An Introduction to Object Pascal and Java: A Winning Crew Boat Team

An Introduction to Modern Object Pascal and Java

Modern Object Pascal uses the latest dialect of the Object Pascal programming language with a syntax similar to C# and Python 3.0, but that is easier to read, write, and learn.

Object Pascal supports high-level abstractions like polymorphism and generics while preserving the speed of compiled code without runtime overhead or performance penalties.

Java is a powerful programming language with broad coding possibilities but is challenging to handle, especially for beginners. 

It is a class-based object-oriented programming language with many different versions across many years but is well suited for massive enterprise projects with thousands of developers.

Delphi and Object Pascal offer a simpler, more streamlined programming language that protects and simplifies programming.

How did Java and Object Pascal begin?

In the 1970s, Niklaus Wirth from Switzerland developed a new language for teaching structured programming techniques and concepts called Pascal. 

Pascal was widely used in universities to teach computer science. The commercial Object Pascal version available today started in 1995 with the Delphi integrated IDE toolchain.

Java, a new object-oriented language, was developed by James Gosling and Sun Microsystems in 1996 to be used exclusively with their unique brand of workstation called “JavaStation.” 

The goal was to provide a platform-independent “write once, run anywhere” language to produce programs that would work on any machine, improving software portability across different computers.

These two languages are very much actively developed and widely used today. Both trace back their origins to when computer manufacturers, operating systems, and architectures competed in a turbulent fight for dominance. 

The Origins of Object Pascal and Delphi

Object Pascal is an evolution of a version of Pascal developed by Apple in 1986. Anders Hejlsberg developed extensions to Object Pascal as an enhancement to Turbo Pascal.

In 1994 and 1995, Borland built on those early Object orientated Pascal principles and further enhanced and extended them to produce the Delphi language. Delphi version 1.0 made its debut on February 14th, 1995.

Throughout this article, we use the term Object Pascal and Delphi interchangeably to mean the same thing effectively.

What is the Provenance of Object Pascal’s Language Syntax?

Object Pascal is similar but different from C-derived languages as it was designed as a teaching language, making it easier to read, write, and learn.

Object Pascal was continuously updated for more than three decades. Over that period, the developers added significant language improvements and features to meet the demands of new modern trends or techniques in software development and computer science. 

Embarcadero’s Delphi IDE natively compiles the Delphi language to the most widely adopted platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additional solutions for it target the web as well. 

The IDE has significant strengths over competing Pascal development systems and incorporates many modern and advanced professional features that help differentiate it from others.

Delphi is famous for rapid application development because it remarkably reduces prototyping time. The design of application screens are, in effect, their prototypes and remove the need for intermediate steps like wireframes, thus removing duplication of effort and errors in interpretation. 

Software developers repeatedly state that the Delphi language itself is easy to read and write. The underlying concept of Delphi programs embraces a component-based architecture that promotes maximum productivity, very highly efficient software development times, and minimal requirement to write long reams of repetitive boilerplate code.

The Launch and Origins of Java

James Gosling and Sun Microsystems created Java in 1996 as a high-level programming language. Java’s C/C++ syntax is simple to write but powerful enough to provide functionality for modern applications.

The principle behind the origination of Java was that the programs could be written on the computer of the software developer’s choice, or perhaps the only one they had available to them.

The specialists then compiled programs written on that machine into an intermediate form that could take to any device with a ‘Java runtime.’ 

When the user ran the Java program, the runtime on the target computer would read this intermediate bytecode form program and convert it into native code, which would then actually run. 

This two-step process meant Java programmers could circumvent differences in operating systems and hardware, which would otherwise make the code incompatible. 

The programmer could target any platform as long as a Java runtime was available for the desired destination computer’s configuration.  

One result of this broad platform reach is that Java is one of today’s most popular programming languages. 

Java is easy to learn, but the real challenge comes with the libraries (Java API) and chain of dependencies, which can be complex. 

The API also poses challenges when migrating to newer versions of Java. It’s one of the reasons why many enterprise applications written in Java are still using Java version 8, while the latest version is Java version 17.

How are Object Pascal and Java the Same?

Java and Object Pascal are both programming languages perfect for object-oriented programming and provide intuitive features for coders.

Object Pascal and Java share many similarities in syntax, structure, and use of keywords. Experienced programmers in either language can usually understand the syntax and overall intent of the code in the other’s program code even if they do not grasp the specifics.

