Need Help

I am new to Delphi Programming and know nothing about it.
I have lots of experience with C, C++ microsoft visual studio tools. But:
(a)how do i start with delphi programming?.
(b)Is is a language by itself?.
(c)is it a development environement that can compile ANSI C C++ programs,..?.
(d)What it compares to?.
(e)For what type of applications people use Delphi for?.
(f)any online tutorial?.

To get started you might want to look at: http://delphi.about.com/

Delphi is actually composed of both the proprietary Delphi language (formerly called ObjectPascal) and the IDE. In capability, It's sort of like a Super-enhanced VB, or an easy-to-use Visual C++.

If you know .NET you can think of Delphi as being a lot like C# or VB.NET, but that instead of being tied to .NET and requiring the .NET runtime library on every machine, Delphi compiles directly to a Win32 executable. The project head for .NET was actually one of main architects of Delphi, who MS hired away from Borland. .NET itself borrows concepts from both Delphi (IDE and ways of building components) and Java (using JIT compiling and a runtime library).

It's best to get started with a book.

There is also Borland C++ Builder. You can create many type of applications just like Delphi. Developing a Win32 GUI application is a matter of using properties and event handlers like Delphi and VB.

thats a good link hsitz, thanks for that (i'm also trying to learn delphi [i programme in Visual Basic right now])

i have a book called Mastering Delphi 7, its a bit comprehensive, but it seems good... i haven't really read much of it, but its got shed loads of good reviews

thanks

Mastering Delphi is probably the best book out there. You might wnat to look at the Pascal book that's included on the CD with it for some background on the language specifically. Also, the website by the author, http://www.marcocantu.com can be a good source of help.

The Borland newsgroups are busy and helpful, so if you find yourself with particular questions you can post a message in the appropriate group. For a list of Delphi newsgroups you can look here:

http://support.borland.com/newsgroups/delphi.asp

Another good reference that I find easier to use than the manuals or online help is found here:

http://www.delphibasics.co.uk/

It's a web resource, but for $15 you can buy a program that packages it up and runs it all locally on your machine. Highly recommended tool.