Delphi is a powerful Rapid Application Development (RAD) tool, particularly well-suited for database application development. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for beginners looking to dive into Delphi database programming.
CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals of Database Development (with Delphi)
Delphi shines as a database programming tool. It provides robust data access capabilities. To start, learn how to build a new MS Access database as the foundation for your Delphi applications.
CHAPTER 2: Connecting to a Database: BDE vs. ADO
Understand the different technologies available for connecting to databases within Delphi. Explore the legacy Borland Database Engine (BDE) and the more modern ActiveX Data Objects (ADO). Learn how to connect to an Access database using a UDL file, and explore a minimal ADO example to get started.
CHAPTER 3: Pictures Inside a Database
Learn how to store and display images (BMP, JPEG, etc.) within an Access database using ADO and Delphi. This involves storing image data as BLOBs (Binary Large Objects) and then retrieving and displaying them in your application’s user interface.
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CHAPTER 4: Data Browsing and Navigation
Discover how to build a data browsing form in Delphi, linking data components to your database. Implement navigation through a recordset using a DBNavigator component, allowing users to easily move between records.
CHAPTER 5: Behind Data in Datasets
Explore the concept of data state within datasets. Learn how to iterate through a recordset, bookmark specific records, and read data from a database table using Delphi’s data access components. Understanding data state is crucial for managing changes and ensuring data integrity.
CHAPTER 6: Data Modifications
Master the techniques for adding, inserting, and deleting records from a database table using Delphi. This involves using SQL statements like INSERT, DELETE, and UPDATE within your Delphi code.
CHAPTER 7: Queries with ADO
Take advantage of the TADOQuery component to streamline your ADO-Delphi productivity. Learn how to execute SQL queries to retrieve specific data from your database and display it in your application.
CHAPTER 8: Data Filtering
Use filters to narrow the scope of data presented to the user. Delphi provides various filtering options, allowing you to display only the records that meet specific criteria.
CHAPTER 9: Searching for Data
Explore various methods for data seeking and locating within ADO-based Delphi database applications. Learn how to efficiently search for specific records based on different criteria.
CHAPTER 10: ADO Cursors
Understand how ADO uses cursors as a storage and access mechanism. Choose the best cursor type for your Delphi ADO application to optimize performance and resource usage.
CHAPTER 11: From Paradox to Access with ADO and Delphi
Focus on the TADOCommand component and the SQL DDL (Data Definition Language) to port your BDE/Paradox data to ADO/Access. This chapter guides you through migrating legacy databases to a more modern and supported platform.
CHAPTER 12: Master-Detail Relationships
Learn how to use master-detail database relationships, with ADO and Delphi, to effectively join two database tables and present related information. This is essential for handling complex data structures and relationships.
CHAPTER 13: New Access Database from Delphi
Create an MS Access database without relying on the MS Access application itself. Learn how to create tables, add indexes, join tables, and set up referential integrity using pure Delphi code.
CHAPTER 14: Charting with Databases
Introduce the TDBChart component to integrate basic charts into a Delphi ADO-based application. Generate graphs directly from the data in recordsets without writing extensive code.
CHAPTER 15: Lookup!
Use lookup fields in Delphi for faster, better, and safer data editing. Create new fields for datasets and discuss key lookup properties. Learn how to place a combo box inside a DBGrid for efficient data selection.
CHAPTER 16: Compacting an Access Database with ADO and Delphi
Learn how to use JRO (Jet and Replication Objects) from Delphi to compact an Access database from code. Compacting defragments the database file, reducing disk space usage.
CHAPTER 17: Database Reports with Delphi and ADO
Use QuickReport components to create database reports with Delphi. Produce database output with text, images, charts, and memos quickly and easily.
CHAPTER 18: Data Modules
Use the TDataModule class as a central location for collecting and encapsulating DataSet and DataSource objects, along with their properties, events, and code. This promotes code reusability and maintainability.
CHAPTER 19: Handling Database Errors
Introduce error-handling techniques in Delphi ADO database application development. Discover global exception handling and dataset-specific error events. Learn how to write an error-logging procedure.
CHAPTER 20: From ADO Query to HTML
Export your data to HTML using Delphi and ADO. Learn how to create a static HTML page from an ADO query, representing the first step in publishing your database on the internet.
CHAPTER 21: Using ADO in Delphi 3 and 4 (before AdoExpress / dbGO)
Import Active Data Objects (ADO) type-libraries in Delphi 3 and 4 to create a wrapper around components that encapsulate the functionality of ADO objects, properties, and methods.
CHAPTER 22: Transactions in Delphi ADO Database Development
Implement transactions in your Delphi ADO database development. Learn how to post or undo a series of changes made to the source data in a single call, ensuring data consistency.
CHAPTER 23: Deploying Delphi ADO Database Applications
Make your Delphi ADO database application available for others to run. The final step is to successfully deploy it to the user’s computer, including all necessary dependencies.
CHAPTER 24: Delphi ADO/DB Programming: Real Problems – Real Solutions
Explore real-world situations in database programming that are more complex than theoretical examples. This chapter references Delphi Programming Forum threads initiated by the course, showcasing discussions and solutions to field problems.
CHAPTER 25: TOP ADO Programming TIPS
Review a collection of frequently asked questions, answers, tips, and tricks related to ADO programming.
CHAPTER 26: Quiz: Delphi ADO Programming
Test your knowledge with a trivia game, “Who Wants to be a Delphi ADO Database Programming Guru.”
Conclusion
This guide provides a structured learning path for beginners to master Delphi database programming. By following these chapters and practicing the techniques, you’ll gain the skills necessary to build robust and efficient database applications using Delphi. Remember to consult the Delphi documentation and online resources for more in-depth information and examples.
