Command Line Maker, Compiler, Linker?

[alf]

We would like to be able to make, compile & link without opening the GUI.

Is it possible to compile a LabWindows/CVI project from a "command" prompt in a DOS box, or something like a "bash" prompt in a Cygwin box?

We are using CVI 5.5 on (typically) Windows 2000 Pro, and several of us are familiar with development on x86 Linux, 68xxx Linux, and DOSy tools like Cygwin.

A similar question was posted by Steve Koppa nearly two years ago for CVI 5.0, but the response from Chris Matthews on 10/23/2000 was: "LabWindows/CVI does not provide a command line compiler. It does support ActiveX Automation which allows you to control CVI from another application through ActiveX for actions like loading and compiling projects." which m
eans nothing to us.

Another response to another similar question was from Darren on 9/17/2001 who answered: "Hello, Unfortunately this functionality is currently unavailable with the Application Builder. R&D is looking into possibly including this feature in a future version of Application Builder."

[Peter_Ilberg]

alf writes:
> We would like to be able to make, compile & link without opening the
> GUI.
>
> Is it possible to compile a LabWindows/CVI project from a "command"
> prompt in a DOS box, or something like a "bash" prompt in a Cygwin
> box?
>
> [...]
>
> A similar question was posted by Steve Koppa nearly two years ago for
> CVI 5.0, but the response from Chris Matthews on 10/23/2000 was:
> "LabWindows/CVI does not provide a command line compiler. It does
> support ActiveX Automation which allows you to control CVI from
> another application through ActiveX for actions like loading and
> compiling projects." which means nothing to us.
>
> [...]

Yes, you can build CVI project from the command line. Look
at the sample program cvi
\samples\activex\cvi\build.prj.
This project creates a small command line utility that
compiles and links a project (using ActiveX Automation).

ActiveX Automation is used to remote control applications
(here: CVI environment) from other applications (build.exe).

For a list of all the things you can do with the CVI
environment through ActiveX Automation look at
cvi\samples\activex\cvi\cvisrvr.fp.

Hope this helps,

Peter

-- Peter Ilberg

[alf]

Thanks, Peter, I'll check it out.

BTW, this build utility displays the "help" message in a MessagePopUp instead of a Text Box -- this means we can't cut-and-paste the help text.

Eg: to use as a template in a batch file, or to put in an email to send someone. Could you tell your developer guys to change this sample?

Regards,
Alf Lacis
alfl@voxson.com.au

[Peter_Ilberg]

alf writes:
> Thanks, Peter, I'll check it out.
>
> BTW, this build utility displays the "help" message in a MessagePopUp
> instead of a Text Box -- this means we can't cut-and-paste the help
> text.
>
> Eg: to use as a template in a batch file, or to put in an email to
> send someone. Could you tell your developer guys to change this
> sample?

We're probably not going to change the sample since it's
only intended as a demonstration of the capabilities of the
CVI ActiveX Automation interface. Also, what might be
desirable for you mightn't work for everyone (obviously).

But, since you have the source code for the sample you can
modify it and extend it any way you like. You might want to
turn it into a "proper" command lin
e tool by dumping the
help message to stdout. For this you'll need to check the
"Create Console Application" check box in the "Target
Settings..." dialog in addition to printf'ing the help
text.

Regards,

Peter

-- Peter Ilberg