diff --git a/compiler/cgen.nim b/compiler/cgen.nim
index eca3c6db28..ac0fa3598f 100644
--- a/compiler/cgen.nim
+++ b/compiler/cgen.nim
@@ -16,11 +16,24 @@ import
   condsyms, rodutils, renderer, idgen, cgendata, ccgmerge, semfold, aliases,
   lowerings, semparallel, tables
 
-from modulegraphs import ModuleGraph
-from dynlib import libCandidates
-
 import strutils except `%` # collides with ropes.`%`
 
+from modulegraphs import ModuleGraph
+import dynlib
+
+when not declared(dynlib.libCandidates):
+  proc libCandidates(s: string, dest: var seq[string]) =
+    ## given a library name pattern `s` write possible library names to `dest`.
+    var le = strutils.find(s, '(')
+    var ri = strutils.find(s, ')', le+1)
+    if le >= 0 and ri > le:
+      var prefix = substr(s, 0, le - 1)
+      var suffix = substr(s, ri + 1)
+      for middle in split(substr(s, le + 1, ri - 1), '|'):
+        libCandidates(prefix & middle & suffix, dest)
+    else:
+      add(dest, s)
+
 when options.hasTinyCBackend:
   import tccgen
 
diff --git a/compiler/extccomp.nim b/compiler/extccomp.nim
index 175e8d8318..cdd93f0752 100644
--- a/compiler/extccomp.nim
+++ b/compiler/extccomp.nim
@@ -773,9 +773,12 @@ from json import escapeJson
 proc writeJsonBuildInstructions*(projectfile: string) =
   template lit(x: untyped) = f.write x
   template str(x: untyped) =
-    buf.setLen 0
-    escapeJson(x, buf)
-    f.write buf
+    when compiles(escapeJson(x, buf)):
+      buf.setLen 0
+      escapeJson(x, buf)
+      f.write buf
+    else:
+      f.write escapeJson(x)
 
   proc cfiles(f: File; buf: var string; list: TLinkedList, isExternal: bool) =
     var it = PStrEntry(list.head)