Build the Browse Information File (.BSC)

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There are two steps to creating browse information. First the compiler must make an .SBR file for each source file in your project. Next, BSCMAKE.EXE must concatenate all .SBR files into one .BSC file, which can then be viewed in browse windows in the development environment. See Class Browsing Tasks for information on viewing a .BSC file.

The ClassView pane in the development environment offers another way to browse the .BSC file. See ClassView Topics for more information.

For information on browsing the MFC source code, see MFC: Using the MFC Browse Information File.

To turn on creation of the .SBR files at compile time

  • Add /FR or /Fr to your command-line compile options.

Or

  1. On the Project menu, click Settings to open the Project Settings dialog box.

  2. Click the C/C++ tab. Choose General from the Category list.

  3. Select the Generate browse info check box.

  4. Click the OK button.

To turn on updating of the .BSC file at compile time

Or

  1. Open the project if it is not currently open.

  2. On the Project menu, click Settings to open the Project Settings dialog box.

  3. Click the Browse Info tab.

  4. Select the Build browse info file check box.

  5. Choose the OK button.

    Note   You must turn on creation of the .SBR files at compile time for this option to work. Turning off the Build browse info file option prevents BSCMAKE from updating the .BSC file, but does not automatically prevent the compiler from creating .SBR files. To bring the .BSC file up to date, turn this update option back on.

You can build your project more quickly if you turn off creation of both the .SBR files and .BSC file. As a default, browse information is turned off. You will not be able to browse current information until you turn the browse options on and build your project again.

Tip   If you want to speed up your builds and also want to update your browse information file quickly, turn on creation of .SBR files and turn off updating of the .BSC file. When you want to update your browse information file, turn on updating of the .BSC file and build your project.

Using BSCMAKE from the command line gives you more precise control over the manipulation of browse information files. See BSCMAKE Reference for more information. For background information, see How BSCMAKE Builds a .BSC File.