An Introduction to COM Programming with Delphi

COM stands for Component Object Model. It allows you to create COM objects that are not specific to any language, and in some cases, even platforms. For instance, COM objects can be ported to a Unix system. COM also allows you to create COM Objects that will be instantiated on a different machine across the world if you so desired.

Email Course
This Course (also) comes as a 6-week email class. You will receive the first lesson as soon as you sign up. Each new lesson will be delivered to your mailbox on a week-by-week basis.

Lessons at a glance:

Lesson 1
A brief historical rundown on COM's glorious past. Abstract methods vs. Interfaces. Classes and Interfaces: An interesting paradox.

Lesson 2
What is an Interface? How to implement an Interface? Describing the TInterfacedObject.

Lesson 3
What is the implements directive? What is the Method Resolution Clauses? Pseudo-Multiple Interface Inheritance. Interface properties and other fine tales of horror.

Lesson 4
A Com Object walk-a-bout. A Class Factory tour. Our first true COM Object program.

Lesson 5
Marshaling Data. Behold the power of Variant Arrays. Using Variants and Variant Arrays.

Lesson 6
COM type definitions usually reside in a type library. Let's see how to make your first Type Library using Delphi.