Free Pascal (aka FPK Pascal) is a 32 bit Pascal compiler. The language syntax is semantically compatible with TP 7.0 as well as most versions of Delphi (classes, rtti, exceptions, ansistrings, widestrings, and interfaces). Furthermore, Free Pascal supports function overloading, operator overloading, and global properties.
Excellent system enabling the user to develop efficient programs for Windows. First class Runtime Library and Documentation support.
Even for a relative novice Object Orientated Programmer like me, the Lazarus System helps you all the way to building a Program.
Cons
Beginner's definitely need the Lazarus book.
Summary
I do volunteer work at the "Citizens Advice Bureau" in Falkirk Scotland. I am using free Pascal to digitise the old Paper Card Rolladex System for storing Telephone numbers that the General Advisers use. Rather than try some of the systems already available, I have written a bespoke System from scatch - in part to enable me to learn Free Pascal. The string handling aspects of Free Pascal are excellent. I would highly recommend the Lazarus Free Pascal environment for developing reliable, efficient Windows code.
A cross-platform 32-/64-bit Object Pascal compiler
chujetcheng
Pros
Cross-platform, 64-bit development, very high speed of compilation, code optimization, RAD, as well as a number of good libraries from networking to gaming.
Cons
It'd be better if some more targets were available.
Summary
Free Pascal is a modern 32-/64-bit Pascal compiler with elegance, speed, and power.
Free Pascal supports a variety of targets, and is also among the first open source compilers that produce 64-bit code.
A Free Pascal-based rapid application development (RAD) software kit, Lazarus, allows one to create graphical applications for all platforms supported by Free Pascal.
Free Pascal compiles extremely fast, and produces highly optimized code.
Various projects have been developed with Free Pascal. Notable examples include Pixel image editor (a Photoshop-like graphics manipulation program), Peazip (an archiving tool), Lazarus, and Free Pascal itself.
Quite a number of gaming libraries/engines are either created with or source-compatible with Free Pascal, for example, Genesis Device Engine, CAST II, and Andorra 2D, to name a few.
A number of libraries for other purposes are also available.
A few experimental operating systems are also created with Free Pascal.
To summary, Free Pascal a mature Object Pascal compiler with a rich palette of libraries, and is under continuous development and refinement.
The good old pascal.
MorizSB
Pros
Easy to use.
Cons
Still very bad presentation.
Summary
Great software
afanluc
Pros
It is a great Pascal compiler. Lazarus (the project with an IDE) uses this one, and is great, too, althought it needs some improvement, it is useful for general purpose.