Thanks for the replies ...
@Lainz:I've used BGRAControls in several Linux applications as well, without issue, and I'm very happy with the controls.
However, this is the first time I'm compiling them under Linux with FPC 3.3.1 (trunk).
I switched to FPC 3.3.1 since I started having some compatibility issues when moving my code back and forth between macOS (where I use FPC 3.3.1) and Linux/Windows. Under macOS and Windows, I did not encounter the problem I'm running into right now.
The reason why I switched to a clean machine, is that setups under Linux tend to get messy over time. I'm aware this is a user problem haha ... but as a non-seasoned Linux user, I do tend to forget the little intricacies. I did pick Clear Linux (I used to use Mint Linux), just to try another Linux distro. But both Clear Linux and Mint Linux produce the exact same error (when following the steps in my initial post).
My initial thought was some sorts of incompatibility between the GTK2 widgetset and FPC 3.3.1 since on my messed up VM Lazarus would crash when loading any project with BGRAControls on the form.
Right now however, on a clean machine, having done just the steps listed above, the BGRAControls units are not even found, even when I try to manually add one of these units (autocomplete) - which to something being wrong with the path configuration.
On that note: when placing the control on the form, I get an Access Violation message instantly. But strangely enough, the control shows correctly on the form, and I can even move and resize them. Object Inspector however, does NOT list the control or show it's properties/events.
Compiling the application works as well, without error message, but when trying to run the compiled application I get the fatal error (Class "TBCButton" not found).
@Winni:I'm not a Linux expert so please bear with me.
I've noticed that under Mint Linux
/etc/ld.so.conf and
/etc/ld.so.conf.d do exist.
Under Clear Linux however they
do not exist.
I've created the file and added your suggested path to it (after verifying they actually exist).
Rebuild Lazarus completely, but still getting the same error.
On that note, the use of "sudo" (installing FPC and Lazarus) can be quite confusing at times as well (lack of knowledge on my end).
Would it be possible to run Lazarus completely in user space?
Also: when starting the IDE from a shell, I do not get any useful info, even when building the DEBUG-IDE.
After several days, I am getting a little frustrated with this and searching for an answer online didn't get me any further either.