abstract
| - The Visual Component Library (VCL) is visual part of Delphi's object oriented class library. Delphi's class library consists of a huge number of classes descending from TObject, the root object, and the VCL generally comprises the classes that descend from TComponent. Thus VCL classes are generally termed components. It was developed by Borland for use in its Delphi and C++ Builder software development environment. It is written in Object Pascal. Much of the popularity of VCL comes from its tight integration with visual RAD tools from Borland. A cross-platform equivalent of VCL called CLX (Component Library for Cross Platform) was later developed for use in Delphi, C++ Builder and Kylix, it was however abandoned in favor of VCL. As an object-oriented approach, the VCL forms an object hierarchy where all other objects inherit or indirectly inherit the TObject class (thus, TObject is a superclass). This is necessary as Delphi does not support multiple inheritance, unlike C++. VCL classes can be created either visually at design-time or programatically at run-time. Contrary to its name, the VCL contains both visual and non-visual components. Beginning Delphi application programmers will generally first interact with the VCL by using the form editor, which allows programmers to visually design a window by placing components on it. The common components located on the Component Palette, such as buttons, text fields, check boxes, radio buttons, panels and dialogs are all part of the VCL.
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