What it does
Lazarus is a Delphi-compatible IDE for Free Pascal. It combines a code editor with a drag-and-drop form designer, synchronization between forms and source, project build tools, a debugger, and a package system. The project targets developers building native Pascal applications across Windows, macOS, Linux, and other supported systems; its LCL libraries support GUI development with platform-specific widget sets.
Lazarus suits a project where code and a desktop form are developed together. The official feature guide describes dragging controls onto a form, keeping GUI forms synchronized with source, then using the integrated build system and debugger to run and inspect the application. The same IDE also offers source navigation, code completion, and refactoring tools, while its package system can add components.
For a first project, select the Lazarus installer for the host system and use the Free Pascal compiler version paired with that release. The downloads page currently lists Lazarus 4.8 with FPC 3.2.2. A developer can then create a Pascal project, design a form if needed, and compile for a supported target. The project describes Lazarus as a GPL-licensed IDE, while its LCL and related libraries have LGPL terms with additional linking permission; optional packages may have different licenses. That distinction matters when distributing applications or extensions. Cross-platform project support does not mean every dependency is identical on every system: the official feature page notes Linux/BSD applications may depend on GTK2 or Qt.
Strengths
- The form designer and code editor synchronize GUI forms with source code.
- The IDE integrates build and debugging tools, plus code completion, source navigation, and refactoring.
- The official downloads page publishes installers across Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms.
Watch out for
- Linux/BSD output may depend on GTK2 or Qt, according to the official feature page.
- The IDE, core libraries, and optional packages do not all share one license; check package terms when distributing software.
Best for
- Free Pascal developers building native desktop applications with visual forms
- Pascal teams that want project editing, compilation, and debugging in one cross-platform IDE
Sources
- Lazarus: About Lazarus Project (Oct 25, 2026)
- Lazarus — Features and licensing (Oct 25, 2026)
- Lazarus: Downloads (Oct 25, 2026)