Tutorial Step 3: Adding a Build Method

After creating a feature type and a feature implementation, you need to add a build method to the implementation that provides information that the build system requires to build and deploy the feature to an OS image. This information can include which core OS supports this feature, at which step in the build process an action is performed on the target, the location of the feature source files, and the location where the Platform Builder build system will place the feature file after it is built.

The following procedures show you how to add two different build methods to the newly created My Feature implementation. For more information about the elements of a build method, see BuildMethod Block. For more information about build phases, see Build Phases.

The following procedure shows you how to add a build method that will occur during the Build Release phase, which is when Platform Builder collects all output files in a predetermined location as part of a mass copy operation.

To add a build method during the Build Release phase

  1. In the CEC Editor window, select the My Feature node.

  2. From the Insert menu, choose Build Method.

  3. From the Step box, choose BuildRel.

  4. From the CPUs list, select emulator.

  5. Do not select a check box in the Supported CoreOS list.

    The new feature supports all core OSs.

  6. Choose OK.

  7. From the Insert menu, choose Action, and then choose Copy.

  8. In the Source File box, type $(_WINCEROOT)\Samples\MyFeature\MyFeature.dll.

  9. In the Target Directory box, type $(_FLATRELEASEDIR), and then choose OK.

The following procedure shows you how to add a build method that will occur during the PremakeImg phase, which occurs before the Makeimage phase when Platform Builder builds the final OS image from the collected files.

To add another build method during the PremakeImg phase

  1. Select the My Feature node.
  2. From the Insert menu, choose Build Method.
  3. From the Step box, choose PreMakeImg.
  4. From the CPUs list, select emulator.
  5. Do not select a check box in the Supported CoreOS list, and then choose OK.
  6. From the Insert menu, choose Action, and then choose Copy.
  7. In the Source File box, type $(_WINCEROOT)\Samples\MyFeature\MyFeature.dll.
  8. In the Target Directory box, type $(_FLATRELEASEDIR), then choose OK.
  9. From the File menu, choose Save.

You have successfully added two build methods to the newly created My Feature implementation. You are now ready to add binary image builder (BIB) information to your feature implementation.

See Also

Tutorial Step 4: Adding BIB Information | Tutorial Step 2: Adding an Implementation | Tutorial: Creating a Feature and Adding It to a Platform | Catalog Customization | Miscellaneous Environment Variables

 Last updated on Wednesday, April 14, 2004

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