Inhaltsverzeichnis
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:
- 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):
{
"wvds.toolchain.wslEnabled": true,
"wvds.toolchain.wslDistribution": "Ubuntu-22.04"
}
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 VS Marketplace
- Create Personal Access Token at 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: 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: github.com/ArmandoFilho/WvdS.FPC
- Issues: Bug Reports and Feature Requests