FreeSparta is OpenSource

[newman]

I think Lazarus IDE is great as it is (in its present form). I use both Windows and Linux versions for my projects.

My only wish is that the code editor be updated to look more like the Visual Studio editor, or even the Eclipse editor. The present editor looks quite dated, older versions of Visual studio look better when compared.

The other area that may need improvement is database development, there should be a better way to implement a simple sqlite based database in an application, even PHP can do this much better with lesser code.

At present I am working on a commercial product that has several program components designed in Lazarus.

I dont think I am going to change to any other system any time soon.

thanks
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[skalogryz]

How about some comparison screenshots (between VS and Lazarus) to show the outdated parts?

How about some fpc vs php code samples?

Actual samples (via code or pictures) help to address issues quicker!

[Leledumbo]

The other area that may need improvement is database development, there should be a better way to implement a simple sqlite based database in an application, even PHP can do this much better with lesser code.

Plain PHP will directly use SQLite API, which you can do as well in Pascal. The beauty of data aware components come from its ability to switch over backend dbms with single component (or even single string) change, provided the SQL is understood by all chosen backends. If you want SQL-less transaction, use ORM/OPF such as tiOPF, mORMot or any other frameworks. Most modern PHP frameworks also include ORM solution, along with other standalone ORM solutions.

[Handoko]

My only wish is that the code editor be updated to look more like the Visual Studio editor, or even the Eclipse editor. The present editor looks quite dated, older versions of Visual studio look better when compared.

I heard some said they wish the code editor has interface like Visual Studio or whatever. Can you please describe what the features that sound so great? I don't use Visual Studio, so I'd like to know it.

The first time I used Lazarus, I thought it looks ugly. But after using it more seriously, the ugly interface sometime really has it's own advantage. For your information, you can enable docking feature on Lazarus. I tried it, but not like it very much because if the docking feature is enabled, the coding area will become smaller. I personally prefer a large full screen area for coding.

I don't think Lazarus' Anchor Docking may make it looks as good as Visual Studio, but at least you should give it a try. Here if you want to enable it:

1. Menu > Package > Install/Uninstal Packages ...
2. On the right panel > choose AnchorDockingDsgn 0.5
3. Click Install selection and then Save and rebuild IDE

After you enabled the Anchor Docking, you may need to configure some options and arrange the layout that suit your needs.

[marcov]

That's because Lazarus' docking does not yet support that side-windows (like projects, components, OI etc) auto minimize to the side.