Delphi Programming Language Confusion
There are those who write about and believe that Delphi programming is dead, and others who believe the product (not the resultant applications) is too expensive for freelance Delphi programmers to purchase. Others are puzzled as to where it has vanished. Our Delphi Programmers however, are perplexed as to why the question was ever posed, given that they use it all the time and for good cause.
The ambiguity stems from Delphi's past. Turbo Pascal, Delphi's original moniker, which caused quite a stir when it was first released by Borland in 1983, owing to the simple beauty of its language (Object Pascal), the speed of the compiler, and the simplicity of developing complex native programs with legible source code.
It was a tremendous leap into the future of programming, and it was light years ahead of its contemporaries.
But Borland was targeted by Microsoft, who was legitimately concerned about this trend, and they made Anders Hejlsberg, the brain behind Delphi programming, an offer he couldn't refuse. He joined Microsoft and went on to develop .NET for the company. Following this, Borland handed Delphi to CodeGear, which was eventually acquired by Embarcadero Technologies. Delphi was considered to be finished by some. But Delphi was simply too wonderful to disappear, and it has returned under Embarcadero Technologies.
The last reason Delphi is thought to be dead is because it is no longer in the news because it was created during the desktop programming period, while the focus of modern programming enthusiasm is on online programming and mobile device programming. Delphi programming skills may be utilized in various areas, but its strength has always been in desktop programming, particularly Windows desktop programming. It is clear to programmers that it is the finest language in its class.
Why choose Delphi for Desktop Programming?
You will be in good company
Companies developing commercial goods for Windows PCs value the blistering speed of their products as well as the inexpensive cost of development as compared to the only other major language that can compete with its performance. We're talking about Delphi software like Skype, Dreamweaver, Spybot Search And Destroy, and so on.
Here are other examples of software made with Delphi. And if that isn't enough to make you happy with your decision, here are some more applications built with Delphi. In other words, Delphi is not necessarily for the contract programmer looking for the next fashionable and free language. It is the option of businesses that want to create high-quality, long-lasting software at the lowest possible cost.
Blazing Speed and Access to Device Services
Delphi generates a native application. According to Tech Target, a native app is designed for usage on a certain device and its operating system (OS). It is capable of utilizing device-specific hardware and software.
Native apps have the ability to tap into particular resources, allowing them to easily access numerous services on a device, such as the microphone, accelerometer, or push notifications. Delphi's only major performance competition is C or C++, both of which compile into native applications.
The Cost of Development is Low
C/C++, Delphi's only competition for creating high-performance software, is a difficult and costly technology to use due to the care that must be taken to avoid errors and the language's complexity. Delphi was purposefully created in 1983 as a better C. The fact that it is still standing is proof of its success.
Delphi is a set of tools, including a programming language (Object Pascal), an editor, and a compiler, that are meant to operate together to allow for the quick creation of an application. This is known as an IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, in the programming world. Delphi is more productive than C/C++ for any coder since the one-pass compiler is significantly faster and the language is designed to catch errors.
No Installation Necessary
There is no need for installation. The compiled exe file that our Delphi programmers give to our customers can be transferred straight onto their computer and utilized right away. It doesn't get any easier to use than that.
Is Delphi Here to Stay?
Certainly. The fact that it has been around for 39 years and produces code that outperforms or equals any other should be a persuasive explanation. Nobody has ever defeated it!
Is Delphi Still Popular?
Tiobe measures language popularity and Delphi is ranked #20, significantly ahead of other programming languages. The Tiobe Rankings are given below. As you scan the table keep in mind that these ratings sometimes fluctuate wildly. Tiobe ranked Delphi 30th in July 2020. In July 2021, it was ranked #20!
| Feb 2023 | Feb 2022 | Change | Programming Language | Ratings | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
|
Python | 15.49% | +0.16% | |
| 2 | 2 |
|
C | 15.39% | +1.31% | |
| 3 | 4 |  |
|
C++ | 13.94% | +5.93% |
| 4 | 3 |
|
|
Java | 13.21% | +1.07% |
| 5 | 5 |
|
C# | 6.38% | +1.01% | |
| 6 | 6 |  |
Visual Basic | 4.14% | -1.09% | |
| 7 | 7 |
|
JavaScript | 2.52% | -0.70% | |
| 8 | 10 | |
|
SQL | 2.12% | +0.58% |
| 9 | 9 |
|
Assembly language | 1.38% | -0.21% | |
| 10 | 8 | |
|
PHP | 1.29% | -0.49% |
| 11 | 11 |  |
Go | 1.11% | -0.12% | |
| 12 | 13 | |
|
R | 1.08% | -0.04% |
| 13 | 14 | |
 |
MATLAB | 0.99% | -0.04% |
| 14 | 15 |
|
 |
Delphi/Object Pascal | 0.95% | +0.05% |
| 15 | 12 | |
 |
Swift | 0.93% | -0.25% |
| 16 | 16 |  |
Ruby | 0.83% | -0.06% | |
| 17 | 19 | |
|
Perl | 0.79% | -0.01% |
| 18 | 22 |  |
 |
Scratch | 0.76% | +0.13% |
| 19 | 17 | |
 |
Classic Visual Basic | 0.74% | -0.09% |
| 20 | 24 | |
 |
Rust | 0.70% | +0.16% |
Looking at this table, it's simple to wonder why we should use the other programming languages. However, there are many sorts of programs, and the majority of the other languages are not rivals for Delphi. Let's take a look at the other popular languages and what they're great for.
