How to: Build Applications
When you have tested your application project for errors, and it includes all the necessary files, you can build a distributable file from the project by following the steps in one of these sections:
Building a Visual FoxPro Standard Application
Describes how to build a standard application (.app) file that runs only with Visual FoxPro installed.
Building a Visual FoxPro Executable File
Describes how to build an executable (.exe) file that runs without Visual FoxPro.
For information about building Automation servers or Windows dynamic-link library (.dll) files, see How to: Build Automation Servers.
For information about testing application projects, see How to: Test a Project.
Building a Visual FoxPro Standard Application
You can build a Visual FoxPro standard application (.app) file using the Project Manager or the BUILD APP command. However, more build options are available when you use the Project Manager. For information about using the BUILD APP command, see BUILD APP Command.
Note
To build an .app file, your project must have a program set as the main program. For more information, see How to: Set the Starting Point.
To build a standard application (.app) file
Open the project for your application.
In the Project Manager, choose Build.
In the Build Options dialog box, choose Application (app).
Select any other options you want and click OK.
Tip
You can view and save build messages that occur during the build process. For more information, see How to: View and Save Build Messages.
In the Save As dialog box, specify a name for the file, then save the file.
For more information, see Project Manager Window and Build Options Dialog Box.
Building a Visual FoxPro Executable File
You can build a Visual FoxPro executable (.exe) file using the Project Manager or the BUILD EXE command. However, more build options are available when you use the Project Manager. For information about using the BUILD EXE command, see BUILD EXE Command.
Note
To build an .exe file, your project must have a program set as the main program. For more information, see How to: Set the Starting Point.
To build an executable (.exe) file
Open the project for your application.
In the Project Manager, choose Build.
In the Build Options dialog box, choose Win32 executable/COM server (exe).
Select any other options you want and click OK.
Tip
You can view and save build messages that occur during the build process. For more information, see How to: View and Save Build Messages.
In the Save As dialog box, specify a name for the file, then save the file.
For more information, see Project Manager and Build Options Dialog Box.
Note
The .exe file operates with certain dynamic-link (.dll) libraries that provide a complete Visual FoxPro run-time environment and that you need to include when distributing your application. For more information, see Preparation for Distributing Applications.