====== Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ======

Answers to common questions about the WvdS FPC RAD Studio suite.

===== Installation and Setup =====

==== What VS Code version is required? ====

**At least VS Code 1.85.0.** We recommend the latest stable version.

Check:
<code bash>
code --version
</code>

==== Do I need to install Lazarus? ====

**Not mandatory, but recommended.**

  * **With Lazarus:** All features available, easier setup
  * **Without Lazarus:** Only FPC, no LCL GUI projects

For desktop GUI projects with LCL, Lazarus is required.

==== Does the suite work on Linux/macOS? ====

**Yes, with limitations.**

^ Feature ^ Windows ^ Linux ^ macOS ^
| Basic compilation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| pas2js | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inno Setup Installer | Yes | No | No |
| WSL Cross-Compilation | Yes | N/A | N/A |

==== How do I uninstall the suite? ====

<code bash>
code --uninstall-extension wvds.wvds-vscode-core
code --uninstall-extension wvds.wvds-vscode-build
# ... other extensions
</code>

Or: In VS Code Extensions -> Right-click -> "Uninstall"

===== Compilation =====

==== Why doesn't FPC find my units? ====

**Possible causes:**

  - **Unit paths not configured** - Check the project settings
  - **Incorrect case** - Linux/macOS are case-sensitive
  - **Unit not compiled** - Ensure the unit exists

**Solution:** Add unit paths in the project settings.

==== What does "Fatal: Can't find unit..." mean? ====

FPC cannot find a referenced unit.

**Steps to resolve:**
  - Check the spelling in the uses clause
  - Check if the unit file exists
  - Add the path to the unit search paths

==== How do I compile for different platforms? ====

**Native cross-compilation:**
  - Install FPC cross-compiler
  - Select target in project settings

**With WSL (Windows):**
<code json>
{
  "wvds.toolchain.wslEnabled": true,
  "wvds.toolchain.wslDistribution": "Ubuntu-22.04"
}
</code>

==== Why is my compilation slow? ====

**Possible causes:**

  - **Many units** - Incremental build helps
  - **Antivirus** - Add exception for project folder
  - **Network drive** - Use local storage

**Tips:**
  - Use "Build" instead of "Rebuild"
  - Enable smart linking
  - Reduce debug information in release

===== UI Designer =====

==== What is the difference between PXAML and LFM? ====

^ Aspect ^ PXAML ^ LFM ^
| Format | XML (human-readable) | Proprietary |
| Tool | WvdS Designer | Lazarus IDE |
| Targets | GUI, TUI, Web | GUI only |
| Version Control | Diff-friendly | Difficult |

==== Can I convert existing LFM files? ====

**Not directly at this time.** PXAML is a new format with a different concept.

Alternatives:
  * Recreate in the Designer
  * Convert manually
  * Tool development planned

==== Why doesn't the preview update? ====

**Steps to resolve:**
  - Save the file (''Ctrl+S'')
  - Check ''wvds.preview.autoRefresh''
  - Run ''WVDS: Refresh Preview''
  - Check for PXAML syntax errors

==== Does the Designer support data binding? ====

**Yes, but limited at design time.**

  * Binding syntax is supported
  * Static values are displayed
  * Real data binding only at runtime

===== Projects =====

==== How do I create a multi-project workspace? ====

  - ''File'' -> ''Add Folder to Workspace...''
  - Add project folders
  - ''File'' -> ''Save Workspace As...''

==== Can I open Delphi projects (.dpr)? ====

**Partially.** The syntax is supported, but:
  * Delphi-specific units are missing
  * VCL is not supported
  * Project files (.dproj) are not read

Recommendation: Migrate project to FPC/Lazarus.

==== How do I share code between projects? ====

**Options:**

  - **Shared folder:** Units in common folder, configure paths
  - **Package:** Create Lazarus package
  - **Copy:** Copy unit (not recommended)

===== Packaging =====

==== How do I publish my extension? ====

  - Create publisher account at [[https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/manage|VS Marketplace]]
  - Create Personal Access Token at [[https://dev.azure.com|Azure DevOps]]
  - Run ''WVDS: Publish Package''

==== Why is my package rejected? ====

**Common reasons:**

  * README missing or empty
  * Version already published
  * Invalid package.json
  * Publisher ID mismatch

Check the Terminal output for details.

==== Can I distribute private extensions? ====

**Yes, without Marketplace:**

  - Create VSIX package
  - Distribute file internally (network, email, etc.)
  - Installation: ''code --install-extension file.vsix''

===== Troubleshooting =====

==== VS Code shows "Extension not found" ====

**Solutions:**
  - Restart VS Code
  - Uninstall and reinstall extension
  - Check Developer Console (''Help'' -> ''Toggle Developer Tools'')

==== "Command not found" for WvdS commands ====

**Solutions:**
  - Check if the extension is activated
  - Wait after startup for complete activation
  - Check dependencies (Core extension installed?)

==== Where can I find logs? ====

**VS Code Output:**
  - ''View'' -> ''Output''
  - Dropdown: "WvdS"

**Extension Host Log:**
  - ''Help'' -> ''Toggle Developer Tools''
  - Console tab

**Build logs:**
  - Terminal panel
  - ''binaries/logs/'' (if configured)

==== How do I report a bug? ====

GitHub Issues: [[https://github.com/ArmandoFilho/WvdS.FPC/issues|github.com/ArmandoFilho/WvdS.FPC/issues]]

Please include:
  * VS Code version
  * Extension version
  * Operating system
  * Steps to reproduce
  * Error messages (log excerpts)

===== Comparison with Alternatives =====

==== WvdS Suite vs. Lazarus IDE ====

^ Aspect ^ WvdS Suite ^ Lazarus IDE ^
| IDE | VS Code | Own IDE |
| Language | Pascal | Pascal |
| UI Format | PXAML (XML) | LFM |
| Web Support | Yes (pas2js) | Limited |
| TUI Support | Yes | No |
| Extensibility | VS Code ecosystem | Lazarus packages |
| Learning Curve | Flat (VS Code users) | Medium |

==== WvdS Suite vs. OmniPascal ====

^ Aspect ^ WvdS Suite ^ OmniPascal ^
| Focus | RAD Studio (complete) | Syntax + Completion |
| UI Designer | Yes | No |
| Build System | Integrated | External |
| Project Templates | Yes | No |
| Price | Free (MIT) | Freemium |

===== More Questions? =====

  * **Documentation:** These wiki pages
  * **GitHub:** [[https://github.com/ArmandoFilho/WvdS.FPC|github.com/ArmandoFilho/WvdS.FPC]]
  * **Issues:** [[https://github.com/ArmandoFilho/WvdS.FPC/issues|Bug Reports and Feature Requests]]