- Delphi, C/C++, Visual Basic.Net - good for Windows programming.
- Java, PHP, Python - good for web page server-side programming.
- JavaScript - good for web page client-side programming.
- SQL - a “language for manipulating data in a database that uses the “Structured Query Language,” such as Microsoft SQL Server. This may be utilized by Delphi applications as well as those written in other languages. It is not a rival to Delphi Programming or any of the others; rather, it is a tool that is open to anybody who requires a SQL Database.
- Objective-C - good for Mac OS Programming
Don't misunderstand. This is not to say that Java can't be used to develop Windows software or that Delphi can't be used to develop a web application. These are just the most common, if not the only, situations in which the languages are employed and where they compete the most.
The most essential takeaway from this table is that Delphi's major programming opponents are C/C++ and VB.NET. Delphi software has significant advantages over both languages, and Delphi is unquestionably as popular as one could wish in the Windows niche.
Despite the obvious benefits of Delphi Programming and its proven rise in popularity, you will regularly discover developers on the internet who disparage it. Most likely because it is costly. It is not intended for the home-based freelancer. It is meant for serious businesses that can afford to acquire it and use it for tough tasks that gain from its significant benefits. It is sometimes true that you get what you pay for.
Delphi Programming Language Competition
Let's speak about software for a bit to simplify the subject. It comes in a variety of forms. The first is "source code." Languages like Delphi run the source code via a compiler, which generates "binary code" that can be read and executed directly by the sort of machine that the compiler is targeting. The binary code for the same source code would be different for different types of machines.
Then, an intermediate case of "bytecode" is generated. For example, from Java source code by a Java compiler. Bytecode cannot be directly executed on a computer. In the case of Java, it is executed on the "Java Virtual Machine," which is a piece of software that runs on the machine in question. Java proponents claim that their programs are cross-platform compatible in this manner. A similar technique is used by the .NET Framework languages.
Then there are languages that operate on a browser, which runs on a computer. This method is comparable to the bytecode approach and includes languages such as PHP and Perl.
Cross-Platform Programs vs Delphi Cross-Platform Native Applications
It is frequently assumed that a language or system must be "cross-platform". This of course is not true. Most applications are used on only one platform. A cross-platform application can operate on a variety of devices and operating systems without modification. Java does this through the usage of the JVM. Web applications do this by running in a browser.
Delphi programmers provide a superior solution for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. Source code that is cross-platform is the same source code that can be compiled to native apps on various operating systems and get the performance improvements that come with it. For the minor step of a separate compilation, we avoid the performance penalty for Java-based cross-platform apps.
Cambria's Delphi developers have found that our commercial customers rarely require cross-platform capabilities. However, if it is desired, all that is needed is a new compiler to create a native application on the new platform. A desktop software can be recompiled as a Delphi mobile app and executed on a mobile device.
Delphi vs Java Performance
Java is the one of the most common languages in use today, ranking second on the Tiobe list. This fact has several advantages. Java programmers are plentiful and simple to get by. However, if you google “Perl Programmers” or “Classic Visual Basic Programmers,” for example, #18 and #11 respectively on the Tiobe list, you will find a plethora of options, making it a non-compelling advantage.
Computer languages such as C, Delphi, and a few others generate code that runs directly on computer hardware, achieving optimum efficiency. This is sufficient for most consumers because they often have only one computer, or kind of computer, in mind. But what if you work for a company that employs Macs, Linux computers, and Windows machines, for example?
Java has an answer to the question. Their cross-platform bytecode runs on a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which can be installed on any machine you use. In contrast, for each type of machine, a different Delphi executable would have to be built from the same source code. However, this is not a tough task, and the end result is a higher functioning application.
If you desire performance and are contemplating Java, remember that the program runs on the JVM, not Windows. It will be sluggish by definition. Delphi (and C) have direct access to the operating system.
VB.NET vs Delphi
Because .NET framework programs lack a virtual machine, they cannot be executed on non-Microsoft systems.
However, there is a cross-platform open source project called Mono. So, with Mono, you have the same benefit as with Java. Of course, .NET suffers from the same performance disadvantage.
Delphi vs C/C++ Speed
This well-known language, the only one older than Delphi that is still widely used, compiles to a native program and, as a result, can match Delphi performance. Because the syntax of C is popular in other languages, there are many programmers who feel comfortable working in C.
