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 5 and 6 Provides detailed coverage of VCL Delphi libraries, ActiveX controls, and COM objects Covers the Delphi integrated development environment, from the user interface to more sophisticated object-oriented programming principles

Table of Contents:
BRIEF TOC PART I: PROGRAMMING IN DELPHI; 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; PART II: USING VCL AND CREATING YOUR OWN DELPHI COMPONENTS; Basic VCL Elements; Introduction to Component Building; Building Components; PART III: APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT BASED ON COM AND ACTIVEX TECHNOLOGIES; COM Basics; Creating a Simple COM Object; Automation Servers; Using ActiveX Controls in Delphi; Creating ActiveX Controls; Creating MTS Components; Appendix: Error and Exception Messages