O I D ***T H I S *** B O O K !!!

Good, clear coverage - but in 2002?
I had to double-check the date on this book, and it is indeed a 2002 title (it even has a translation copyright of 2003).

Yet, in this age with developer tools vendors scrambling over themselves to provide Web Services, cross-platform portability and other "next generation" features, it seems unusual to come across a new title about the humble old COM and ActiveX interfaces.

I can't help but feel even if the book is new, the manuscript is old: the book purports to be "Delphi 6 compatible", which essentially means all the code samples and screen shots are from Delphi 5, but because COM is a stable technology, the text applies equally well to Delphi 6. Nevertheless, Borland's Delphi is actually now in its 7th incarnation anyway, although the point does still stand - with Microsoft making no further changes to the COM and ActiveX standards, modern day Delphi programmers should find no coding discrepancies between what they read in the book and how their Delphi operates.

All this aside, I must be fair - the book is clearly written, and COM is indeed an important technology. For those working with non-Microsoft tools, such as Delphi, it is certainly a major factor in making use of the vast array of pre-packaged components available on the Internet. Microsoft's MSDN Web site does contain a large amount of programming detail on COM and ActiveX but the sample code is predominantly for Visual C++, and hence this title does serve a useful purpose for Delphi programmers, working with the Object Pascal language.

However, at the end of the day I really can't help but feel the release is mis-timed by a couple of years. The bulk of experienced programmers will already have managed to get a handle on COM, and new programmers are likely to be working with Web Services from the onset.

For the niche market of experienced programmers new to Delphi and wanting to get a grip on COM, perhaps, then this book is a definite contender. ... Read more

Product Description

.NET for Delphi Programmers explores .NET from a Delphi programmer's viewpoint, and it is ideal for Delphi programmers moving to .NET. It presents the core concepts of the .NET world in terms you are familiar with. This book will help you with Delphi for .NET as well as C#.

Apress publishes migration books for both VB 6 and C++ programmers moving to .NET. Consider this the Delphi installment of Apress migration books! There is ample coverage of C# as well as Delphi for .NET inside this newest addition.

Customer Reviews (2)

It's realy fantastic
The best way to go from Delphi to Net Framework. Use the Delphi skill to learn Net.

If you are a Delphi programmer wanting to learn .NET, this is the book
As someone who used to use Delphi almost all the time, I hate to admit that in order to stay employable today, I'm having to know and use .NET. If you find yourself in the same situation, and you want a fast-track to .NET 2.0, then this book is at the top of the list.

It's the single most used book in my collection today when it comes to .NET.

At first, I read it cover to cover. It's not hard reading like some books can be, and it made sense to me since I know Delphi.
But with Jon's writing style, it's organized in a way that I reach for it when I need a quick reference as well.

It comes with special tidbits about the inner workings of the CLR, which I always find fascinating.

I keep it at the front of my bookshelf. I've had other programmers that C++ guys come by and ask to use it. So you don't need to know Delphi to make good use of it. Borland C++ Builder users will find it an easy read as well since Builder is built on Delphi.

Five thumbs up for this one. Well done Jon!
... Read more

Product Description
Still the Best Delphi Resource--Now Fully Updated and Expanded
Whether you're new to Delphi or just making the move from an earlier version, Mastering Delphi 7 is the one resource you can't do without. Practical, tutorial-based coverage helps you master essential techniques in database, client-server, and Internet programming. And the insights of renowned authority Marco Cantù give you the necessary knowledge to take advantage of what's new to Delphi 7--particularly its support for .NET. Coverage includes:
* Creating visual web applications with IntraWeb
* Writing sockets-based applications with Indy
* Creating data-aware controls and custom dataset components
* Creating database applications using ClientDataSet and dbExpress
* Building client-server applications using InterBase
* Interfacing with Microsoft's ADO
* Programming for a multi-tiered application architecture
* Taking advantage of Delphi's support for COM, OLE Automation, and COM+
* Taking advantage of Delphi's XML and SOAP support
* Implementing Internet protocols in your Delphi app
* Creating UML class diagrams using ModelMaker
* Visually preparing reports using RAVE
* Using the Delphi language to create your first .NET programs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great opportunity for mastering delphi!
I bought this book for getting one step further in delphi. But it took me ten steps further. Adviced to who need to real mastering in delphi.

Excellent Delphi book
This is an excellent Delphi learning & reference manual. I am finding it to be a great asset to my programming books.

Very good for reference - light on some details
Mr. Cantu has taken on an immense task condensing most of what you need to know about Delphi into a single volume.While he did a tremendous job of giving you a foundation of most aspects of Delphi, inevitably there are some areas in which you are left wanting.

