Introduction to text files

Question 1

what are text files

Answer 1

Text files are a type of computer file that contains plain text without any formatting, graphics, or images. These files store and transfer information between computer systems and are compatible with almost all operating systems and software programs. The content of text files can include anything from simple lists of information to complex data structures.

Question 2

what are text files used for

Answer 2

Text files are often used for a variety of purposes, including storing data for a database, creating and storing documents, storing configuration files for software applications, and more. They can be easily edited and manipulated using text editors like Notepad or TextEdit, making them a flexible and user-friendly option for storing and working with data.

Question 2

how do we create a text file in notepad

Answer 2

Open the NotePad program, type the text and save the file. The file will have a.txtextension.

Question 3

how do we create a text file in delphi

Answer 3

• Click on File, New, Other, Other file, Text File, OK. Select.txtas the file extension.
• Type the text and save the file.

Question 4

how do we display the contents of a text file

Answer 4

The contents of a text file can be shown in a MemoBox/Memo or RichEdit component.

To display a text file using a TMemoBox component, follow these steps:

1. Drag and drop a TMemoBox component onto your form.
2. In your code, use the LoadFromFile method to load the text file into the TMemoBox. For example:Memo1.Lines.LoadFromFile(‘MyTextFile.txt’);

To display a text file using a TRichEdit component, follow these steps:

1. Drag and drop a TRichEdit component onto your form.
2. In your code, use the LoadFromFile method to load the text file into the TRichEdit. For example:RichEdit1.Lines.LoadFromFile(‘MyTextFile.rtf’);

Both the TMemo and TRichEdit components are designed to display and manipulate text files in Delphi. The TMemoBox is a simple text editor, while the TRichEdit is a more advanced text editor that allows you to format text, add images, and more. Choose the best fit for your needs and start displaying your text files in Delphi today!

Question 5

how do we save the contents of a text file

Answer 5

Saving text files in Delphi using a TMemoBox or TRichEdit component is simple.

To save a text file using a TMemoBox component, follow these steps:

1. Drag and drop a TMemoBox component onto your form.
2. In your code, use the Lines.SaveToFile method to save the text in the TMemoBox to a file. For example:Memo1.Lines.SaveToFile(‘MyTextFile.txt’);

To save a text file using a TRichEdit component, follow these steps:

1. Drag and drop a TRichEdit component onto your form.
2. In your code, use the Lines.SaveToFile method to save the text in the TRichEdit to a file. For example:RichEdit1.Lines.SaveToFile(‘MyTextFile.rtf’);

It is that simple! Whether you’re working with a TMemoBox or TRichEdit component, the process for saving text files in Delphi is the same. With just a few lines of code, you can save your text data to a file and access it whenever needed.

In Lesson 4 of this module you will be provided with an activity to practice displaying and saving content to and from text files.