Export File to PRG

This utility will convert the contents of the export file to a single PRG file. It is run from the command prompt and passed the name of an export file as a parameter. E.g.:

VOPPEF2PRG Application.AEF

The output file has the same base name as the original file but has an extension of PRG. So running VOPPEF2PRG against Application.AEF will result in Application.PRG.

This can be useful in the following scenario: When you use VO to create a DLL a library AEF of prototypes/defines/classes contained in the DLL is also created. If you want to use the DLL in your code you need to import this library AEF and include it in the properties of your application. Each time you change and rebuild the DLL code you should ensure that the library is kept in sync - you need to import the newly created library or manually update it with the changes.

Export File to PRG helps minimise the effort in performing this update. When you create your DLL run Export File to PRG, giving the VO generated library AEF as a parameter - and a PRG is generated. Then, in VO, create a library with a module that is associated with the PRG. Use this library, rather than the VO generated one in your applications. Each time you create your DLL, just rerun Export File to PRG. This will recreate the PRG file. And because the file is associated with a module there is no need to import any code into VO. This way you don't have to re-import or perform any manual code updates to the library. Compile the library and it is ready for use in your applications.

This conversion of an export File to PRG is automatically performed whenever VOPP's System Builder or Single App Build creates a DLL, so there is no need to manually run Export File to PRG in that case. For further details about using DLLs refer to the DLLs and Prototypes page.

Note: modules beginning with _! are not written to the PRG.