I purchased this book for use at work, and for the most part - even if I have not found the exact answers to my questions - I have been able to determine the right "questions to ask" when it comes to formulating my Google queries to track down the answer I need.When it comes to Database Programming, I didn't find everything I needed in regards to ADO and had to get another book "Delphi Developers Guide to Programming with ADO" in order to make up for the sadly - very short section that Mr. Cantu devoted to the topic in this book.

Overall - this is an excellent companion for anyone who develops in Delphi.I must however offer one caveat - you will not find all of your answers here without the aid of Delphi developer websites, forums, Google, and other third party resources.I recommend this as a purchase if you understand that it is just a good reference.If you have a specialized need - I suggest trying to find your answers via the Delphi section on About.com or via DelphiBasics (download version).

Great
yesterday I received the book by international shipping. As I have read the first 14 pages I am really satisfied with the cost that I pay. Thanks to God (to create such a man), thanks to marco and thanks to amazon of course.

Good guide...
In order to understand some issues related with delphi 7, the book is very helpful. But is not a step by step book. In that case I advice to look for something more especific.
This book is reality very good, an excellent work of the writer, you should buy it as a bible. ... Read more

Product Description
Charlie Calvert's Delphi 4 Unleashed is an all-new edition written by one of the most well-known developers in the Delphi community. This advanced reference will provide you with the information you need to build high-end Delphi applications and components compatible with ActiveX and Java. Calvert brings the newest technologies and features of Delphi into focus and shows you how to utilize them. Some features include: Building and integrating components with Java, Active X, etc.; Internet and Intranet applications and enabling; Delphi's Multi-tier Distributed Applications Services Suite (MIDAS) and how it works with Delphi; Client/server architecture and enterprise wide development

• Understand COM and create your own COM automation servers and clients
• Use CORBA to share objects between Delphi, C++Builder, and JBuilder
• Build Microsoft Transaction Server clients and servers

Customer Reviews (23)

Good book for every Delphi developer!
Having read several good (and some not so good) books on Delphi, I would have to say that this book has some of the best content that I have seen.It is not for the Delphi developer just starting out.It does provide good insight into several of the more difficult aspects of Delphi and Windows programming.Several of the sections (including Calvert's discussion of COM) proved to be very valuable.His writing style is very straight-forward and he gives many examples in the book to help reinforce the topics discussed.

Good book for every Delphi developer!
Having read several good (and some not so good) books on Delphi, I would have to say that this book has some of the best content that I have seen.It is not for the Delphi developer just starting out.It does provide good insight into several of the more difficult aspects of Delphi and Windows programming.Several of the sections (including Calvert's discussion of COM) proved to be very valuable.His writing style is very straight-forward and he gives many examples in the book to help reinforce the topics discussed.

Excellent Intermediate to Advanced Book
If you have completed using the excellent book Delphi Bible by Tom Swan, than this title should definitively be your next book that you will need to work with.

Charlie's style of writing is nothing short of brilliant. The writing style is very lucid and the complete book is highly structured and flows very smoothly. Having said that, you do not necessarily have to follow the book religiously from one chapter to another. Unlike tutorial books, where the current chapter builds upon the previous chapter, Charlie's book takes a diametrically opposite way of teaching you Delphi. A complete subject is treated in every chapter, which makes it considerably more useful for an intermediate to advanced developer.

Some very important chapters are provided on the CD which does require you to take the time to print them.

In summary - take my words, get the book, work with it and I can assure you that you will end up being if not an excellent Delphi programmer at least a well informed developer of Delphi's Advanced features.

This book is quite good,but I need new version about Delph5
Could you tell me when you will publish the new version of this book: "Delphi5 Unleashed" ?

Lots of Info - Too Much Info
This book gives me a big dilemma! Firstly, I have to say that some parts of the book have got me out of lots of trouble by helping me to understand some difficult concepts that the (so called) delphi help writers hadn't a hope in hell of explaining properly.

On the other hand Charlie does go on a bit. I don't think that at its root Polymorphism is a particularly difficult concept but he leaves you thinking that it must be, because he goes on-and-on about it. The other problem is that he assumes a lot of knowledge. For example there is a buckets of information about COM, ActiveX,OLE and the like, but nowhere does he tell you the relationship between all these things and when/why you would want to use them. This may not be a problem for some readers, but I haven't really managed to get much out of the later chapters as I don't have - and the book doesn't give me - a basic understanding of these Microsoft technologies. Yet Charlie goes on for page after page about the details of how Delphi implements COM, which just got me bogged down and very confused.

