Question

How do I configure the RAD Studio IDE to format my code with begin on either the same or next line when I use the Format Source option?

One of the most commonly debated preferences is the position of begin – on the same line or a line of its own. How do you set Delphi to format your source with begin on one line or the other in Delphi XE2? This is referring to when you go to Edit > Format Source

Answer 1

I am answering this question Q&A style.

1. Go to Tools > Options
2. Find the Formatter section in the tree on the left
3. Inside that node, select Delphi > Line Breaks
4. Locate the section on the right labeled Insert line breaks for Begin and Single instructions
5. Inside here, find the setting labeled Line breaks before Begin in control statements
6. Switch this setting between Yes or No depending on your preference.

Yes will produce this:

if (Foo = Bar) then
begin

end;

No will produce this:

if (Foo = Bar) then begin

end;

By default, this setting is set to Yes which means when you use Format Source, it will always bring begin to the next line.

There are many settings in this section which can define how Format Source will treat your code. This option is available in at least RAD Studio 2010 and above. Not sure of which exact editions.

Note: Ctrl + D is a keyboard shortcut to format your source, a quicker alternative.