The Evolution of Online Help: From WinHelp to CHM Extension

In the early days of computing, online help systems were limited in their capabilities. The first help format introduced by Microsoft was the WinHelp system, which was used in Windows 3.x and earlier versions. However, as computers became more powerful and internet access became widespread, there was a need for a new help format that could take advantage of these advancements.

Enter the CHM extension. Released with Windows 98, the HTMLHelp viewer provided a more modern and user-friendly way of accessing online help files. The CHM (Compiled HTML Help) file format quickly became the most popular help format under Windows, and it remains so to this day.

A CHM file typically contains a set of HTML files, a hyperlinked table of contents, and an index. This allows users to easily navigate through the help content and find the information they need quickly. The CHM extension is still supported in newer versions of Windows, including Windows 7.

One of the key advantages of the CHM format is its ability to provide a rich and interactive help experience. Unlike earlier help formats, which were often static and text-based, CHM files can include images, audio, and video, making it easier for users to learn about a product or service.

RAD Studio VCL provides the Vcl.HtmlHelpViewer unit that implements the Delphi and C++ wrappers for the HTMLHelp function API. This allows developers to easily create help systems using the CHM format in their applications. The Vcl.HtmlHelpViewer unit provides a simple and straightforward way to integrate the HTMLHelp viewer into your application, making it easy to provide users with access to online help content.

In conclusion, the CHM extension has come a long way since its introduction in Windows 98. Today, it remains one of the most widely used help formats under Windows, providing a convenient and user-friendly way for users to access online help content. Whether you're a developer looking to create a help system or a user seeking information on a product or service, the CHM extension is an important part of the online help landscape.

Chm extension