This module teaches business database programming, in fact what it also does is teach the principles of programming using an Object Oriented Language (O-O). We are using Borland's Delphi, which is an O-O version of a language called Pascal.

Each programming language has its own syntax but the basic structures and principles are the same for all O-O languages. Thus you will find in learning Delphi there will be a high degree of transference that will make learning any subsequent language much easier. You will also find that learning a programming language is very beneficial for your general logical and problem solving skills too; a benefit not to be underestimated. Unfortunately in the field of IS and IT people only hire us because they have problems to solve, they don't hire us just because they want to give us money and a company car - more's the pity.

Delphi is one of the most modern O-O languages and this, together with its easy to use Integrated Development Environment (IDE) makes it the ideal starting point as a first programming language. You'll find it very similar to other O-O languages like: Smalltalk, C++, C# (C-sharp), and vb.NET

You can click to look at the module descriptor

Show student timetable: (type in your studentID and click the 'Timetable' button)

Notes

I must stress that in addition to the 48 hours of class time in workshops during the semester, this module also includes 52 hours of directed learning, and 100 hours of independent study. That more or less equates to 8 hours of study per week. This is a good indication of the amount of work you'll need to do for this module; attending only the workshops will not be sufficient to learn enough to succeed in your assignment.

I should also stress that you can't really afford to miss a scheduled class, if you do so you'll need to find out what was missed and catch up in your own time BEFORE the following class.

Work Schema

The work for this module I have laid out in a week by week fashion. Sometimes, however, you'll find that you easily cover the week's work in the time allowed and you can move on to the next section, in other words don't feel too constrained by the week numbers next to each section of work - you can do more. However, it is very important you don't do less. The assignment will be based upon all the work outlined having been completed.

Before you do any workshops you must first copy over some data files to your U: drive. Click here for instructions.

This week by week Work Schema is where you need to go to actually start work, it has pointers to all the workshop web pages.

Resources

Apart from those links you'll find from the Work Schema page, I have created a Delphi Page where I have assembled a number of links to Delphi sites and to sites specialising in Object Orientation, both design and programming - I hope you find this useful.

There is a Blackboard site for this unit which has a discussion group set up for you, it's from Blackboard that you'll be able to download your assignments, and any miscellaneous files you might need in studying this unit.

You should also have a look at usenet newsgroups, you can use Google to search those groups that specialise in Delphi. There are also some online books available though I haven't yet been able to review their content.