WinCE port

This article applies to Windows CE only.

See also: Multiplatform Programming Guide

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WinCE port is quite complete and usable. The port was started and maintained by Yury Sidorov. Oliver (Oro06) ported WinCE API headers.

Status

• FPC 2.2.0 or later supports WinCE target.
• CPU support for WinCE target:
  • ARM CPU is fully supported. See arm-wince how to setup a crosscompiling enviroment.
    There are readymade crosscompiler package available(See Lazarus download sources)
  • i386 CPU support was not tested too much and may contain bugs. Patches are welcome.
    Normally there is no readymade crosscompiler package for this CPU. See i386-wince howto setup a cross compile enviroment(Win32 Host)
• The following platforms are supported:
  • Devices based on WinCE 3.0 or later
  • Pocket PC 2002 – WinCE version: 3.0
  • Pocket PC 2003 – WinCE version: 4.20
  • Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition – WinCE version: 4.21
  • Windows Mobile 5 – WinCE version: 5.0
  • Windows Mobile 6 – WinCE version: 5.2
  • Windows Mobile 6.5 - WinCE version: 5.2.1
• RTL and FCL units are working.

Debugging WinCE applications

GDB can be used to debug your WinCE applications remotely via ActiveSync. Download GDB 6.4 for Win32 host and arm-wince target here: ftp://ftp.freepascal.org/pub/fpc/contrib/cross/gdb-6.4-win32-arm-wince.zip

Some hints:

• Pass --tui parameter to GDB to enable TUI interface which makes debugging more comfortable.
• Use unix line endings (LF only) in your pascal source files. Otherwise GDB will show sources incorrctly.

How to use:

First, make ActiveSync connection to your Pocket PC device.

Then launch gdb:

gdb --tui <your_executable_at_local_pc>

On gdb prompt type:

run or just r

GDB will copy your executable to the device in \gdb folder and run it.

Here is a short list of most needed GDB commands:

• r args - run program with args arguments.
• s - step into.
• n - step over.
• ni - step over instrument.step over assembly instruction.
• c - continue execution.
• br <function_name> - set a breakpoint at function_name. Use PASCALMAIN to set a breakpoint at program start.
• br <source_file>:<line_number> - set a breakpoint at specified source line.
• disas - show disassembly of current location.
• x/fmt address - dump memory at address with special format.use "help x" for more informations.
• bt - back trace.print back trace of the call stack.
• where - Display the current line and function and the stack of calls that got you there.
• q - Quit gdb.

To learn more how to use GDB read its documentation here: http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/documentation

For example you want to build FCL. Go to fpc\fcl folder and execute the command above. You will get FCL compiled units in fpc\fcl\units\arm-wince.

See Also

• WinCE port hints
• Windows CE interface for Lazarus
• Windows CE Development Notes
• WinCE port of KOL GUI library

Links

• Useful WinCE info http://www.rainer-keuchel.de/documents.html
• Standalone Pocket PC device emulator from Microsoft. It emulates ARM CPU. Get it here
• Mamaich Pocket PC port of GCC http://mamaich.uni.cc
• Buildfaq is a general FAQ about how to build and configure FPC.

Here are some links related to ARM CPU Architecture

• ARM Core Developers Forum Not that much active though.
• GCC ARM Improvement Project
• ARM ASSEMBLER Good information and codes related to arm assembly language.
• GNU ARM toolchain for Cygwin, Linux and MacOS
• Microsoft Windows CE .NET 4.2 ARM Guide
• ARM Instruction Sets & Programs Very good and consice information about arm architecture
• The ARM Instruction Set Another fine power point file about arm

Contacts

Write any questions regarding WinCE port to Yury Sidorov