Delphi / Object Pascal modernization guide

There is no single right answer for modernizing Delphi / Object Pascal. Here is what the realistic paths actually look like, and what matters most when choosing between them.

What actually matters here

Delphi compiles to a genuine native executable with no separate runtime, which is part of why it has stayed viable for so long, but it also means a migration to a managed runtime (Java, .NET) is a bigger architectural jump than it looks on paper. Idera/Embarcadero continues to ship real Delphi releases (RAD Studio 13 in 2025), so for many shops the realistic path is staying on a current Delphi version rather than migrating off it entirely.

The migration paths

Rewrite or convert to a new platform

Vendors taking this approach for Delphi / Object Pascal: Ispirer.

Keep it running, don't change it yet

Vendors taking this approach for Delphi / Object Pascal: Idera / Embarcadero.