Don't think I am being down on this book, I'm not! Just be carefull to make sure it is the book for you. I am quite an experienced programmer, but I have little or no knowledge of Microsoft technologies and as a result found their treatment in this book very heavy going and often next to useless.

IMHO the text could have been a little more terse and they might have got in the chapters that are on CDROM. This practice is simply not acceptable. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive reference to all of the Win 32 API function calls used to display graphics and user interface elements, this book highlights such topics as drawing primitives, color palette management, regions, and paths. The highly innovative InstallShield and DemoShield software are included on the CD-ROM. . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Pretty bloody thin, if you ask me
Is this a tome?I was expecting deep subject coverage.What we haveinstead is a reproduction of the API docs.Does that a tome make?I thinknot.What's missing?Complex examples.Real-world examples (who createswindows with API calls when we have TForm?).Undocumented insights behindthe APIs -- things you can't find in MSDN or the Platform SDK.More thananything, this book highlights the bloody lack of good Delphi books.Thisone is definitely a pass.

Looks alot like MSDN to me
Couldn't help but notice the obvious similarities between this book andthe examples in MSDN and the Platform SDK.If you have either of these, Idon't know why you'd need this book.I bought it thinking I'd get expertadvice and insights.All it really is is a rehash of what's publiclyavailable from MS anyway.

Like the other tomes books, pretentious and uninformative
I don't know many Delphi developers who can't at least read VB code.Obviously, the authors of this book can, because the examples are eerilysimilar to the VB Win32 examples in MSDN.So much so that I rather doubt acompetent Delphi developer who has MSDN would really get much value fromthis book.If you can read VB, you don't need this book.I was expectingunique insights into the way that Delphi implements the API, particularlythe graphics API, but instead got a lame VB-to-Pascal translation.Can'trecommend this book.

Like a fool I bought this one inspite of the reviews here...
Like a fool, I bought this book in spite of the many negative reviews on this page.I was sorely disappointed.As the other reviewers have said,if you can read Visual Basic and you have MSDN, you don't need this book. The examples are beyond useless.The writing is disjoined and poor. Basically, this thing is nothing but a very expensive paper weight.

Not a good value
I didn't think I really got my money's worth on this one.For the pricepaid I expected a lot more than a hackneyed translation of the graphicsAPI.For one thing, all the examples use 8 bit graphics -- something thatwas passe when the book first came out and something that's certainly passenow.For another, there isn't much depth here.Many of the examples areoverly simple.Last, there's too much repetition.Do we really need everygraphics-related record structure repeated multiple times?I would returnthis one, but I've waited too long.Don't be like me -- don't waste yourmoney on this one. ... Read more

Product Description
This book uses a logical and easy-to-follow sequence to teach database programming techniques.

• Starts with the basics of writing a database program and adds more complex components with each lesson
• Workshops, Q&A sections, Do's and Don'ts, and exercises reinforce the information found in each chapter
• Combines the best learning tools with one of the most popular programming languages

Customer Reviews (1)

Good introduction to database programming
If you are new to Delphi *and* database programming, this book will ease you into some simple applications and provide a general overview of Delphi programming.Despite being a tad redundant in it's explantions, the authors manage to get enough useful information into this modestly sized volume. For more advanced Delphi database programmers that have all the standard texts (ie Henderson's, Swan's, Leif's et al) , 'Kick Ass Delphi...' provides some interesting peeks into the professional world of coding... ... Read more

Product Description

Master Microsoft's .NET Framework using Delphi.

This book provides expert knowledge of both Delphi and. NET with the same, practicable and real-world solutions approach used in previous Delphi Developer's Guides. Delphi for .NET Developer's Guide is a new edition of the #1 Delphi book by authors Xavier Pacheco and Steve Teixeira. This newest edition is completely updated for Delphi using the .NET Framework and includes in-depth coverage on Borland's new CLX architecture, DBExpress Applications, SOAP, CORBA, WebSnap and BizSnap features. It continues as a complete reference and authoritative guide to the newest version of Delphi. Additional topics covered include: The .NET Framework; Programs, Units, and Namespaces;.NET Security Custom WinForms Controls; Memory Management and Garbage Collection; COM and COM+ Interoperability; ADO.NET, ASP.NET and Web Services.

Customer Reviews (9)

Good reference
If you're into, or getting into, .NET programming with Delphi, this is a good reference. I am a professional programmer, and Delphi is one of 4 languages I use on a regular basis. I bought this book, and Cantu's book, about two months ago to ease into ASP.NET from 12 years of VCL programming. Both books are very helpful, but my Pacheco book is way more dog-eared than the Cantu book, so that says something right there.

