Lazarus Release 2.2.0 - macOS lost cursor

[geraldholdsworth]

Hiya,

Just started using the new version - thank you for releasing it.

I tried to raise a bug on bug tracker about the disappearing cursor on macOS - but I'm not sure if it got added. It seems that this bug has got worse with the latest version.

Before 2.2, I wouldn't have a cursor after certain events (e.g. dialogue boxes popping up produced by the program, then quitting back to the IDE) - I never really got to the bottom of this as the issue wasn't a big one. I could get the cursor back by switching to another unit tab then back again. However, as of 2.2, it seems I lose the cursor more frequently.

I've noticed that it goes if I paste a block of copied text, or save the file, using the keyboard shortcuts the cursor goes (although I can still carry on editing). In fact, I've just found out if I select a block of text the delete it, by pressing delete, I lose the cursor there too. This makes using it on macOS difficult, which is a shame as it is my main OS for writing applications now.

[trev]

I occasionally lose the cursor on macOS, but it is not consistent and has not become worse with the latest release. In my case, I lose it when using Safari to lookup Apple documentation or use a search engine, but not always. I can get it back by going to Project > Project Options and cancelling.

In fact, I've just found out if I select a block of text the delete it, by pressing delete, I lose the cursor there too.

I tried this three times and the cursor never disappeared... it's annoyingly inconsistent.

[Martin_fr]

If it comes back, after switching windows, then this may be a focus related issue....

Depending on that, there are possible workarounds...

- Focus: Tools > Options > Editor > General : "Visible Caret in unfocused editor"
- Something else: Tools >  Options > Editor > Display > Color : Set a custom color for the "Caret" (In the section "Text" underneath "Bracket Highlight")

When looking for "causes" of the issue, look out for
- focus changes
- scrolling

Getting debug info
Compile the IDE with -dVerboseFocus -dSynCaretDebug -dSYNSCROLLDEBUG -dVerboseKeys
Run with a log --debug-log=file.
When the caret has gone, enter something easy to identify, e.g. press "a" 5 times. (That can be found in the log).
Edit the log. Cut off all but the last maybe 100 lines (before the focus loss). Remove any sensitive logged key-strokes (everything you typed is in the log)

[Martin_fr]

I tried to raise a bug on bug tracker about the disappearing cursor on macOS - but I'm not sure if it got added.

I couldn't find any report https://gitlab.com/freepascal.org/lazarus/lazarus/-/issues

[geraldholdsworth]

Cheers Martin - I'll give those options a go. If I still have issues I'll try and raise a bug report, again.

Incidentally, on macOS, it's Lazarus->Preferences, not Tools->Options...just in case anyone thought they were going blind like me

[geraldholdsworth]

I tried this three times and the cursor never disappeared... it's annoyingly inconsistent.

Yep - since I posted this I've been using Lazarus and sometimes it does go, while others it doesn't.