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Getting started with FPC - Chapter 2 - by Delax

By now you should have the Free Pascal Compiler installed on your system. I will assume that it is installed in C:\PP. In this chapter I will show you how to configure an external Editor as your IDE.

Step 1: Downloading EditPlus

EditPlus is an "Internet Ready Text Editor", mostly for coding HTML and various scripting languages. But it is able to work as an IDE for FPC as well. Other alternatives are UltraEdit, EditorOne etc.

You can dwownload EditPlus at http://www.editplus.com. The editor is Shareware and you are allowed to use it for 30 days. After those 30 days it still works, but you should really consider spending those 20$. The most recent version by the time of writing this text is 2.10c.

You need the editor as well as an extension for Pascal files. You can find this extension in "User Files". It is called "Pascal.stx".

Step 2: Installing EditPlus

Just install EditPlus anywhere on your HD. Then, copy the "Pascal.stx" file in the same directory as EditPlus.

Now start EditPlus. Go into the Options Menu ("Tools/ Preferences"). Then click on "Files/ Settings & Syntax" and "Add" on the right. A dialog "New Setting" will appear. Enter "Pascal" in the "Description" Field. The "File Extension" is "Pas;pp;". Then click "Word Wrap" and enable it. It's your choice if you want to associate Pascal Files in your Explorer.

We'll stick with the Preferences. Below the entries you just did is a field called "Syntax File". Click on the dots to the right and search for the "Pascal.stx" file you (hopefully) downloaded.

So much for the "Files" entries. Now click on "Tools/ User Tools". First enter a name for a new group (Group Name). I suggest "Pascal" ;). Then click on "Add Tool" and select "Program". A "New Program" dialog appears. Just call the "Menu Text" "FPC Compiler". Then choose the dots to the right of "Command" and choose your "C:\PP\BIN\GO32V2\PPC386.EXE" (DOS), C:\PP\BIN\WIN32\PPC386.EXE" (Windows) or whatever. select "File Path" as "Argument" and keep the "Initial Directory" empty. Last but not least check "Capture Output" and "Promt for Arguments".

Yaaay! You're done! Now click on O.K. and restart EditPlus (necessary!).

To test your new IDE open some kind of FPC Demo File (MAGIC.PP or something). First you should notice that EditPlus is highlighting Pascal Commands. Don't worry if you don't like the color - you are able to choose one for yourself ;) Anyway - Click "Tools" on the Menu Bar and choose the FPC Compiler. You will be asked for Arguments. Normally you would enter some compiler switches (-TWin32, ...), but the Demos should not need any. If everything went well, you should get an output window telling you that everything compiled without errors.

And that's it. You got FPC with an IDE. Next up: reading the FPC Documentation. Twice. Please do! Most of your questions should be answered there. If you encounter some problems: try posting them on a Forum or contact me at delax@sundancerinc.de.

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