Building a Zip File

You can use the Application Builder to build a zip file. A zip file is a file that contains compressed files, which you can send to users. Zip files are useful if you want to send instrument drivers, selected source files, or an entire LabVIEW project to other developers.

Note  The LabVIEW Professional Development System includes the Application Builder. If you use the LabVIEW Base Package or Full Development System, you can purchase the Application Builder separately by visiting the National Instruments Web site.

Complete the following steps to build a zip file.

1. Open the LabVIEW project you want to use to build the zip file. You must have a project open and saved to build a zip file.
2. Expand My Computer or another target. Right-click Build Specifications and select New»Zip File from the shortcut menu to display the Zip File Properties dialog box.
3. Complete the following items on the Zip Information page of the Zip File Properties dialog box.
   1. Enter a name for the build specification in the Build specification name text box. This name appears under Build Specifications in the Project Explorer window. The name must be unique among other build specification names in the project.
   2. Enter the location for the zip file in the Destination path. You can use the Browse button to navigate to and select a location.
   3. Enter any information about the zip file that you want users to read in the Comments text box. Users can read the comments in the properties dialog box for the zip file.
4. From the Source Files page, select the files you want to include in the zip file. Use the arrow buttons to move the selected files from the Project Files tree to the Included Items tree. Place a checkmark in the Zip entire project checkbox if you want to include all files within the project in the zip file.
5. From the Preview page, review the zip file location and contents.
6. Click the OK button to close the Zip File Properties dialog box and update the project with the build specification settings.

Note  When you update the build specification settings, the settings become part of the project. However, you must save the project if you want to save the settings.

7. Right-click the zip file build specification name and select Build from the shortcut menu. You can find the resulting zip file in the directory specified in the Destination path on the Zip Information page.

You can use the Zip VIs or the BuildTargetBuildSpecification VI to build zip files programmatically.

 

Your Feedback!	Poor  |  Excellent							Yes	No
Document Quality?							Answered Your Question?
Add Comments	1	2	3	4	5