Delphi

Delphi is a name that can refer to several different concepts. It is most famous as an ancient Greek sanctuary, but it also denotes a modern programming language and development environment, and a forecasting method.

Delphi, the ancient site, lies on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece. It was the site of the Sanctuary of Apollo and the oracle known as the Pythia, a focal point of religious and political life in the ancient world. The complex included the Temple of Apollo, treasuries, and theatres, with its influence felt across the Greek world and into Roman times. Today the Archaeological Site of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination.

Delphi also refers to a software product consisting of a programming language and an integrated development environment. Originally developed by Borland in the 1990s and later continued by Embarcadero Technologies, it uses the Object Pascal language and emphasizes rapid application development for Windows and other platforms. Delphi features a component-based visual design model, the Visual Component Library and FireMonkey frameworks, and tools for database and multi‑tier development. The language and IDE remain in use in various sectors and communities, with ongoing updates and a community edition available.

Delphi method, or the Delphi forecasting technique, is a structured approach to obtaining and refining expert judgment. It conducts multiple rounds of questionnaires with anonymous feedback, aiming to move toward consensus while reducing the influence of individual authority. Developed at the RAND Corporation in the 1950s, it has been widely applied in technology forecasting, policy analysis, and strategic planning. Critics note that results depend on the selection of experts and the design of the process.