Downloading Delphi Components: A Step-by-Step Guide

When working with Delphi, you may need to download and install various components to enhance the functionality of your application. In this article, we will focus on downloading and installing the ComPort Library, a popular component that allows developers to access COM ports.

Adding the ComPort Folder to the Library Path

To begin, go to Tools > Environment Options > Library > Library Path and add the new ComPort folder. This step is crucial as it ensures that Delphi can locate the necessary files for the component.

Extracting Sources from the ZIP File

Next, create a new folder under your Delphi directory and extract the sources zip file into this new folder. Make sure to remove all previously installed files of the ComPort Library (TComPort component) before proceeding.

Removing Old Files

It is essential to remove any old files related to the ComPort Library to ensure a smooth installation process. Failure to do so may cause compatibility issues or errors in your application.

Origins of the ComPort Library

The ComPort Library has a rich history, with its original author being Dejan Crnila between 1998 and 2002. The library was later maintained by Lars Dybdahl, Paul Doland, and Brian Gochnauer. Over time, the library evolved to support various Delphi versions.

Requirements for Delphi Versions

The ComPort Library supports a wide range of Delphi versions, including Delphi 7, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, XE, XE2, XE3, XE4, XE5, XE6, XE7, XE8, RS10, RS10.1, and RS10.2.

Master Branch Focus on Delphi

The master branch of the ComPort Library is now focused solely on supporting Delphi versions, with all CBuilder support having been removed.

A Fork of the Original ComPort Library 4.10

The ComPort Library is a fork of the original ComPort Library 4.10, which can be found on . This means that some of the original commit messages are still accessible.

Why COM Ports Still Matter

While USB access has become more prevalent in recent years, COM ports remain an essential component for communication and virtual port interfaces, especially for maker boards and simple communication protocols.

Accessing COM Ports with the ComPort Library

The ComPort Library provides developers with code to access COM Ports. However, it is not without its limitations. For instance, when a USB COM port is disconnected, the OnAfterClose handler may be executed, generating an exception ('Port Disconnected').

Solving the USB COM Port Disconnected Issue

While the solution is not perfect and still susceptible to infinite `WaitForSingleObject` execution at slow transmission speeds (300-600 bauds), it has improved significantly compared to previous versions. The ComPort library now includes a fix for the USB COM port disconnected issue.

In conclusion, downloading and installing the ComPort Library can be a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this article. By understanding the history and requirements of the library, developers can ensure that their applications run smoothly and efficiently.

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