Major Enhancements to Quartex Pascal IDE

1. Debugger Added

The biggest news is the integration of a full-fledged debugger. This isn’t just a basic debugging tool—this is a complete implementation of the JSVM debug protocol. You can set breakpoints, step through your code, inspect values, hover over symbols to see their current state, and more—all in real time. The debugger works seamlessly across browser runtimes (Chrome, Edge, Chromium) and server runtimes (Node.js, Bun, Deno), making it versatile and powerful for modern web and server-side development.

2. Remote Debugging

Remote debugging is now supported! Imagine deploying your Node.js server on a separate machine—perhaps a cloud server or a Raspberry Pi—and being able to connect to that machine from your development environment. You can now set breakpoints and inspect code from anywhere. This feature is invaluable for IoT projects, embedded systems, or complex server deployments.

3. Back and Next Navigation

Though it may seem minor, the new Back and Next navigation buttons in the IDE make jumping between code locations effortless. It’s a feature you don’t realize you miss until it’s gone—now it’s here to stay, improving your workflow and making navigation easier than ever.

4. Three.js Package Support

Quartex Pascal IDE now integrates with Three.js, the leading 3D library for HTML5. This means you can develop intricate 3D applications or widgets directly within the IDE. Thanks to a comprehensive wrapper created by Ed van der Mark, Three.js can be used as Object Pascal classes, making it easier than ever to bring 3D elements into your projects.

5. New Unit and JavaScript Parsers

Both the Unit parser and JavaScript parser have been overhauled, improving code navigation, class completion, and refactoring capabilities. This means faster and more efficient coding, with advanced features like rename refactoring and class/method extraction without needing a full compilation.

6. Ragnarok Protocol Designer Fixes

Ragnarok, the protocol designer for message serialization in JSON, has had its minor bugs fixed. Developers can now generate message classes effortlessly, simplifying communication between client and server. This feature becomes essential when building microservices or systems requiring structured data exchange.

Additional Features

IDE Shortcuts and Class Completion: Quartex Pascal IDE now supports shortcuts and class completion similar to what you’d find in Delphi or Lazarus. This boosts your productivity, allowing you to code faster with fewer interruptions.

Mount Any Path as a File Source: You can now mount any path—be it a local folder, a network share, or a Dropbox folder—as a file source, adding flexibility and ease when managing your project’s resources.

Looking Ahead: Quartex Pascal IDE v1.0

With only two tickets left, the Quartex Pascal IDE is on the cusp of its first major release. Following the launch, we will shift focus to implementing Node.js back-end servers for license management and provisioning. Once that’s complete, you’ll be able to download a trial version and start building powerful web applications with QTX—the "Delphi for the web" developers have been eagerly waiting for.

Conclusion

Quartex Pascal IDE is packed with features that make it the ideal tool for modern development. With robust debugging tools, remote capabilities, and integration with Three.js, the IDE is designed to enhance your development experience, whether you’re working on browser-based apps, server-side projects, or IoT applications. The journey to v1.0 is almost complete, and we’re excited to have you along for the ride!