Thread Component Toolset 1.0 Quick Start
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I hope you'll enjoy using Thread Component Toolset 1.0,
a set of base classes for creating Delphi VCL thread 
components -- that is, components that run in a separate
Win32 thread.

Thread Component Toolset was originally bundled with 
Component Create, a tool for designing and building 
custom Delphi VCL components.  Component Create was 
formerly a commercially-sold tool, but is now freeware --
as is Thread Component Toolset.

You do not need Component Create to use Thread Component 
Toolset.  If you prefer, you can build thread components 
via hand coding instead.  But for the convenience of 
developers who have Component Create, this archive 
includes component definition (.CD) files for use with 
Component Create.  

Although copyrighted, Component Create and Thread 
Component Toolset may be redistributed (as long as their
contents are unchanged).  They are freely available at 
the Component Create home page, http://www.compcreate.com.

I will try to answer questions within reason; just e-mail
me via the home page.  If there is enough demand, I may add
features or post the source code.

Please refer to the WARRANTY DISCLAIMER and other information 
at the bottom of this file.

The following files are provided with Thread Component Toolset:

BASIC FILES

Threads.hlp:  Help on developing thread components.  Start here.

Ccthread.pas:  Unit for base classes TNewThread, TSharingThread, 
and TResourceFlag

Th_reg.pas:  Unit to register base classes, sample thread components, 
and TThreadTestPanel

Th_reg.dcr:  Resource file for base classes

SAMPLE THREAD COMPONENTS: STANDARD

Counter.cd/.pas:  TCounterThread (simple counter)

Graphthd.cd/.pas:  TGraphicsFileThread (loads a graphics file)

Thredprt.cd/.pas:  TPrinterThread (spools a print job)

Sample thread components:  Handling exceptions

Except1.cd/.pas:  TPassExceptionThread (raises an exception 
without handling it)

Except2.cd/.pas:  THandleExceptionThread (handles exceptions)

SAMPLE THREAD COMPONENTS: COORDINATED THREAD COMPONENTS

Countres.cd/.pas:  TCounterResource (descendant of TResourceFlag 
that encapsulates a shared resource)

Counter2.cd/.pas:  TSharingCounterThread (descendant of TSharingThread; 
multiple instances of this component can be linked to, and share, a 
TCounterResource)

SAMPLE PROJECTS

Th_demo1.dpr:  TCounterThread demo.  Shows two thread components 
executing.  Shows how an application interfaces with a thread component.

Th_demo2.dpr:  TGraphicsFileThread demo.  Loads a graphics file 
into a TPicture while running as a separate thread.  Application remains 
active while the file is loading.  The effect is most apparent when you 
load a large bitmap from a CD-ROM.

Th_demo3.dpr:  TPrinterThread demo.  Sends a text file to the printer 
while running as a separate thread.

Th_demo4.dpr:  TPassExceptionThread demo.  Shows use of ExceptionName 
and ExceptionString properties.

Th_demo5.dpr:  Demo of TCounterResource, TSharingCounterThread, and 
TThreadTestPanel.  Shows use of coordinated thread components.

Th_form1.dfm/.pas..Th_form5.dfm/.pas:  Unit and form files for 
above projects

THREAD TEST PANEL

Thredtst.cd/.pas:  TThreadTestPanel (panel component for quick 
testing of thread components)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thread Component Toolset copyright (c) 1995-97 by David A. Price

Thread Component Toolset is offered "AS IS," WITHOUT 
WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER 
WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

U.S. Government restricted rights:  The software and
documentation are provided with restricted rights.  Use,
duplication, or disclosure by the Government are subject to
restrictions as set forth in The Rights in Technical Data and
Computer Software Disclosure Clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 or the
Commercial Computer Software Restricted Rights provisions at 48
C.F.R. 52.227-19, as applicable.
