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 --version

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 --uninstall-extension wvds.wvds-vscode-core
code --uninstall-extension wvds.wvds-vscode-build
# ... other extensions

Or: In VS Code Extensions → Right-click → „Uninstall“

Compilation

Why doesn't FPC find my units?

Possible causes:

  1. Unit paths not configured - Check the project settings
  2. Incorrect case - Linux/macOS are case-sensitive
  3. 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:

  1. Check the spelling in the uses clause
  2. Check if the unit file exists
  3. Add the path to the unit search paths

How do I compile for different platforms?

Native cross-compilation:

  1. Install FPC cross-compiler
  2. Select target in project settings

With WSL (Windows):

{
  "wvds.toolchain.wslEnabled": true,
  "wvds.toolchain.wslDistribution": "Ubuntu-22.04"
}

Why is my compilation slow?

Possible causes:

  1. Many units - Incremental build helps
  2. Antivirus - Add exception for project folder
  3. Network drive - Use local storage

Tips:

  1. Use „Build“ instead of „Rebuild“
  2. Enable smart linking
  3. 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:

  1. Save the file (Ctrl+S)
  2. Check wvds.preview.autoRefresh
  3. Run WVDS: Refresh Preview
  4. 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?

  1. FileAdd Folder to Workspace…
  2. Add project folders
  3. FileSave 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:

  1. Shared folder: Units in common folder, configure paths
  2. Package: Create Lazarus package
  3. Copy: Copy unit (not recommended)

Packaging

How do I publish my extension?

  1. Create publisher account at VS Marketplace
  2. Create Personal Access Token at Azure DevOps
  3. 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:

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

Troubleshooting

VS Code shows "Extension not found"

Solutions:

  1. Restart VS Code
  2. Uninstall and reinstall extension
  3. Check Developer Console (HelpToggle Developer Tools)

"Command not found" for WvdS commands

Solutions:

  1. Check if the extension is activated
  2. Wait after startup for complete activation
  3. Check dependencies (Core extension installed?)

Where can I find logs?

VS Code Output:

  1. ViewOutput
  2. Dropdown: „WvdS“

Extension Host Log:

  1. HelpToggle Developer Tools
  2. Console tab

Build logs:

  1. Terminal panel
  2. binaries/logs/ (if configured)

How do I report a bug?

GitHub 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?

Zuletzt geändert: on 2026/01/29 at 10:29 PM