Beautiful!
Beautiful introduction to .NET and Delphi language / environment. Especially enjoyed the
sections on GDIprogramming, assemblies, and cross platform demos. Great job.

Excellent, lots of advanced topics
Though this book aimed primarilly at .NET rather than Delphi it self, but I think its approach is correct, for the readers that already familiar Delphi 5/6/7. I would call this book '.NET for Delphi programmers'.

This book contains advanced topics I didn't feel useful first time. But lately I migrate some old Delphi 5 compoment packages
to VCL.NET, I found there're many useful topics in this book.

In a word, I like this book and it worth the money.

Good .NET instruction, but not very Delphi-centric
I was initially disappointed by this book, though now I am only slightly negative.In the book, the author provides a good overview of how you can use Delphi for .NET and ASP.NET.I did learn a lot about .NET and am better prepared for the migration.

However, this looks and reads like an editted C# book.Except for a few pages (literally one chapter), there is very little about Delphi.The examples are in Delphi, which helps with the understanding, but the author uses the Microsoft .NET libraries and DOES NOT USE EVEN ONE of the Borland specific libraries like VCL.NET, etc. in his examples.

Overall, an educational book, but not what I was looking for.

Essential for Delphi .Net developer
The book covers an excellent range of topics. As both Delphi and .Net are large subjects I think Xavier has managed the content very well.

The book is easy to read and the examples are very easy to follow.

The Delphi 6 Developers Guide on CD is also a nice bonus if you are still developing for Win32 in Delphi 6/7.

What I expect out of this type of book is to reduce my learning curve and allow me to start writing programs, Delphi for .NET Developer's Guide has certainly done that for me.

If you are going to write .NET programs in Delphi than you want this book on your shelf.

... Read more

Product Description
Now in its 10th version, Delphi provides users with four programming languages: C++ and Delphi for Win32 for building Windows applications, and C# and Delphi for .NET for building applications that target the .NET platform. Inside Delphi 2006 demonstrates how to use all of these languages. Topics include the foundations of Delphi, VCL framework programming, and .NET programming.Learn how to: Create applications using Delphi, C++, and C#. Design user interfaces using actions and other VCL components. Create, handle, and raise exceptions. Customize and create components. Use the refactoring commands to restructure your source code. Build lightweight database applications using the TClientDataSet component. Reuse common routines by creating dynamic link libraries. Produce graphic output with GDI and GDI+, and process images. Print documents or store them as PDFs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A very good source for learning Delphi.
This is a very good book for learning Delphi. It is for beginners and advance learners.I use it in addition to: Introducing Delphi programming: theory throug practice by J Barrow et al.

This book Is great!
Short notation: This book is great - and here is why

Its starts with the most simple programming without windows - it "aclimitize" your eyes to delphi code. Like me who havn't programmed for a while I love the way we clean out everything uninportant. You don't get a bucket full of paint over you at the first page, we go with easy steps to all the details. What a variable is and how it can be declared. All the container types there can be... Then we advance slowley and I simpley love the book. I borrowed it from a friend and fell in love with the way it was done! -- Now you just not stop with delphi - the book lets your feet get wet in C++ too!!
Also he mention how math formulas can be delcared inside const variables can be declared, and its so neat!

at the end of the book we shure get complicated - and for me who wants to get into the hard stuff - I can ashure that this fellow will have it noted as well used later on..

This book get Many stars !!! We love you !!!

at the same time - this is said - I wish that a math book in the same way could be published - accually I would recomend that to happend!

Inside Delphi 2006 - Good acquisition
The book covers from basic to more complex themes. So it can be very useful to completely new users and to the more experienced ones, as a shelf reference as well. I recommend.

Inside Delphi 2006
I have been a Delphi programmer for a number of years and read many Delphi books and this is by far the most basic.It is also the most difficult to follow.The Mr. Hladni mixes Delphi and C++Builder into one presentation.So if your interest is only Delphi (which seems to be implied by the book title) then take about half of the 727 pages and throw them out.Another difficulty in the manor of his approach is the examples his uses.The examples in the first 10 chapter are console applications - get real DOS.I had the feeling that he pulled parts of old material together and manufactured this book.I have always been critical of the example code that books use for their simplicity.This book goes to the extreme.The best example of this simplicity is chapter 23, Creating Win32 API Applications.All of the examples used in the chapter are basic components of Delphi - forms, buttons, list, etc.Delphi hides this complexity from programmers and there is very little need to create a form using direct API calls, so why doesn't he have examples that are more pertinent? If I were a non-experienced Delphi programmer and I read thischapter and I would come away confused at why I would want to create a Win32 API program.As an experienced programmer I found this chapter a waste of time and skipped through the material in about 2 minutes.

