Working with Linux Libraries in Delphi Craig Chapman, Embarcadero, Software Consultant craig.chapman@embarcadero.com twitter: @CraigChapm53280

About Me Craig Chapman: Email: craig@chapmanworld.com Twitter: @CraigChapm53280 Blog: http://chapmanworld.com Consultant for Embarcadero Technologies. Delphi Developer >20 years “Mad Scientist” – Electronics and Software

Agenda What are shared object files? Early vs Late binding to shared object files (.so) Create and consume a shared object library Finding headers and documentation Header translation (basics) The X-Server Creating an X-Server application

Shared Object Files Comparable to .DLL (Dynamic Link Libraries) from Windows systems. .so File extension Elf format files with a number of ‘Exports’ Typically the ‘cdecl’ calling convention. Provide the ‘API’ for Linux Common (minor differences) across multiple *nix platforms.

Early vs Late binding Not to be confused with static binding. Early binding requires interaction from the linker. Late binding involves calling the API for function pointers. Function pointer types must be defined. Early binding issue in Delphi? Header File import.

Shared Object Files Lets create and consume our own shared object file.

Q&A More Information: http://chapmanworld.com/working-with-linux-libraries-in-delphi