Uncovering the Best Lazarus Alternatives for Cross-Platform Development
Lazarus, paired with Free Pascal, offers a powerful, write-once-compile-anywhere solution for developing Delphi-like applications across various platforms including Linux, Win32, and OS/2. Its API independence and resemblance to VCL make it a favorite for many developers. However, specific project requirements, platform preferences, or a desire for different feature sets might lead you to explore other excellent options. If you're searching for a robust Lazarus alternative, you've come to the right place.
Top Lazarus Alternatives
Whether you're looking for commercial powerhouses, open-source flexibility, or specialized development environments, the following alternatives offer compelling features for your next project.
Xcode
Xcode is Apple's primary integrated development environment (IDE) for macOS, making it an excellent free alternative for developers focused on the Apple ecosystem. It features a robust compiler, code completion, color coding, and comprehensive developer tools, ideal for building native Mac applications.
Delphi
Embarcadero Delphi is a commercial software development environment for Microsoft Windows applications, often considered the spiritual predecessor and close relative to Lazarus. It excels in rapid application development (RAD) and offers features like database access, Android development capabilities, and support for multiple programming languages within its powerful IDE.
CodeTyphon
CodeTyphon is a free and open-source fork of Lazarus, providing a vast collection of bundled Lazarus/Free Pascal components and its own expansion features. It's a fantastic cross-platform Lazarus alternative available for Windows, Linux, and BSD, offering an IDE that compiles to native assembly code, supports object-oriented programming, and visual programming for RAD.
Turbo Pascal
Turbo Pascal is a classic free personal software development system for the Pascal programming language on Windows. It includes a compiler and an integrated development environment (IDE) with a debugger, making it a nostalgic yet functional Lazarus alternative for those familiar with or interested in its historical context.
Cevelop
Cevelop is a free C++ IDE designed for professional developers, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It offers robust features like coding assistance, developer tools, refactoring, and unit testing, providing a strong alternative for those preferring C++ over Pascal-based environments.
Xojo
Xojo, a commercial object-oriented development tool for Mac, Windows, and Linux, is a strong Lazarus alternative for creating diverse applications, games, and utilities. It features a powerful GUI Designer and supports Rapid Application Development (RAD), including Raspberry Pi development.
RAD Studio
Embarcadero RAD Studio is a commercial, Windows-based rapid application development suite that focuses on visually building GUI-intensive, data-driven applications. As the industry's most powerful RAD tool, it's an excellent Lazarus alternative for enterprises prioritizing fast development and robust GUI capabilities.
Ultimate++
Ultimate++, also known as U++, is a free and open-source C++ cross-platform rapid application development framework available for Windows, Linux, and BSD. It focuses on programmer productivity, offering a Gui Builder, IDE, and RAD capabilities, making it a compelling Lazarus alternative for C++ enthusiasts.
React Studio
React Studio is a freemium Mac-based tool for creating app flows and components, focusing on visual expression of properties and data linkage. While primarily for web development, its RAD features and visual approach make it an intriguing Lazarus alternative for those venturing into React-based applications.
LiveCode Platform
LiveCode Platform offers both GPL and proprietary versions, providing a versatile cross-platform development environment for Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile devices. Its standout features include cross-platform compatibility and live editing, making it a flexible Lazarus alternative for diverse projects.
B4X
B4X is a commercial Rapid Application Development (RAD) tool for creating native iOS, Android, desktop, and server applications across various platforms including Windows, Android, and iPhone. Its features like code completion and multiplatform support make it a powerful Lazarus alternative for modern mobile and desktop app development.
Microsoft Small Basic
Microsoft Small Basic is a free, Windows-based programming environment designed to make computer programming fun and accessible for beginners of all ages. While simpler than Lazarus, it's a great entry-level Lazarus alternative for those new to coding or looking for a very friendly development experience.
My Visual Database
My Visual Database is a commercial Windows-based development environment that allows users to create database applications without extensive programming knowledge. It functions as a simple IDE with a built-in editor, database management, and WYSIWYG support, offering a specialized Lazarus alternative for database-centric applications.
Ecere SDK
Ecere SDK is a free and open-source cross-platform Software Development Kit available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It's a comprehensive Lazarus alternative, including a GUI toolkit, 2D/3D graphics engine, networking library, audio output, an IDE, a compiler for the eC language, and a robust build system.
Pelles C
Pelles C is a free personal comprehensive development suite for Windows that supports creating applications compatible with Windows and ARM platforms. It includes an optimizing C compiler and various tools, making it a viable Lazarus alternative for C language developers.
Ultimately, the best Lazarus alternative for you will depend on your specific needs, target platforms, budget, and preferred programming language. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your next development project.