# Quick start - DE Decompiler

> Quick start in DE Decompiler for supported VCL applications written in Delphi or built with C++Builder. Win32/Win64 analysis and edition requirements.

Canonical HTML: <https://www.de-decompiler.com/help/quick_start.htm>

## Quick start

Open a supported Win32 or Win64 VCL application written in Delphi or built with C++Builder. Inspect the recovered project structure and compare code with native instructions. High-level code decompilation, AI Helper and the HEX Editor require a commercial license; Free Lite provides form inspection, native disassembly and string references.

1. Select **File > Open program** and choose the binary to examine. Let DE Decompiler finish its initial processing.

2. Expand **Code** in the project tree. Select a unit to examine its recovered declarations, then select a class or procedure.

3. Compare **Decompiler** and **Disassembler**. Use **HEX Editor** when an address or instruction needs to be checked against the file bytes.

4. Expand **Forms**, select a recovered form, and open **Designer (read only)**. Inspect its controls and properties, and use recovered event entries to open the corresponding handler code.

5. Use **Ctrl+T** to find a procedure, **Ctrl+F** to search displayed text, and **Tools > String references** to investigate recognized string literals.

6. Save an analysis database through **File > Data Base** when you need to return to the analysis later.

### Saving recovered material

Use **File > Save decompiled project** to export a recovered Delphi project, or **File > Save all in one module** for a combined `.pas` listing. Before opening recovered code in an IDE, manually correct decompilation inaccuracies and incompatibilities and provide missing dependencies. Keep an unmodified copy of the analyzed binary with your investigation material.

### Choosing a processing mode

**Fast decompilation** processes individual procedures when you open them. Enable **Analyze prototypes** for preliminary analysis of procedure signatures. Before searching all high-level text, disable **Fast decompilation** and process the file again. Project and combined-listing exports process procedures as needed; review their completion messages. See [Processing modes and caching](https://www.de-decompiler.com/help/advanced_features.htm).

### A useful first check

Start with a known form and one event-related method or public function. Check the recovered declarations, follow the code, and compare a few statements with disassembly. This establishes how much useful structure DE Decompiler has recognized in that particular build.