When he did address newer features than Pascal coding from the 1980s he did not point out or almost never that it was new/modified, whatever, the reason for the change much less the significance of the change.Needless to say you will not find a chapter entitled "New Features of Delphi 2006" and sadly that is the reason I bought this book.

If you are new to Delphi then you may find this to be a good primer, but I would suggest that as soon as you complete the book to get another to expand your knowledge of the current product (Mastering Delphi 2005 by Cantu for starters). For experienced programmers this book is a waste of time and money.

Very good
As a long time Delphi programmer from v1 through v7, C++ Builder programmer from v1 through v3, and Kylix programmer from v1 through v3, I found this book to be a very useful "nutshell" type book which provides both Delphi and C++ examples throughout.

As others have noted though, this is not the book you want if you expect more than cursory treatment [...]- I didn't so I wasn't disappointed.

Well written to boot. ... Read more

Product Description
Delphi Graphics and Game Programming Exposed! with DirectX is a comprehensive reference describing high-performance graphics and game programming techniques in the Delphi development environment. Author John Ayres begins with a discussion of basic game programming and graphics concepts, and moves quickly into an introduction of DirectX, which gives Delphi developers a high-performance interface to system-level hardware while maintaining the benefits of the Windows operating system. Palettes, sprite animation, collision detection, and sound and music are also discussed.

In addition the book includes a complete example game illustrating the different techniques discussed throughout, an appendix explaining how to use DirectSetup for installing DirectX, and a glossary of common words and phrases used in the game programming industry.

The CD includes:

• Source code from the book’s projects • full retail version of Delphi 4
• 60-day trial version of Delphi 5 Enterprise
• DirectX header files from Project JEDI
• freeware sound effects, MIDI musical compositions, and the SpriteLib sprite library
... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Code is on publisher website
I recently bought this book and it is, as several reviewers say, out of date (not the author's fault although it would be nice if the publisher came out with an updated version). Several reviewers also, however, comment that the book is worthless because the Delphi 4 version does not come with the key. This is a problem. However, the authorization code is available on the publisher website (www.wordware.com). Of course, Borland has come out with several versions of Delphi since then but Delphi 4 is still a good compiler and a great way to start up with Delphi (especially if you aren't wanting to get into .NET right away).

I'm pleased that I bought this book and am looking forward to experimenting with the code. As author Ayres points out, he's trying to equip us to write shareware games, not become professional game developers for slave-labor game shops.

Don't buy this book!
This book is useless and stupid also for beginners.
Please don't buy it

You have to start somewhere...
I too thought there would be a little 3D in this book, but I can understand why there isn't.3D Game programming is absurdly complex.You need to get the basic concepts and feel of game programming down in 2D (well, it's a good idea anyway).

Many complain about not finding the CD Key... it's on a card that sticks out like a sore thumb in the back of the book.Look a little harder.

This book is not a comprehensive guide to game or direct x programming (or Delphi).However, what it can do is provide you with the means to jump right in and make a game.What I'm talking about is ready-made basic 2D game engine's that can be modified to do just about anything.The book gets you the basics on graphics, sound, sprites, controls (even force feedback), special effects and a bit more.

I was introduced to this book by taking a graphics class in my 4th year of college.We barely used the book (because we only touched a little direct x at the end), but I spent the end of that winter break and much of the following months making a Tetris style puzzle game.If you can get the example programs to compile/run, you should be able to modify them to do your bidding.

Turbo Pascal upgrade
I don't know what it is about this book but I liked it a lot.
The book has a special vibe; it is casual but it leaves no detail out in what it's aimed at.
Unlike other technical books where you would skip sections this book keeps you reading from begin to end.
Sure it's not sophisticated, no 3D for instance.
But it's great for example for people who're coming from Turbo Pascal like me and want to explore Delphi and games(using DirectX). So it is a good primer presented clear and understandable. And no no not beneath beginners.
And great 2D games can be made with this book as a background.
2D games still have their place in the entertainment world.
I'm not saying that you should necessarily learn how to make 2D games to be able to make 3D games but it's an asset. You people shouldn't ignore the "gamemaking thinking" that comes with 2D game manufacturing. But as the author points out in the book if you really wanna make 'em big, you hafta have artists involved in your project.

ps: if you notice that im from Belgium: I have the same edition and in English.