However, it is not very comfy. It appears that C was designed to provide as many opportunities for a programmer to introduce problems that are subsequently difficult to detect as possible. It is simple to create a mistake that the compiler interprets to imply something the programmer did not intend. As a result, developing in this difficult language is expensive. See for example some common C++ developer mistakes.
C/C++ is most likely the only language for which a prominent publication, now defunct, published a periodic section asking programmers to read a chunk of code and figure out what it means! In a language as simple to understand as Pascal, such a thing would never be done. If you want a software with high performance but don't mind the expense, C or C++ is the way to go. Choose Delphi if you are concerned about development costs.
Delphi Programming at Cambria
Cambria has the experience and the resources to tackle any project in Delphi. We have hundreds of references and a talented staff with competitive prices.
Our Filipino programmers are fluent in English and our American sales and support staff are standing by to quickly and efficiently produce whatever project you have in mind. As one of the world's oldest Delphi Programming firms we have seen it all.
Why Delphi Programmingfor Software Development?
The reason to use Delphi software is for its PERFORMANCE! When you want the quickest possible execution speed for the program you're planning to build, go with Delphi software.
This is because the Delphi source code that your Delphi programmers will produce are compiled into a "native application," which is software designed for a specific platform or device. Delphi software applications have few rivals in performance and can give you an edge in any market.
Outsource Delphi Software Development Services to the Philippines
Cambria is a 38-year-old California company that mostly develops in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. You will receive the same high-quality programming that we have always offered, but at a far lower cost as compared to the United States. The Philippines is the world's second-largest English-speaking country after the United States, and because of its American culture and history, our development team will be as easy to work with as any American company.
Cambria creates native Delphi programs for desktop and RESTful apps, using a diverse set of Delphi components. We can assist you in migrating your older Delphi program to the most recent Delphi version. We can utilize the new FireMonkey UI library to replace the old deprecated components and update the UI. We can also assist you in converting your legacy Delphi program to .NET.
Our Delphi Desktop Programming Examples
Joist
Joist is a Delphi CAD application used to design steel joists. Users can choose between a text-based designer and a visual designer. The visual designer functions similarly to other designer tools, allowing users to pick members and edit attributes. Multiple-selection is also possible.
Cambria rewrote the original software in Borland Delphi 7 from Turbo Pascal 7. The application relies heavily on mathematical computations, and numerical correctness is of the utmost importance. It does not rely on third-party databases for data storage.
Instead, the software makes use of text files and binary files with varying record lengths. Turbo Pascal, Delphi 7, and binary files for data storage were used.
.NET Core
IntegrityDDS is a dental practice information management system. It enables thousands of accounts with numerous users, scheduling, insurance claim administration, and a variety of other features.
The original program was written in Delphi 7 and used a multi-tier database design built on top of the DBISAM database engine. For speed and support reasons, Cambria updated the program to use MS SQL Server. Along with the GUI redesign, optimizations in both code and SQL statements were implemented. As a consequence, the app is significantly quicker, more responsive, and professional-looking.
Technologies used were Delphi 7, DBISAM database, MS SQL Server 2008, ReportBuilder, Indy Components.
.NET 5+
Telescope Deals with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). It is used to forecast future buyback commitments. A user constructs a research and a scenario by entering assumptions and census data. A scenario is any combination of facts, assumptions, and census data.
Scenarios are organized into studies, and all scenarios in a study use the same census data. For each census, a user produces a distinct research. Users may design and save many studies, as well as different scenarios inside each research, using Telescope.
The program was created in Delphi 2007 and makes use of FlashFiler for the database and RAVE for the reporting.
Technologies used were Delphi 7, Delphi 2007, RAVE Reports, FlashFiler database, Indy Components.
Our Delphi Web Programming Examples
Delphi is commonly thought of as a tool for building programs that run on desktop or laptop computers due to its heritage. However, the same benefits that make Delphi an excellent choice for desktop programming apply to Delphi Programming on the Web.
Voltrak
Voltrak is volunteer management software that supports touch screen displays. The touch screen functionality is for logging time in and out.
Cambria developed an online version of a previously developed Win32 desktop program. The existing reports (90+ of them) were utilized to reduce development time (and expense!). They were encapsulated in a DLL, and each report has a single exported function. The method returns the produced PDF file's filename, and the web app then gives a link (URL) to that file.
Technologies used were ASP.Net, Delphi 2007 (upgraded from Delphi 2006), ASP.Net 1.1/2.0, MySql database server, ADO, QuickReport, AJAX.
Yard Duty Scheduler
Yard Duty Scheduler automates yard duty scheduling for instructors. It is another Delphi-based web application. Net is a Scheduler for Yard Duty. It automates yard duty scheduling for instructors. The school administrator just inputs the beginning and end of the school year, teacher details, a list of holidays, and a list of assignments.
The program will then build a timetable for the full year, ensuring that each instructor works an equal amount of days. If required, the produced schedule can still be manually changed.
Technologies used were ASP.Net, Delphi 2007, MS SQL Server, AJAX.