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View Full Version : Compling apps on Windows CE platform



Brainer
22-09-2007, 02:22 PM
Hello. :)

I have heard it is possible to compile applications on Windows CE platform in Delphi 2007. Is it really possible? If so, please tell me how to do it? Should I use .NET or so?

Thanks in advance! ;)

WILL
22-09-2007, 07:36 PM
To be completely honest, I'm surprised that I don't know if it can be done with Delphi. :lol: I have however seen this done with Lazarus, but obviously not with .NET!

To make a WinCE app that uses .NET, I know that the compiler would need to have the compact framework support, which I just don't know if Delphi supports at this time. The only platforms that Delphi really supports right not is .NET and Win32. However there is some extended support for the Vista enviroment, but it still only creates Win32 executables as far as I know of. So if you wanted to do this with Delphi you need .NET.

FPC alternatively can compile natively for WinCE and I have seen a demo of a Lazarus-made app for WinCE.

Brainer
22-09-2007, 07:49 PM
For all I know, Lazarus uses FPC, and FPC generates very large executable files. I know the size could be reduced by using UPX, but I'm not sure it'd be working correctly on a PDA.

I don't want to use .NET in my projects. I've heard that .NET applications work on the WinCE platform. Is there a compiler that allows to make programs for a PDA?

WILL
22-09-2007, 08:44 PM
Well if you are looking to target the WinCE platform specifically you don't have many other non-.NET choices. Well none, that I know of really.

As for large exe sizes, thats a Lazarus/LCL issue. FPC on it's own doesn't have this problem.

I did a quick google and found this though: http://dn.codegear.com/article/33066

I also did a google to try to find more accurate information about doing WinCE in Lazarus, I found this: http://wiki.lazarus.freepascal.org/Windows_CE_Interface

The only other option that I know of would be Chrome, which is definitely .NET. To do RAD you'll need to have a purchased copy of Visual Studio as it works like a plug-in for the IDE. But it's still possible with the free command line version! See http://www.remobjects.com/chrome/ if you're interested in that option.

Brainer
22-09-2007, 09:14 PM
Thanks for the links you gave me. :) They are all very interesting. :) I guess I'll give Lazarus a try. It's a pity it generates so huge executable files...

Thanks. :)