3213:Delphi 3 file types with descriptions
KEYWORDS: file types, dpr, dfm, pas, dsk, cab, lic, dcu, tlb, dcl, dci AREA: A
The .CAB File Format
This is the file format that Delphi now offers its users for web
deployment. The cabinet format is an efficient way to package multiple
files. The cabinet format has two key features: multiple files can be
stored in a single cabinet (.cab file) and data compression is
performed across file boundaries, which significantly improves the
compression ratio. Cabinet file construction can be designed around
the number of files to be compressed and the expected patterns for
gaining access to them (sequential, random, all at once, or a few at
a time). Delphi does not take advantage file compression across file
boudaries.
The .LIC File Format
There really is no .lic file format per se. These files are generally
just text files that contain a key string or two.
The .INF File Format
All inf files are made up of sections and items. Each named section
contains its associated items. All inf files start with the header
section. After the header, sections can be laid out in any order
desired. Each header is as follows [HeaderName]. This is followed
by the items: ItemA = ItemDetail. For detailed information on this
topic please see the Device Information File Reference.
The .dpr file format.
The .dpr file is the central file to a delphi project. It serves as
the primary entry point for the executable. The dpr contains the
references to the other files in the project and links forms with
their associated units. This file should be edited with care as
changes in it can prevent your project from loading. This file is
critical for loading or moving(copying) the project.
The .pas file format.
This is a standard text file that can be edited in a text editor.
Edit this file carfully as it may result in the loss of some
advantages of the two way tool. For example pasting code for a
button into the type declaration for a form does not result in
the corresponding entry into the .dfm file. All pas files in a
project are critical for rebuilding the project.
The .dfm file format.
This file contains the details of the objects contained in a form.
It can be view as text by right clicking on the form and selecting
view as text from the pop-up menu, or it can be converted to text
and back using the convert.exe found in the bin directory. Caution
should be used in altering this file as changes to it could prevent
the IDE from being able to load the form. This file is critical to
moving or rebuilding the project.
The .DOF File Format
This text file contains the current settings for
project options, such as compiler and linker settings,
directories, conditional directives, and command-line
parameters. These settings can be customized on a
project-by-project basis.
The .DSK File Format
This text file stores information about the state of
your project, such as which windows are open and what
position they are in. Like the .DOF file, this file can
be customized project-by-project.
The .DPK File Format
This file contains the source code for a package (analogous to the .DPR
in a standard Delphi project) Like the .DPR file the .DPK file is a
plain text file that can be edited (with caution) using a standard
editor. One of the primary reasons you may need to do this would be
if you were using the command line compiler.
The .DCP File Format
This binary image file consists of the actual compiled package.
Symbol information and additional header information required by the
IDE are all contained within the .DCP file. The IDE must have
access to this file in order to build a project.
The .DPL File Format
This is the actual executable runtime package. This
file is a Windows DLL with Delphi-specific features
integrated into it. This file is essential for
deployment of an application that uses a package.
The .DCI File Format
This text file contains both standard and user-defined
code templates for use within the IDE. The file can be
edited with a standard text editor or through the
IDE. As with any text data file used by Delphi,
modifying the file directly is discouraged.
The .DCT File Format
This proprietary binary file contains the
user-defined component template information. This file
is not meant to be edited by any means other than
through the IDE. Since this file is proprietary the
format and comptability with future versions of Delphi
may likely change.
The .TLB File Format
The .TLB file is a proprietary binary type library file.
This file provides a way for identifying what types of
objects and interfaces are available on an ActiveX
server. Like a unit or a header file the .TLB serves
as a repository for necessary symbol information
for an application. Since this file is proprietary the
format and comptability with future versions of Delphi
may likely change.
The .DRO File Format
This text file contains information about the object
repository. Each entry in this file contains specific
information about each available item in the
object repository. Even though this file is a standard
text file it is not recommended that you edit it by
hand. The repository should only be modified from the
Tools|Repository menu in the IDE.
The .RES File Format
This standard binary windows-format resource file
includes information about an application. By default
Delphi creates a new .RES file every time a project is
compiled into an application.
The .DB File Format
Files with this extension are standard Paradox files.
The .DBF File Format
Files with this extension are standard dBASE files.
The .GDB File Format
Files with this extension are standard Interbase files.
The .DMT File Format
This proprietary binary file contains the
shipped and user-defined menu templates information.
This file is not meant to be edited by any means other
than through the IDE. Since this file is proprietary
the format and comptability with future versions of
Delphi may likely change.
The .DBI File Format
This text file contains initialization information for
the Database Explorer. This file is not meant to be
edited by any means other than through the Database
Explorer.
The .DEM File Format
This text file contains some standard country-specific
formats for a TMaskEdit component. As with any text data file used
by Delphi, modifying the file directly is discouraged.
The .OCX File Format
An .OCX file is a specialized DLL which contains all
or some associated functions of an ActiveX control.
The OCX file can be thought of as a "wrapper" which
contains the object and it's means of communications
with other objects and servers.
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