How Do I Create a Cabinet File? (Magic xpa 3.x)
When you are working in the Magic xpa Studio, you are accessing a Magic xpa Project, or .edp. This .edp refers to a collection of source files, which are typically kept in the \source subdirectory in XML format.
However, once your project is complete, you will want to package it up for installation. The packaged file is known as the Magic xpa Cabinet File, or .ecf. From an installation point of view, the .edp and .ecf work similarly in that you can click on either one to get started. There are some important differences though, as shown below.
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.edp
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.ecf
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Magic xpa Project
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Magic xpa Cabinet File
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Opens the Magic xpa Studio
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Runs your application
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For programmers only
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For users mainly, or for use as components while developing
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Requires XML source files exist.
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Contains the packaged version of the XML source
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When you are deploying your project, you want to deploy only the .ecf file, and some other supporting files (fonts, colors, components).
Also, when you are deploying, the user will be installing and running only the Runtime version of Magic xpa.
It is very simple to create the cabinet .ecf file. Below we give you the steps.
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Open the project.
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From the overhead menu, select File->Create Cabinet.
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You will be prompted for the cabinet file name. Type in the name or select it, then click Save.
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If the .ecf file already exists, you will receive a warning box about overlaying it. Click Yes if you want to overlay it.
After the dialog boxes disappear, your .ecf file will appear, and will be ready for use.
You can also create a cabinet file using the MgxpaSettings utility. This utility lets you create cabinet files from the project sources without using the Studio. This functionality is often required if you create the cabinet files in a customer location where you do not have the Studio installed.
Syntax: MgxpaSettings.exe [/CreateECF edp_path=xxx [,ecf_path=yyy]]
Parameters:
edp_path – The file path of the source .edp file.
ecf_path – The destination path of the .ecf file (optional). If not specified, the .ecf file will be created in the same folder as the .edp file.
The two parameters are separated by a comma.
Example: MgxpaSettings.exe /CreateECF edp_path=c:\myapp\myapp.edp ,ecf_path=c:\myapp\app.ecf
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