How to build a DEBUG version of my app using dcc64?

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Summary

To build a DEBUG version of an application using dcc64, it’s essential to understand the role of compiler directives and command-line options. The provided command line is used for building the application in RELEASE mode. To switch to DEBUG mode, modifications to the command line are necessary.

Root Cause

The root cause of the issue is the lack of DEBUG-specific compiler directives and command-line options in the provided command line. The current command line is optimized for RELEASE mode, which does not include DEBUG information. Key causes include:

  • Missing DEBUG compiler directive
  • Insufficient command-line options for DEBUG mode

Why This Happens in Real Systems

This happens in real systems because RELEASE and DEBUG modes have different requirements. RELEASE mode is optimized for performance, while DEBUG mode is optimized for testing and debugging. The absence of DEBUG-specific configurations can lead to issues when trying to test or debug the application.

Real-World Impact

The real-world impact of not building the application in DEBUG mode includes:

  • Inability to test DEBUG-specific features
  • Difficulty in identifying and fixing issues
  • Inadequate logging and error reporting

Example or Code

// Example of a DEBUG compiler directive
{$IFDEF DEBUG}
  // DEBUG-specific code
{$ENDIF}

To build the application in DEBUG mode, the command line can be modified as follows:

dcc64 '-$D+' '-$L-' '-$Y-' '-O-' '-$Q-' '-$R-' 'MyApp.dpr'

Note the changes:

  • -$D+ enables DEBUG information
  • -$O- disables optimizations

How Senior Engineers Fix It

Senior engineers fix this issue by:

  • Understanding the differences between RELEASE and DEBUG modes
  • Modifying the command line to include DEBUG-specific compiler directives and command-line options
  • Using DEBUG-specific features, such as logging and error reporting, to identify and fix issues

Why Juniors Miss It

Juniors may miss this issue due to:

  • Lack of understanding of compiler directives and command-line options
  • Insufficient experience with DEBUG and RELEASE modes
  • Overlooking the importance of DEBUG-specific configurations for testing and debugging