Brian Thomson has been using Delphi since its 1.0. Brian submitted a showcase entry (Helpful Workout Application Is Delphi Powered) to the Delphi 26th Showcase Challenge and we interviewed him to learn more about his experiences with Delphi. You can find out more about his application and download it here on Pro Workout.
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When did you start using RAD Studio/Delphi and have long have you been using it?
I have been using Delphi since 1.0, and the predecessor (Object Pascal) for 5 years before then. My entire career has been based around Delphi. Delphi is still my favorite way to write programs.
What was it like building software before you had RAD Studio/Delphi?
The tools I was using before Delphi were completely non-visual. We went through iteration after iteration just trying to get the screens to look right!
How did RAD Studio Delphi help you create your showcase application?
First, there are several aspects of multi-platform development that have been handled for me like a cross-platform-capable clipboard and file system utilities. While writing my app there were a few items that I had to write for myself in a cross platform manner. This made me appreciate what had been done for me all the more!
What made RAD Studio Delphi stand out from other options?
1. It was already a tool that I was very familiar with. 2. The visual layout tools are FAR easier to use than the XML based setups other tools use. 3. The capability to write the app as a truly cross platform project meant that I could do rapid testing cycles on Windows before putting it out on mobile.
What made you happiest about working with RAD Studio Delphi?
For me there is no language that is easier to read than Delphi. The IDE is wonderful. The debugging tools on Windows are amazing. They still need to be brought up to that level on Android, but I expect they could get there.
What have you been able to achieve through using RAD Studio Delphi to create your showcase application?
One of the first issues I noticed was that a truly cross platform application needs to be ready for any resolution on any device. As a single developer I decided that rather than creating many copies of each of my graphics in different sizes, that I would need to use vector graphics to enable me to define a graphic once, and resize it as needed. Delphi gave me the ability to write a component that would do basic EPS graphics. This increased my ability to incorporate graphics while lowering the weight of including the graphics.
What are some future plans for your showcase application?
My app is designed to help people do a better job when they workout. As such I plan to set up a web-based infrastructure that will allow me to host workout programs, designed by professionals, which will then be able to be purchased by end users.
Thanks Brian! You can take a look at his software’s showcase entry below.
Showcase