i gave up

[felipemdc]

That's just what I'm - slowly! - doing.  But how do I know I have all the right docs?  That's the sort of thing I mean.  I'll get there.

It's not really an answer for your question, but for reference I usually use:

1> Online docs:

http://www.freepascal.org/docs-html/rtl/index.html
http://www.freepascal.org/docs-html/fcl/index.html
http://www.freepascal.org/docs-html/lcl/index.html

2> The Wiki

3> There is also the Lazarus Book: See http://www.lazarus.freepascal.org/index.php/topic,13314.msg69749/boardseen.html#new

4> Delphi basics is good for basic Pascal stuff: http://www.delphibasics.co.uk/

[jl]

   I think 4 MB it's not much, but you can make it smaller although I never tried. Take a look at the FAQ and search in the forum to know what you can do to strip from binary.

I use ASPack to compress the binary.  Anyway, file size isn't an issue nowadays with 500GB HD the standard.

I'm more concerned about the ability of the compiler to detect code problem instead of the External:SIGSEGV error.   

[Leledumbo]

I'm more concerned about the ability of the compiler to detect code problem instead of the External:SIGSEGV error.

If you compile with -gl, you'll get a backtrace where the access violation occurs.

[eny]

Totally agree. 
We really need a short tutorial to let people know how to build an application in Lararus.

Totally agree with u !!!

Thanks

Well, ok, here is something to get you started (work in progress):

http://wiki.lazarus.freepascal.org/Howdy_World_%28Hello_World_on_steroids%29

[Cran0g]

Cool.  That's the sort of thing.  Many thanks.