README

PascalHelloLazarus

This is a "Hello World" for an SQLite3 database coded using the free, opensource Lazurus, which includes the Free Pascal Compiler included. with the Free Pascal Compiler (see FreePascal.org. I undertook this project for two reasons:

1. Because I was interviewing for a job requiring the use of Pascal (in 2023!)
2. I wanted to review SQL databases.

Features Demonstrated

• Basic CRUD use of a relational SQL Database, including auto-create database file from a .sql resource file
• Use of Lazarus IDE forms and database aware components
• Basics of the Object Pascal Language including multiple units, classes, interfaces

Design Specifications

This is designed to be the simplest possible SQL database. There are three relational tables: People, PhoneNumbers, and PhoneTypes. You can Add, Edit, and Delete People and Phone Numbers.

The full design is available in the "Hello Contacts Database Design" repo. (TBD)

What I Learned

Although the IDE was sometimes glitchy, requiring restarts in order to create new form event methods, overall it was a decent programming experience. Cross-platform support is present, such as resource files for images, and ability to create the database file in an OS-Recommended location

The Pascal Language is a capable object oriented languge, and the "drag and drop" design experience is Familiar to anyone that has used Borland programming environments (Turbo-C anyone?) or Windows Forms.

While these environments are fun to program in, they tend to mash together UI code and core logic unless care is taken. I approached this as follows

• Minimize USE of SQL in the component designer and form files
• Instead, place most SQL in a separate "Utils" module

Attributions

• Contacts Icon from Stephen Hutchings Typicons-2 icon pack on IconFinder.com
  • License is Creative Commons Attribution-Sharalike 3.0 Unported
  • No Changes were made to the icon.