procedure TBinaryWriterHelper.WriteInt32(Value: Integer); begin Self.Write(Value, 4); end;

type THeader = packed record Signature: array[0..3] of AnsiChar; // 'C4B' Version: Byte; DataSize: Cardinal; end; procedure ReadHeader(Stream: TStream; var Header: THeader); begin Stream.Read(Header, SizeOf(Header)); end;

Whether you are maintaining a legacy POS system, hacking a retro game, or building a high-frequency trading tool, the patterns outlined here will serve you for years. Embrace the byte, master the stream, and let your code speak directly to the metal.