Creating Zip Files from a Build Specification in LabVIEW

Use a build specification in LabVIEW to create zip files from project files to distribute a compressed archive of the project files you select.

Note This build output requires Application Builder. LabVIEW Professional edition includes Application Builder. If you use another LabVIEW edition, you can purchase the LabVIEW Application Builder Module separately at ni.com.

Before creating zip files from a build specification, do the following:

  • Create code to include in the zip file 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 using a build specification to define a zip archive for the files in a LabVIEW project. You can also use the Zip VIs to build zip files programmatically without a build specification. To use the Zip VIs, you must know the relative path for every file you want to include in the zip file.

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 a build specification to compress LabVIEW project files into a zip archive, complete the following steps.

  1. In the Project Explorer window, right-click Build Specifications and select New » Zip File.
  2. Required: Under Source Files, select specific project files to include in the zip archive, or include all project files in the zip archive.
    Note If you select Zip entire project, LabVIEW does not automatically include outputs from other build specifications in the Included Items tree. You must use the arrow buttons to add a source distribution, shared library, or application to the zip file.
    Note Outputs of zip or installer build specifications do not appear in the Project Files tree on the Source Files page. To include another zip file or installer in the zip file, add the zip file or installer you want to include to the LabVIEW project under the target from which you are building the zip file.
  3. (Recommended) Under Zip Information, define metadata for the build specification and the zip archive.
  4. (Recommended) Under Zip File Structure, specify where the included files reside in the zip archive.
  5. Optional: Under Preview, generate a preview of the build to ensure that it appears as you expect.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.