Delphi and Databases - where to start

[topcat01]

Hi,

I want learn to write database applications - anybody on the list have any recommendations were I should start.

I have been told read into using ADO and MS Access... I am working with Delphi Pro 6. Is it worth upgrading to latest Delphi before starting? Thanks in advance.

 

[Griffyn]

I use Delphi 6 enterprise. I've checked out Delphi 2006, and wasn't impressed. There may be more options, a couple of new reserved words you can use, but nothing compelling for what I need.

So long as you have 3 three service packs, you shouldn't have any problems using D6.

I've found ADO and Access databases to be the easiest way to get started.

To get started, drop a TADOConnection component and a TADOTable on a form. Click the TADOConnection.ConnectionString and the little edit button, click Build, choose Microsoft Jet 4.0 OLE DB Driver, then click Next, then navigate to your Access database. You can modify any of the other settings, but that's all you need for the moment.

Change TADOConnection.LoginPrompt to False, and TADOConnection.Connected to True. You're now connected to your database. If your database requires a username and password, then don't change LoginPrompt.

Now link the TADOTable to your connection. This will provide a link to a specific table in your access database. Change TADOTable.Connection to ADOConnection1, Change TADOTable.Tablename to the table of your choice. Change TADOTable.Active to True. Your table is now active.

To use some of the DB-aware controls, drop a TDataSource and a TDBGrid on the form. Change TDataSource.Dataset to ADOTable1, change TDBGrid.DataSource to DataSource1. Your DBGrid can now see all the records in your table.

That should be enough to get you started. Have a play, post back with more questions!

 

[Stretchwickster]

Try this tutorial from delphi.about.com, it's designed for beginners:

http://delphi.about.com/od/database/a/databasecourse.htm

Incidentally, this was the first entry in the google results relating to the search terms: delphi database.

Clive

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[topcat01]

Thanks Griffyn, got db up and running, i'm glad your recommending D6, I can't face re-installing to a newer ver.