The Distribution Process

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The following list identifies the steps you need to follow to distribute a Visual FoxPro application:

  1. Create and debug the application using the Visual FoxPro development environment.

  2. Prepare and customize your application for the run-time environment. For details, see Preparing an Application for Distribution.

    Note   Certain development environment features aren't available in the run-time environment and must be removed from your application. These features are listed in Removing Restricted Visual FoxPro Features and Files.

  3. Create documentation and online Help. For more information about creating Help for your application, see Adding Help to Your Custom Application.

  4. Build an application or executable file. For more information about building an application, see Compiling an Application.

  5. Create a distribution directory containing all the files a user needs to run your application.

  6. Create an installation package using a Windows Installer deployment program. The setup creation program you use must use Windows Installer technology so you can create MSI or MSM setup packages. Windows 2000 Logo guidelines require setup programs to be based on the Windows Installer technology.

  7. Package and distribute your application disks and any printed documentation. Depending on the setup creation program you use, the program may create the disk images for you, or you may need to copy the files to the distribution location manually. Consult the documentation for the setup creation program for more information.

See Also

Preparing an Application for Distribution | Distributing Applications