Object Pascal and Java are Both Object-oriented

Though Object Pascal is not rigidly object-oriented, it has all necessary object-oriented programming features such as inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism. Java is fully object-oriented. 

Java attempted to fix nuisances found in C++ and largely succeeded. With Object Pascal, you get the best from both programming paradigms of object-oriented and procedural programming. 

Object-oriented programming uses objects and classes instead of functions to represent real-world or abstract elements. Using objects can make the code easier to reuse and maintain. 

A descendant class can inherit the data and methods of another ancestor class, so you can avoid the need to repeat the same code to achieve shared functionality common to the descendent classes.

Both Object Pascal and Java Work Well for Enterprise Teams

Pascal and Java are ideal for big teams of developers working on large programs across multiple machines.

Java runs on any operating systems or hardware which have a Java runtime without recompiling. It’s perfect for teams that need to share multiple different machines and operating-system types. 

Pascal uses structured loops and simple syntax to reduce coding errors and handle large programs without slowing down. 

Both break down blocks of program code into different physical code files such as Pascal’s units or namespaces. 

Only those working on precisely the same program area need to synchronize and resolve their differing changes fully. Smaller files are going to be easier to keep in sync across large teams.

How are Object Pascal and Java different?

Java and Pascal have significant differences in compiling code, executing tasks, and memory management - known as garbage collection.

Here are a few significant differences between Java and Object Pascal.

Fast Compiler for Object Pascal

Object Pascal compilers - particularly Delphi - are typically quite fast. Object Pascal compiles code into machine language directly while Java uses an intermediate tokenized bytecode which needs an interpreter like Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM) or JVM to execute. 

Object Pascal requires no conversion when executing, unlike Java, nor does it need the presence of runtime since the programs are typically stand-alone with little or no additional dependencies. It required making it ideal for complex software applications like business apps and games. 

Java is Verbose Compared to Object Pascal

Java heavily relies on classes, interfaces, and generics with a verbose syntax that lends itself to repetitive ‘boilerplate’ or scaffolding code to describe and instantiate the objects it uses.

Object Pascal is easy to read, write, and learn. 

It manages to avoid repetitive code for properties, but overall the requirement for this kind of syntactical embellishment is kept to a minimum. 

Object Pascal has a Dedicated Environment in Delphi vs. a Milieu of IDEs for Java

Java exists in different environments and has multiple IDEs like Netbeans, IntelliJ IDEA, and Eclipse, many designed to be generic code editing environments. Configuring or re-configuring a working toolchain can be time-consuming.

On the other hand, Object Pascal’s predominant integrated toolchain environment is RAD Studio Delphi which is explicitly designed for that language and contains a broad array of features aimed squarely at those developers writing Object Pascal code. The integrated toolchain can lead to significant productivity gains. 

The developer can also edit object Pascal code within regular text and code editors like Visual Studio Code.

Delphi has a visual designer, improving productivity, enhancing software teams’ collaboration, and streamlining project management using visual inspection codes. 

While some Java IDEs have visual designers, the Delphi one is arguably more comprehensive where it focuses on the specifics of designing and creating screens for Delphi programs.

The 2021 Java and Object Pascal Landscape

Java and Object Pascal are constantly evolving, with new frameworks, libraries, and technologies developed daily.  

Why Java and Pascal are Good Options for App Development

Programming languages used in enterprise teams for app development need to be fast, secure, and multiplatform.

Java and Object Pascal create robust and responsive apps, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. 

Java can be used to develop cross-platform applications for some platforms and is particularly strong on Android. 

Object Pascal is an object-oriented and procedural language with a visual designer in its integrated toolchain. 

It offers advantages in terms of productivity and simplicity during Windows, Linux, and macOS app development. In addition, Object Pascal offers cross-platform development to target Android and iOS.

Interoperability with Object Pascal to Java Using JavaBridge

JavaBridge is a third-party solution that allows Delphi developers to access functionality written in Java code. JavaBridge improves the interoperability between Java and Object Pascal, leveraging on the best features of each language. 

JavaBridge allows you to use both Object Pascal and Java concurrently in the same application. Language interoperability improves project efficiency and product reach by harnessing the superior qualities and functionality of each language.

How can Object Pascal and Java Help in Managing an Engineering Team?

