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https://github.com/tinybiggames/cpas
Static C Libraries for Delphi
https://github.com/tinybiggames/cpas
c clibrary delphi pascal win64 windows-10 windows-11
Last synced: 6 days ago
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Static C Libraries for Delphi
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/tinybiggames/cpas
- Owner: tinyBigGAMES
- License: bsd-3-clause
- Created: 2024-06-18T22:02:29.000Z (4 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2024-06-20T11:30:57.000Z (4 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2024-09-23T20:30:58.980Z (10 days ago)
- Topics: c, clibrary, delphi, pascal, win64, windows-10, windows-11
- Language: C
- Homepage:
- Size: 6.05 MB
- Stars: 23
- Watchers: 8
- Forks: 4
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Funding: .github/FUNDING.yml
- License: LICENSE
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README
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# CPas
### Static C Libraries for Delphi
Current list of static C libraries available. More will be added by myself and hopfully other people in the community. If you wish to contribute, submit a PR. Follow the project format in this repo.
| Name | Latest Version | Category | Description |
|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
| [miniaudio](https://github.com/mackron/miniaudio) | 0.11.21 | Audio | An audio playback and capture library |
| Print | 1.0.0| Console | Print colored text to the console |
| [SQLite](https://github.com/sqlite/sqlite) | 3.46.0 | Database | Local SQL database library |
### 
Utilizing C code in Delphi app
From Delphi 12.1 onwards compiled C code can be incorporated into Delphi EXE without the need to use or include a DLL.
#### In short
1. Including the `.o` file from C++ Builder `{$L Unit1.o}`.
2. Exposing all the calls the C code relies on, and referencing them in Delphi (long list already exists, figuring out more is easy). See `CPas.CRuntime unit`.
3. Defining Delphi headers for the actual C routines in the `.o` file.
#### Explanation
- The trick is to build a `CRuntime` unit to reference all the missing functions the C code needs.
- C++ Builder's Win64 Modern platform is Clang based and links against the UCRT runtime, making a dll/exe in C, with `TDUMP` to show all the C runtime routines it references.
- It is ‘trivial’ to add to the `CRuntime` unit and build up a unit of routines in Delphi.
- Since Win64 Modern platform links only to the dynamic UCRT, only the routine address is needed, not a proper definition. i.e. `procedure wprintf; external ucrt;` is enough since the host app does not need to call it directly. As long as the code in the `.o` can reference `wprintf`, it will compile.
#### Instructions
- Compile the project with C++ builder, take the `.o` file and add it to the Delphi wrapper unit `{$L Unit1.o}`, with reference to `CRuntime` unit.
- Any C library that one would normally have to use via a `.dll`, can be attempted to be compiled in C++Builder Win64 Modern, and if so, then it's likely possible to statically link that into Delphi without having a DLL.
For example:
1. Compile `sqlite3.c` and take the `sqlite3.o`.
2. In the uses section add `CRuntime` unit, used by the C runtime routines.
3. In a `sqlite3` unit, declare all the routines inside `sqlite3.o`.
4. Add `{$L sqlite3.o}` in the implementation section.
5. Add this `sqlite3` unit to your project and compile.
sqlite3 C lib is now statically linked inside your Delphi EXE.
#### Prerequisites and other notes
- RAD Studio 12.1 or higher.
- ~~`__chkstk_ms` is needed, which is located not in `api-ms-win-crt-stdio-l1-1-0.dll` but in `kernalbase.dll` and it is not named `chkstk_ms` inside that DLL, but only as `chkstk`, while the code inside the `.o` file references it as `__chkstk_ms` and is solved by `procedure _chkstk_ms; stdcall; external kernelbase name 'chkstk';`.~~ This has been added to `CPas.CRuntime` unit.
- All these things must be "visible" in Delphi in order for the project to compile.
#### Expanding
- May work with other clang based compilers, but using C++ Builder to compile the C sources will work best with Delphi.
- Adding more references:
```
Imports from api-ms-win-crt-convert-l1-1-0.dll:
_strtod_l
_strtoi64_l
_strtoui64_l
atof
atoi
atol
mbrtowc
mbsrtowcs
strtof
strtol
strtoll
strtoul
strtoull
wcrtomb
wcrtomb_s
```
- Take all those references and go to `ChatGPT` and say:
“Create a Delphi unit called `CRuntime` and export these routines from `api-ms-win-crt-stdio-l1-1-0.dll` define as a const ucrt:” and paste the above references.
=> ChatGPT will generate a CRuntime unit.
- If for example `wprintf` in `UCRT` complain that `_wprintf` is not found, an underscore prefix will help, it’s a c linkage thing.
- Target 64 bit
- `CPas.CRuntime` unit exists in the repo, just add any new references to it.
### 
Support
Our development motto:
- We will not release products that are buggy, incomplete, adding new features over not fixing underlying issues.
- We will strive to fix issues found with our products in a timely manner.
- We will maintain an attitude of quality over quantity for our products.
- We will establish a great rapport with users/customers, with communication, transparency and respect, always encouraging feedback to help shape the direction of our products.
- We will be decent, fair, remain humble and committed to the craft.
### 
Links
- Issues
- Discussions
- Discord
- YouTube
- X (Twitter)
- tinyBigGAMES
### 
License
CPas is a community-driven project created by tinyBigGAMES LLC.
BSD-3-Clause license - Core developers:
- Jarrod Davis
### 
Acknowledgments
CPas couldn't have been built without the help of wonderful people and great software already available from the community. **Thank you!**
People
- John Claw
- Robert Jalarvo
Contributors
