Getting Vlaue From Edit Box

Hi people...

Im just beginning with c++ so bear with my stupid questions...

NOTE: I am using Borland C++ builder 5, dont know if that makes any difference but anyhow...

I have 3 EditBoxs on a form and also a button. I would like for the user to enter value into the EditBox and for the little app to get the value. So instead of using

first = Edit1->Text;

i need something that does the same but gets the Value not a string or character...

Thanks heaps for any help

If you are just beginning wiht C++ you should learn C++ before you start using any GUI. Just my little recomendation.