Creating Source Distributions with LabVIEW

Create a LabVIEW source distribution to share your LabVIEW code with other developers in a simple way.

Note You can create this build output with a minimum of LabVIEW Base edition.
Tip To manage code contributions for development teams, consider implementing a source control system in LabVIEW instead of relying on source distributions.

Before creating source distributions with LabVIEW, do the following:

  • Create code to include in the source distribution you create. Include the code in a project.
  • Prepare the source files for distribution.
  • Save the project. To create a build specification, the project must be saved.
Prerequisites
LabVIEW Edition Requirements for Application Builder
Preparing Files to Create a Build Output

This procedure describes the basic options to create this build specification. For details on each configuration option for the build specification, refer to the links for each page of the dialog box.

To use LabVIEW to create a source distribution, complete the following steps.

  1. In the Project Explorer window, right-click Build Specifications and select New » Source Distribution.
  2. Required: Under Source Files, specify which project files to include in or exclude from the distribution.
    Note You must add certain VIs to the Always Included listbox on the Source Files page in the following situations:
    Item When to Always Include
    Dynamically loaded VIs

    You can also distribute dynamically loaded VIs for an application by including them within a source distribution.
    Custom run-time menus If you save the custom run-time menu for a front panel control as a separate run-time menu file (.rtm).
  3. (Recommended) Under Source File Settings, edit destinations and properties for the files included in the source distribution.
  4. (Recommended) Under Information, name the build specification and choose the highest-level save directory for the build product.
  5. (Recommended) Under Destinations, specify additional directory settings.
    • Specify additional settings for the main directory you specified in Information.
    • Specify additional directories to create within the main directory.

    Destination path defines the location of these files relative to the overall save directory for the build you specified in step 4.

    Note If you intend to include this distribution in an installer, specify the build output of the build specification relative to the primary destination of the build specification. For details, see Caveats and Recommendations for Building Installers with LabVIEW.
  6. Optional: Under Version Information, define the version number of the distribution.

    For more information about setting versions, refer to Managing Application Versions.

  7. Optional: Under Additional Exclusions, configure options to leave out certain items from the distribution.

    Excluding items can reduce the size of the distribution, improve load times, or reduce memory usage.

  8. Optional: Under Advanced, choose whether to create a log file that contains information about the build.
  9. Optional: Under Pre/Post Build Actions, define VIs to run before or after the build.
  10. Optional: Under Preview, generate a preview of the build to ensure that it appears as you expect.
  11. Apply any updated settings for your build specification by clicking OK.
    The dialog box closes and the build specification name appears in the project under Build Specifications.
  12. Build the distribution.
    OptionDescription
    Interactive
    • Right-click the build specification and select Build.
    • From the Package window, click Build.
    Programmatic Use the Build VI or the ExecuteBuildSpec command line operation.