Using the Aliases File in Applications (Windows CE, Touch Panel Module)
An aliases file has a .aliases file extension. LabVIEW uses an aliases file to map computer names to IP addresses. For example, My Computer typically maps to localhost or the actual IP address of the host computer running LabVIEW. LabVIEW automatically creates a project aliases file when you create a new LabVIEW project, but you must create the aliases file manually in the following situations:
- The application uses shared variables and you do not use a build specification to deploy the shared variable aliases file.
Creating the Aliases File
You can create an aliases file manually or through the build specification.
Manually Creating the Aliases File
The format of the aliases file you create must match the format of the LabVIEW project aliases file shown in the following example:
[My Computer]
My Computer="10.0.10.149"
[My Fieldpoint]
My Fieldpoint="10.0.40.150"
The shared variable aliases filename and directory must match the application filename and directory. For example, if the Touch Panel application is My Application.exe, the aliases filename must be My Application.aliases.
Creating the Aliases File through a Build Specification
To use a build specification to create and deploy the aliases file, place a checkmark in the Deploy aliases file checkbox on the Machine Aliases page of the Touch Panel Build Specification Properties dialog box. You also can use the Machine Aliases page to edit the IP address. The Touch Panel Module disables the Deploy aliases file checkbox if you are using a target that eMbedded Visual Tools enables.
Deploying the Aliases File
If you use create the aliases file through a build specification, you deploy the aliases file when you deploy the application.
You also can manually download the aliases file in the same way you manually download an application. You can move the shared variable to a different host without rebuilding the application by changing the IP address of the shared variable host in the aliases file and manually downloading the aliases file to the same directory as the corresponding application on the target.
Editing the Aliases File with the LabVIEW Aliases File Editor
You can use the LabVIEW Aliases File Editor to edit the aliases file on the target.
On NI touch panel targets, tap Start»Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW Aliases File Editor»LabVIEW Aliases File Editor to launch the LabVIEW Aliases File Editor. Tap the browse button to browse to and open an aliases file.
On third-party touch panel targets, tap LabVIEW Aliases File Editor.exe in the Shared Variables Support 8.5 directory to launch the LabVIEW Aliases File Editor on the target. Tap the browse button to browse to and open an aliases file on the target.
When you edit the aliases file to change a shared variable to a different host, the shared variable aliases filename and directory must match the application filename and directory. For example, if the Touch Panel application is My Application.exe, the aliases filename must be My Application.aliases.