Hi,

> I do not have a lot of experience with writing Database programs and
> have recently been giving the challange of creating one for a company
> that sells auto parts. They have roughly 8,000 different pieces to
> keep track of, along with other things.
>
> They currently have a program, but it doesn't control the stock the
> way they want it to. They want me to write a program that can
> provide all of the functions they are needing. I said "great, lets
> get started".
>
> My plan is to use Dephli with Firebird.
>
> My questions are:
>
> Where do I start? I believe Dephli needs to have the database
> already built, therefore I need to provide delphi with a database
> with all of the information.

Yes, you need to design and build your database.

> If I can export their existing database information (Names, part
> numbers and descriptions, etc) from their existing DB, can I do this
> with Firebird?

Firebird cannot export their existing structure and data. Several
tools can, depending on the current format of their database. What
type of database engine is it?

> Does Firebird have a way to create a database or is it just the
> engine that runs and supports a database? I have been reading about
> Firebird, but don't really see how it can create a database.

Firebird is "just the engine". It comes with a command line tool ("isql")
which you can use, but most use a GUI tool. Several are available.
You might want to check ours: Database Workbench at www.upscene.com
(it can also import structure and data from existing datasources if you
can connect via ADO or ODBC).

> I believe that if I have a Firebird database and use Firebird client
> and server applications that this will work. Question is, what is
> the best way to approach this task?

That depends on what you're going to build :-)

> Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

With regards,

Martijn Tonies
Database Workbench - tool for InterBase, Firebird, MySQL, Oracle & MS SQL
Server
Upscene Productions
http://www.upscene.com