It took me a while to figure this one out:
When you have a registered Delphi, you can Ctrl-Click browse both the units and symbols of RTL, VCL, etc. But Delphi will not recompile these units.
Some third party components you cannot Ctrl-Click browse the units or symbols, unless you put the source directory in the Delphi Library Path (which causes them to be compiled each and every time).
This is because:
- the precompiled DCUs are in the Delphi Library Path.
- the source code is added to the Delphi Browsing Path (and sometimes not even that).
- the DCUs don’t contain information that the source code is Browsable or Referencable as it was compiled with {$Y-}.
These are the possible values for that directive:
- {$Y-} or {$DEFINITIONINFO OFF} or {$REFERENCEINFO OFF},
- {$Y+} or{$REFERENCEINFO ON},
- {$YD} or {DEFINITIONINFO ON}
So please component vendors: when you ship source code, make it IDE-browsable as well by compiling with $YD or $Y+.
–jeroen
via:
- Problem with setting Browsing Path in Delphi option page – Stack Overflow.
- Delphi 2010+: $Y directive Symbol declaration and cross-reference information Delphi – RAD Studio.
- Delphi 2009: $Y directive Symbol declaration and cross-reference information Delphi.
- Delphi 2007: $Y directive Symbol declaration and cross-reference information Delphi.
- Delphi Search path vs Library Path vs Browsing Path – Stack Overflow.
The Wiert Corner - irregular stream of stuff 