Delphi component

A Delphi component is a way of independently packaging Delphi source code so it can be used from more than one Delphi program.

Creating a new component requires writing a Delphi Pascal unit file which has:


 * 1) the source code of the component. (these have the .PAS file-ending)
 * 2) an optional .DCR palette bitmap  (a file in the same format as the Microsoft .RES file) The pallet bitmap is a 28x28 bitmap which has the same name as the Delphi component, and which is used in the Delphi component palette of the IDE)
 * 3) an optional Delphi form file (with the .DFM ending)
 * 4) an optional Microsoft help file (with the .HLP ending)
 * 5) an optional keyword file (with the .KWF ending)

Delphi Pascal is then used to compile these into a .DCU file.