What I needed.
This book really helped me.Didn't you people read HOW TO INSTALL THE HEADERS?!All the samples work for me and I'm right now writing my first game as I go along.When the back cover says "intermediate to advanced" it means intermediate programmers
NOT intermediate GAME programmers. I do wish it covered 2D in Direct3D though, because in DirectX 8.0 and up you MUST do things this way but nothing off as at print time DirectX 6-7 were current and many people still use 7. ... Read more

Product Description
Delphi Component Design tells the inside story of how andwhy Delphi was built, and how to make use of this information to buildbetter Delphi components and applications. Whether you're a Delphiapplication writer yearning to expand into component writing, oryou're an experienced Delphi component writer in pursuit of thesmaller, faster, better Holy Grail, Delphi Component Design will helpyou sort out what Delphi Visual Component Library (VCL) services cando for you (and how they do it); what your components can do for VCL;what standard behaviors your component classes must implement; and howto take advantage of little-known VCL classes and services todramatically improve your component's ease-of-use, code reuse,flexibility, and performance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Excellent Delphi resource
Extending the hand dealt to you by the development package is where the quality programmers are separated from the mere developers; often the difference between an adequate product and a great one. If you are a developer using Delphi and want to advance to a higher level of production, this book contains the necessary boost. Anyone moving into Delphi component creation will find it essential. From properly choosing components from the Delphi Visual Component Library (VCL) to building your own components and interfacing with OLE and COM, most of the major topics are covered in detail, with sections of example code to really drive the message home.
The book starts off with a brief explanation of the models used in Delphi, basic concepts of a component, and the analysis and design of new components. This is followed up by an examination of Implementation Details, the fundamentals of polymorphism, virtual methods, exceptions, RunTime Type Information (RTTI), streaming, messaging, OLE and COM interfaces, and optimization techniques. "Design Time Support Tools," opens with an overview of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and emphasizes the interface issues. Danny Thorpe wraps it all up with chapters on property and component editors, and experts and add-in tools.
This book contains many insightful points. The chapter on virtual methods and polymorphism contains the best explanation of the implementation details of virtual methods that I have ever seen. This chapter could serve as a reference in any study of object-oriented programming. I've incorporated many of these points into my own training course. As one whose main approach to OOP has been via C++, I found this material invaluable when teaching a course in advanced Delphi recently. The clear descriptions of the underlying implementation distinctions between virtual and dynamic methods may save you in the area of performance. Knowing and understanding why virtual methods will defeat the smart linking of the Delphi compiler/linker can reduce the size of your EXE.
When I am presenting exceptions and exception handling to experienced programmers, they always ask the following question: "What is the real difference between this and how we have traditionally handled errors?" In only a few pages, the author answers this question and puts forward two lists, "Rules of Thumb for Implementing Exception Handlers" and "Rules of Thumb for Raising Exceptions"; solid advice for both developers and educators who develop developers.
Optimizing code when there is "abundant" stack space (surely a hint of heaven!), multiple threads and different system-defined string types differ from traditional tricks. These topics are all covered in the chapter on optimization. Just because this space is available is no reason to misuse it. Knowing that the stack will never shrink over the lifetime of the thread should force you to rethink overuse. Understanding that long strings are allocated on the heap rather than the stack should cause an occasional re-examination of approach. It is also gratifying to see that there is also a short section on sledgehammer techniques, or put another way, "genuinely useful hacks."
There is also an occasional sweet sprinkle of humor. From polymetamorphicdata (care to guess what that is?) to TypInfo ("tip info") and GUID ("gwid") the jokes are appropriate and blend well into the message. However, they are grains of seasoning rather than the bulk of the flavor.
Delphi is a development environment that provides the opportunity to do many things quickly and efficiently. Add in a copy of this book and you are ready to harness the true power of Delphi by creating your own components and pushing things to the leading edge of software creation. Some sections can be read and appreciated just for their insights into object-oriented programming and design.

Published in Journal of Object-Oriented Programming, reprinted with permission.

A standard-setter that few have followed
This is purely a Delphi programmer's guide, but it unquestioningly well written, informative, and well-rounded:Anyone seeking to learn how Delphi's VCL component libraries work, how to development components of their own, or how to extend Delphi VCL components already available from Borland or third parties, should read this book.There is simply nothing else that comes close.

Mr. Thorpe's writing style is clear, concise, and does a great job of exploring the topic at hand.Any competent Delphi programmer will be well capable of undertaking VCL development on their own if they have this book at their side.One point to note about this book is what used copies go-for on Amazon.com (and elswehere): I typically see prices of between $50 and $100, even though the book was first published about 10 years ago.How many other technology books, particularly for a specific software technology, remain in such high demand after such a long period of time?

