I'm now working with Delphi 2007 on a very interesting framework named XMLRAD. Delphi 2007 compiles fine, but... but... I'm still using Delphi 7 for the OpenSource libraries available on this site.

Why use Delphi 7?

  • if your source code works on Delphi 7, and you make careful usage of Unicode/AnsiString, it will work as well with Delphi 2010;
  • if your source code works on Delphi 7, it will work as well with Free Pascal, so cross-platform and 64 bits are open to you;
  • Delphi 7 runs well on my Windows Seven 64 bits system, if you are interested, I can explain you how;
  • Delphi 7 starts faster than Delphi 2007, and MUCH faster than Delphi 2009/2010;
  • generated code is almost the same since Delphi 7 - when I need speed, I use better algorithms, and assembler if it's worth it;
  • I'm still using CrossKylix and Delphi 7 is the exact same compiler version;
  • Delphi 7 IDE is as powerful as Delphi 2010 IDE, if you use some IDE enhancements like http://www.cnpack.org;
  • Delphi 7 help is still the reference - why waiting for 20 seconds on my Core i7 processor waiting for the awful MS help system to launch?
  • I use the assembler/CPU view a lot: Delphi 7 has the Alt-F2, but you can close this window by the escape key - I was not able to find such a keyboard shortcut under Delphi 2007/2010, and it's very annoyning;
  • Delphi 7 executable size are small, and even smaller with our LVCL libraries (30 KB for a form with buttons);
  • I didn't have the need for generics and such up to now - and I like knowing which code is generated;
  • Delphi 7 is Unicode ready, whatever you say - the VCL is not, but CharSets are not evil, and works well;
  • and so on, and so on...
We can discuss on our forum !