Implementation of vector class in Delphi?

Question

How would you go about creating a vector class in Delphi? I would prefer to put all math related stuff into a DLL. Should I use a record or a class implementing an interface?

Pros of record approach:

• Fast and lightweight
• Value type
• Operator overloading

Cons of record approach:

• Implementation cannot be hidden in DLL (no inheritance, so no abstract base class for the DLL interface possible)
• Problems with records as properties of classes (Class.VectorProp.X := 42)

What do you think?

Answer 1

It depends on your priorities.

If performance is a top priority, go for records. But if implementation hiding is top, go for interfaces.

But why not use a package so you can both use static and dynamic linking if you want it. Of course, a DLL is prefered if the code is to be used by other languages, a DLL is a better aproach.

Botom line, the requirements and their relative priority determine the implementation.

Answer 2

I haven't used either of these, but they could save you some time.

1. SDL MathPack - not sure if you would have to pay for it
2. Jedi Math - looks like the project has been abandoned, but you should check it out anyway. If your not doing anything crazy it will probably work for you.