"Delphi Component Design" was written for the VCL [Borland's Acronym for "Visual Component Library"] as it was implemented in Delphi 3.0 - back in the mid to late 1990's: the implementation of VCL it describes is still the foundation underlying VCL as implemented in Delphi today, and is close enough to the modern implementation to still be a very useful text.However, since Delphi's product direction is to pursue .NET as opposed to enhancing the older VCL, the book's usefulness is limited to those who are seeking to maintain or enhance existing Delphi VCL-based applications.Even though I no longer work in Delphi, I still find myself called-upon often enough for Delphi support that I'm not going to give up my copy of "Delphi Component Design" quite yet - even despite the used copy prices I see!

Don't even bother trying to buy from A1 Tech Book
This guys are crooks.They advertise a book they DO NOT have, get your money and never reply to your e-mails.

The book is supposed to be great, by the way.

First book on the subject: A good start with good beginings
The book is a breath of fresh air and covers a good basic foundation: attitudes of programmers, basic structures of OOP with objects:- various virtual methods, basic construction of building blocks, streams, other forms of communication and a few peculiar things to watch out on. I personally have no interest in databases were some may have. 32 bit is the way to go as I can now see access to the windows API with the assistance of the book and Delphi Pro.
Danny points out its not necessary to understand every base object behind the object you are building off from.
This is true if you wish to add a minor adjustment to a component. But this I believe this is a major miss conception if you are building a new and different component. And for this purpose the book dose not begin to address threading, what is happing in TObject, as TObject is not in Delphi Pro to view and is the fundamental object that every object is built from!!!!!!. This is no different than the Pascal 7 days when every one wanted to read the OOP code for them selves at an enormous cost for a copy.
I'm not saying the book should cover the windows API as that's another subject on its own, but how a action is handled through the Objects, or how a windows event is managed though OOP:- draw, mouse button.....
I need a book that should cover enough to be able to install an object into a base object like a speed button into an editor or a listbox connected to a speed button so something like TCombobox or TGraph is understood how each piece interacts and is constructed together as a unit. When the OOPer's get hold of this understanding the tools for Delphi could become available will become limitless to the users. VB definitely has this advantage over Delphi today because we do not understand enough to create something different or new. Give it another go Danny with an extra book, as it is easy to understand what you have written, be cursus to get such a difficult subject right. And you have made a breath of fresh air already into the subject that is very useful to those that have read your first book but some of us need to go further.

The most valueable Delphi resource on the planet
This book is all about what goes behind the curtains. If are a crazy developer like me and interested in knowing how Delphi designers implemented different mechanisms such as WIndows messaging OLE COM thistitle is a must ... Read more

Product Description
Written by three members of the UNISA Department of Information Systems, the book teaches distance-learning students how to program in Delphi, a major computer language used to design a variety of programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The best option for the beginner.
Excellent introduction to Delphi programming! What a pity it came to my hands so late! During my recent graduate studies I had to develop software working under Windows using Pascal and, since I studied computer programming several years ago, it was really painful for me. I just couldn't get it with this new stuff (new for me): event driven programming, developing GUIs, etc. I tried Marco Cantu's book, but I found it was not really written for people with little knowledge, like me. Thank God I could finally solve my problems, but it's was really hard. After all this, I read about "Introducing Delphi Programming: Theory through Practise" in Amazon Web pages, and decided to buy it, just to see what it had. To my surprise, this book had everything I needed and much more! It is a very well organized, progressive, and comprehensive textbook for the beginner in Delphi programming. It includes lots of solved problems that give you that know how a novice programmer like me doesn't have and needs. I sincerely recommend it as a fine book to start with Delphi programming. You can use it in classrooms or by yourself. It surely is the best option for the beginner! I can tell you, because I was one of them.

Good Intro to Delphi, but not great
In general, I recommend this book.It is an easy-to-use introduction to Delpi, Visual IDEs, and event-driven programming.As an experienced programmer (FORTRAN, COBOL, C++), I found the book a little boring, but I definitely learned some Pascal and got a mercifully gentle introduction (which I needed) to Visual IDEs and event-driven programming with Delphi.The book was written as a text for an introductory programming course using Delphi, which brings me to my only concern.The book does not do a good job of preparing students for a more advanced course. Important concepts are explained only by analogy and the analogies are often misleading.This could present a problem for a beginning student who might want to move on to Java or (Visual) C++, which are notoriously unforgiving of ignorance or misunderstanding.If you are an instructor considering this book, be careful to include rigorous explanations of basic concepts in your lectures.Otherwise, the book is quite serviceable and I reiterate my recommendation.

