Program:
DelforExp, Delphi Formatter
Version:
2.4.1 for Delphi 2-7
Note DelForEx7.dll might not work, please notify me if you
have problems
Category:
Programmers tool
Description:
DelforExp is a customizable source code formatter.
It can improve the indentation, spacing, capitalization and
the use of blank lines of Delphi 5.0 source code.
In the default settings, the style of the Borland source code
is followed closely.
It is an expert that is integrated in the Delphi IDE.
Status:
The program is released as FREEWARE to improve the productivity
of Delphi. You may distribute the files freely as long as you don't
make money by it. The use of the program is at own risk. (see also
license.txt)
The source code is partly included, to make it possible to customize
the user interface and upgrade to future Delphi versions. Only the
engine of the formatter is included as compiled dll file.
Files:
DelForEx5.dll Delphi 5 version
DelForDll.dll The engine of the parser/formatter
DelFor.hlp On-line help
SetupEx.dpr Install/deinstall
Readme.txt this file
License.txt license notes
Preview.pas Example pascal file for preview window
Problems.pas Nonsense Pascal with solved (and some known) problems in DelFor
Source.zip Zipped file with source of the interface parts of
DelForEx2.dpr (Delphi 2 version)
DelForEx3.dpr (Delphi 3 version)
DelForEx4.dpr (Delphi 4 version)
DelForEx5.dpr (Delphi 5 version)
DelForEx6.dpr (Delphi 6 version)
DelForEx7.dpr (Delphi 7 version)
DelFor.dpr (Stand-alone version (needs the freeware opensource
component mwEdit)
SetupEx.dpr (the setup utility)
Install:
Copy all files to any directory.
[If necessary unzip source.zip and build the required version
in Delphi.]
Close Delphi
Run the program SetupEx.
Restart Delphi.
The second item of the "Tools" menu should be "Source Formatter..."
To install/remove manually: set or delete the following registry keys
D7: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Borland\Delphi\7.0\Experts\DelForEx6=[Path]\DelForEx7.dll
D6: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Borland\Delphi\6.0\Experts\DelForEx6=[Path]\DelForEx6.dll
D5: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Borland\Delphi\5.0\Experts\DelForEx5=[Path]\DelForEx5.dll
D4: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Borland\Delphi\4.0\Experts\DelForEx4=[Path]\DelForEx4.dll
D3: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Borland\Delphi\3.0\Experts\DelForExp=[Path]\DelForEx3.dll
D2: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Borland\Delphi\2.0\Experts\DelForEx=[Path]\DelForEx2.dll
Compile instructions
The version of the DFM files is Delphi 5. Therefore you will get errormessages in earlier
versions. Please open all dialog boxes and ignore all errors before compiling
DelForEx2.dpr and DelForEx3.dpr.
DeInstall:
Rerun the program SetupEx.
Delete all files.
Contact:
Egbert van Nes
http://www.dow.wau.nl/aew/DelForExp.html (NOTE: HAS CHANGED)
egbert.vannes@wur.nl
Wageningen University
The Netherlands
FAQ
Q: Could you please add xxx option in your formatter?
A: There are many wishes like yours. Currently, I only add those that
- I like a LOT
- are not too difficult to add
My time is limited, I don't make money with this tool and my priority is to keep the formatter stable and to fix bugs.
Q: Please, give me the source code!
A: Pardon?
Q: Could I please buy the code?
A: No, I am sorry it is not for sale.
Q: Where can I find your free formatter?
A: The latest version is at the official DelForExp Homepage.
http://www.slm.wau.nl/wkao/DelForExp.html
There are also copies at: Torry pages,The Delphi Super Page,
DelphiSource.COM and The Delphi Pages.
On these pages you can find many other useful components too.
Q: Have you also created a similar formatter for C++, Java
or Visual Basic?
A: No, I am sorry, I have only created one for Delphi.
Being an addicted Delphi user, I have no plans to create one
for any other computer language.
Q: I want to develop an expert. I'm completely new to the subject. Where can I find good resources about writing experts?
A: I have used the following resources:
(1) Templest software has gathered some information at
http://www.tempest-sw.com/opentools/.
(2) At the Torry pages there are many freeware components
(with source) of Martin Waldenburg that are very usefull
(e.g., TOTA, MPasLex, MWLexGen, IDEStrea (used for DelForExp)
, MIDETre4)
(3) There is a newsgroup about the Open Tools API: borland.public.delphi.opentoolsapi
Known problems:
(1)
Compiler {$IFDEF} + {$ELSE} directives may be nested to 3 levels and break
into blocks of code. After the third nested level the right indentation
is not guaranteed.
(2)
After some options (align, adding line breaks) the indentation might
be not correct. Rerunning DelFor can fix the problems.
(3)
It is tried to indent function directives after function declarations.
In some cases this does not happen.
(4)
After formatting the positions of breakpoints and bookmarks are not changed
(all bookmarks are moved and stacked at the end of the file) breakpoints
are removed) If someone knows how to get and set the locations of these points
I would be happy to hear from you.