Managing an engineering team can be significantly tricky when the project’s complexity rises. Varying engineer skill sets, project targets, and a host of other factors help promote competing demands on resources, organizational capabilities, and time.

Here are a few ways you can use Object Pascal and Delphi to improve team management:

Choose the Correct Programming Language

The success of software projects depends on the choice of programming language. 

Object Pascal is perfect for programming for projects for a long time because it requires negligible maintenance. 

Delphi programs, for example, commonly have significant longevity, stability, and resilience against changes in operating systems and runtime environments. 

Additionally, its other features like interoperability with other programs make it suitable for projects that span programming languages, increasing the pool of programming talent on which to draw.

Reduce Expenses by Being Accurate

Integrated toolchains increase productivity by reducing the need to fiddle with separate editors and compilers to get them to work together.

The correct development product improves user satisfaction, enhances product efficiency when executing tasks, and reduces the possibility of rewrites.

Choose Your Deployment

Correct code deployment is vital for program success. Here are some tips for choosing the right deployment tool.

Choose a Versatile Code Deployment Tool

Java code is deployed in different ways, but the most common method is to use a deployment tool. It’s best for Object Pascal to use the Delphi IDE, which has dedicated deployment management capabilities.

Delphi has built-in access to Java code in its Android apps. But when you’re working on a Windows project, you can use JavaBridge.  

Developer Lens

Object Pascal (through Delphi) is perfect for rapid app development due to its numerous advantages over other programming languages. It is easy to read, write, and learn the syntax and its visual designer.

Here are a few reasons why Object Pascal is excellent for software development.

Delphi is intuitive and responsive

Delphi productivity enhancements offer incredible insights for developers in the IT industry. 

Delphi offers an integrated RAD (rapid application development) environment that can significantly boost productivity. It is an end-to-end comprehensive, fast application development tool that provides everything in one package, from design to coding, to deployment.

Delphi’s code editor has many features like autocompletion, syntax highlighting, find/replace functionality, and more, making it easy to write high-quality code. It also features competent built-in debugging tools that engender optimal programming functionality and track down and remove errors that occur during runtime. 

The Delphi IDE also offers a visual designer that can visually build what your users will be using.

Delphi’s robust tools allow you to quickly visualize and customize applications to satisfy developers’ and users’ needs.

How do Data Bindings Improve the Effectiveness of Code?

Delphi’s data-binding technology (LiveBindings) is an excellent solution for web developers, IT professionals, system engineers, and coders. This tool allows for a graphical binding of data with visual elements to display that data.

Delphi also provides FireDAC, a set of high-performance database access components that supports over 20 different databases. 

While developing your app in the Delphi IDE, you can access your data from Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, DB2, Oracle, Access, Firebird, and more and see it displayed in your application’s screen layouts live at design time. 

This powerful and unique feature allows the rapid debugging and optimization of data-connected screens to immediately see the effects a change in display layout or data query might have on the final application without compiling and running the app itself.

Multithreading is a Game-Changer in Program Development

Delphi multithreaded support is an important feature when creating scalable applications.

Multithreading allows applications to operate on more than one task simultaneously. This improves task execution speed and prevents queuing and lack of user interface responsiveness common to single-threaded applications. Multithreading enhances the speed and efficiency of apps supported by Delphi.

How Can I Get Started with Delphi?

Java has evolved to create massive enterprise applications over the years, but Delphi far outweighs Java in rapid application development. 

Developing with Delphi on RAD Studio is five times faster than with other languages. You write, test and debug one set of program code, and deploy it to any supported computer or mobile device platform. 

Rapid prototyping, built into the fiber and workflow of the RAD Studio Delphi IDE, helps create apps that can quickly move to production with an exact match to visual and functional requirements. 

The extensive Delphi component and runtime library help you create a high-performance app with in-built security and usability with minimal additional code required from the developer. 

Not creating novel and unique solutions but instead relying on broadly-tested and researched pre-made componentized functionality lowers the threat risk to your organization and significantly speeds development by reducing the overall amount of new code to create - fewer lines of code means fewer bugs and areas of potential problems overall. 

This correspondingly reduces the total cost of ownership to a bare minimum. It’s not just a good choice. It’s an intelligent choice financially in terms of time and resources, security, and optimal time-to-market.

Download the latest Delphi IDE to see how easily you can create your programs and take your ideas into reality today.