Hello Folks, as a new Mac owner (4 days ?) I read with interest Tan’s July comments about the Mac Install wiki page. And to some degree, I agree and propose to update
http://wiki.freepascal.org/Installing_Lazarus_on_MacOS_X if what I say does not shock people here too badly.
The problem, and its common on any wiki, is that people find it easier (and politer) to add new content rather than update existing content. The current page is dominated by old versions of Xcode, OSX and Lazarus and while possibly valuable material to a small number of people, most new users, and that's our customers, find it confusing, even worrying.
I have FPC, Lazarus and gdb working fine on my Mac, its not really hard, even for a complete Mac beginner. I think it would be useful to record what I have learnt.
I would like to apply a model I have found works well elsewhere, move legacy content to a separate section towards the bottom of the page. Keep the first seen part of the page all about current versions of everything. That covers most potential users. At the same time I will consolidate the valuable information scattered across the forum so someone can see what steps are needed. I have drafted up that content, that draft starts like this -
Installing Lazarus on a Mac is not particularly difficult but is a bit of a tedious process. Its critical that you do the install in the correct order. Skipping steps will almost certainly lead to tears. In brief, here is what you do -
1. Download and install Xcode.
2. Install the global command line tools for Xcode.
3. Install gdb - sort of but not really optional.
4. Install Free Pascal Compiler.
5. Install FPC Source
6. Install Lazarus.
7. Speak to Lazarus about gdb.
The detailed instructions assume a current version of OSX on you Mac, current version of Xcode from Apple and current version of Lazarus. Further down the page, under Legacy Documentation, you will see older information that may be relevant if you are using older components.
... Detailed instructions ....
Well, what do you think ? Have I offended anyone ?
David