Delphi (software)

Delphi (software)
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Name	Delphi
Developer	Embarcadero Technologies
Released	14 February 1995
Programming language	Object Pascal, C++
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Genre	Integrated development environment
License	Proprietary software

Delphi (software). Delphi is a proprietary integrated development environment (IDE) for rapid application development, originally developed by Borland and now owned by Embarcadero Technologies. It utilizes the Object Pascal programming language, an extension of Pascal (programming language), and its associated Component Library to enable visual, component-based software construction. Since its debut in 1995, it has been widely used for creating desktop, mobile, and database applications, particularly within the Microsoft Windows ecosystem.

History

The project, initially codenamed "Delphi," was spearheaded by Anders Hejlsberg at Borland as a successor to Turbo Pascal and its Borland Pascal with Objects compiler. Its first version, released in 1995, introduced a visual design environment and a robust VCL for building Windows 95 applications. Following a series of acquisitions, including by CodeGear, the product line was ultimately purchased by Embarcadero Technologies in 2008. Key milestones include the introduction of support for Linux with Kylix (software), the FireMonkey cross-platform framework, and expansions to target macOS, iOS, and Android.

Features

A core feature is its visual, two-way tools designer, which allows developers to intuitively design forms and link UI components to underlying Object Pascal code. The VCL provides a comprehensive set of reusable visual and non-visual components for building native Windows API applications. For cross-platform development, the FireMonkey framework supports creating applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single codebase. The environment also includes powerful tools for database application development, with native connectivity to systems like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and InterBase.

Editions

Delphi has been offered in various commercial editions, typically categorized by feature set and target platform. Historically, these ranged from a personal edition to professional, enterprise, and architect tiers, with the latter including advanced features for model-driven development and database modeling. The modern subscription model from Embarcadero Technologies often structures access into tiers such as Professional, Enterprise, and Architect, which progressively add capabilities for client–server applications, cloud services, and mobile development for iOS and Android.

Development and deployment

Development occurs within the IDE, where programmers write Object Pascal code, design forms using the Form Designer, and manage projects. The Delphi compiler is renowned for its fast compilation speeds, generating highly optimized native code for the x86 and x86-64 architectures on Windows, and for other platforms via the LLVM compiler infrastructure. Applications can be deployed as standalone executables or with accompanying dynamic-link library files, and the platform supports creating packages for distribution via the Microsoft Store or other digital storefronts.

Use and reception

Delphi found early and sustained success in the corporate and database application sectors, being used to develop internal tools, front and back ends for systems like SAP, and commercial software such as FL Studio and The Palace (software). It has been praised for its developer productivity, performance of generated applications, and the stability of the VCL. However, it has also faced criticism over the years regarding the cost of licenses, perceived complexity in newer cross-platform frameworks like FireMonkey, and competition from environments like Microsoft Visual Studio and the rise of languages such as C Sharp (programming language) and Java (programming language).

Category:Integrated development environments Category:Programming tools Category:Proprietary software