With so many people using computers, there is a need for software to develop custom computer applications without resorting to a lot of detailed coding. Delphi is an object-oriented, Pascal-based, visual programming environment that makes it easy to develop Windows applications for standalone computers and networks. The target audience is a less technical person than the Pascal or C++ programmer. Delphi generates Object Pascal code, which is compiled to machine code. For Windows 95 applications, all you have to do is recompile the code. Delphi and Paradox use the same database engine. Delphi also interfaces with the dBase, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), Btrieve, Integrated Database Application Programming Interface (IADPI),  Oracle,  Sybase, and INFORMIX databases.

Why read this book? It offers examples, hints, and insights into how Delphi works. It is a nice, easy-to-read, practical tutorial, with step-by-step screen illustrations to ease you into your first application. Read it, skip that introductory course, and then start developing applications, using the Delphi documentation if you have questions.

Each chapter starts with an overview and ends with a concise summary plus a few words about the following chapter. I like the style. A disk comes with the book. The only thing missing is a preface or introduction. The first two chapters are “Starting Form Layout” and “Beginning Your Application.” Next is an easy-to-follow introduction to the Object Pascal language. The source code for the entire application is available. The strength of a development tool like this should be measured by how little you have to get involved with the code. On the other hand, the power of the language is available to you. Chapter 4 shows how to add forms and other components. Components are categorized as follows: standard, additional, data access, data controls, dialogues, system, VBX, and samples. Each category has its own tab on the screen. About 1,000 prebuilt objects, such as list boxes and database table views, come with the package.

The next chapter is about Pascal variables and data types. A large portion of the book is about using Object Pascal. Anything you can do visually can be done in Pascal, and any changes in code are reflected in the visual objects. Next is a chapter on drawing and painting. There are two chapters on the use of data fields and accessing data. Next is a chapter on creating main and pop-up menus and using database methods. A chapter covers creating SQL queries and reports. Data input format is checked just before the record is written, not as each field is entered. Table lookup and referential integrity are supported. You can create custom report formats using the ReportSmith. The final chapter is on “Debugging and Error Handling.” This is one of the strengths of Delphi. Finally, the book has a 16-page glossary and a complete index.