$IF

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The {$if …} directive can be used in conditional compilation.

// pointermath directive did not exist prior FPC 3.0.0
{$if FPC_VERSION > 2}
	// pointer arithmetics is bad. very bad
	{$pointermath off}
{$endif}

This directive enables the use of complex conditions that are not possible with {$ifdef}.

It also introduces boolean functions such as `defined()` and `undefined()`, which can be combined with logical operators like `and` and `or`. This makes condition checks simpler and more readable. For example:

// Previously, to check multiple conditions, you had to write:
{$define SOMETHING}
{$define SOMETHINGELSE}
{$ifdef SOMETHING}//Union $IfDef to check multiple conditions
	{$ifdef SOMETHINGELSE}
   {$ModeSwitch advancedrecords}
  {$endif}
{$endif}

//But with the {$IF} you can check conditions together:
{$if defined(SOMETHING) and defined(SOMETHINGELSE)}//simple and readable instead of union {$IFDef}`s
  {$ModeSwitch advancedrecords}
{$endif} 

{$if defined(somthing) or defined(somethingelse)}
  //Whatever you need!
{$endif}

{$if undefined(what) and defined(somethingelse)}
  //Just for note, Another usage!
{$endif}