Practical and Effective Teaching of Delphi Programming
For several years, I searched for ways to learn to use Delphi to create language-analysis programs.No courses are offered in Atlanta. All of the "learn to program with Delphi" books that I found on Amazon are horrible in similar ways: (a) They promise to start at the beginning but can't figure out where the beginning is.(b) They make huge leaps between levels.(c) They do not have enough practical activities to help the learn understand and apply features in Delphi. (d) They give exercise/practice activities that require knowledge not presented in the book.

I had given up.Then, over the 2003 Christmas holidays, I decided to check around the Internet one last time for Delphi materials.I stumbled over an online course offered through the University of South Africa that is built around "Introducing Delphi Programming: Theory through Practice."The example materials for the course demonstrated a very practical set of explanations and exercises.So, I ordered the book through Amazon-UK because it was not at that time available in the U.S.

"Introducting Delphi programming: Theory through Practice" turned out to be outstanding: it begins where I needed to begin; it progresses smoothly from task to task; it is built around sets of practical exercises and practice activities;explanations are clear and well organized. It is the best "how to" book of any type that I've ever used.

In addition, there's an online course offered through the University of South Africa.I've signed up and am progressing through the book at the schedule required for the course; the schedule helps to keep me working away at learning Delphi in the midst of a busy life.The course also offers email contact with 2 of the authors of the book (Gelderblom and Miller) for help with the activities.

(...)Pat ... Read more

Product Description
The definitive Delphi problem solver, Borland Delphi How-To helps Delphi programmers, both beginning and advanced, overcome common challenges, solve complex problems, and realize their programming visions. The CD contains all the example how-to solutions, resources, bitmaps, and applications developed in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent learning tool
Once you have been initialized into the world of Delphi, it is time to move on to the realm of developers. When that point is reached, there is no better source of educational exercises than this book. It is split into 123 different problems, each with statement, purpose, list of required GUI objects and properties; source code and complete explanation. Many of the exercises include Windows API calls, which are a must for serious developers. It is sometimes easy to forget that our programming efforts are a collaborative one with Windows. And there are times when it is best to skip the translation and go directly to the source.
Split into twelve chapters:

1. Forms,
2. Standard Components,
3. Document and Text,
4. Mouse and Menu,
5. Graphics,
6. Multimedia,
7. Environment and System,
8. Peripherals,
9. Database,
10. OLE and DDE,
11. The Polished Application, and
12. Tips and Tricks

All of the fundamentals are covered. I found it to be an excellent source of exercises for a course in Delphi. While they may not be exactly what you want, all are very easy to tweak to your tastes.
Although it is not as popular as some other tools, Delphi is an excellent developmental environmental. If you are teaching a course or just want to learn it on your own, this is a superb resource

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

A gem of a book. Every Delphi developer should have a copy.
Once in a while you'll come across a book that you can't put down. Well, this is it. It doesn't matter if you're using Delphi 1 or Delphi 5, this book has enough tricks and how to's to pay for itself 10x over. It's wellorganized, concise, plenty of code snippets, and lots of working programson the CD-Rom. If you want a fun read andlike magical code, this How Tobook will put a smile on your face and add a shine to your programs!

Don't leave the bookstore without it!
Once in a while you'll stumble across a gem of a book that you can't put down. This is it! If you ever get to a point in your program that you think you need to put some pizzazz in it, this book might be just what you're looking for.

It has something for everyone. It's chaulked full of usefull tidbits that you can add to any application. I'll list a few entries from the table of contents so you know what I mean:
"Size a form's control automatically"
"Add search and replace to my editor"
"Remember the sizes and locations of my forms"
"Make the ENTER key act like the TAB key..."
"Determine system resouces and display them"
"Modify menus at run time"
"Create a readme file viewer"
"Fade one picture into another"
"Play wave and midi files"
"Make a customizable toolbar like Delphi's"

It has 103 of these "How To's" do make your application really shine. Two or three of these features would pay for the book. That's like getting the other 100 for free!

Even though this book is written for Delphi 1, the majority of these tricks will also work for Delphi 2. All of the sample code is on the CD-Rom so you can easily see it working before you install it into your application.

If you want to spruce up your application, I definitely recommend this book. You'll also improve your Delphi techniques by learning how some of these "tricks" are performed. This book is a keeper. Don't leave the bookstore without it! ... Read more