Question and Answer Database FAQ367C.txt Implementing tools into the IDE Category :IDE Platform :Win95/NT Product : BC++5.x Question: I am trying to integrate vaious legacy DOS apps into the BC5.01a IDE as tools (passing in various arguments). Some work just fine, while others produce the comment "Not a valid IDE tool" in the messagewindow. What is the correct mehod for integrating tools? Answer: This should give you an idea of how to set up your executables and batch files as tools in the IDE. 1. Select Options | Tools... | New 2. Fill in the blanks for the new tool. For example: Name: CompileXXX Path: C:\XXX\MakeXXX.EXE Command Line: $NOSWAP $CAP MSG(GENERIC) $NAME($EDNAME) optional_parameters where $NOSWAP $CAP MSG(GENERIC) sets it up to capture messages without swapping the screen $NAME($EDNAME) passes the name of the file to translate. Check the help for other filename/directory macro options. optional_parameters are other switches and/or parameters to pass to the tool. For a batch file, enter COMMAND.COM for "Path" and use /C followed by the batch name and the above options. For example: /C MAKEMSG.BAT $NOSWAP $CAP SG(GENERIC) $NAME($EDNAME) BC Here, MAKEMSG.BAT is the batch file and "BC" is a parameter that it uses. Help Hint: Something descriptive of the tool. 3. Click on the Advanced button Tool Type: Select Translator Check the Target Translator check box Translator Details: From: .XXX (specify source extension) To: .YYY (specify output extension) Default For: .XXX; (same as From extension) 4. Click on OK to save everything. To use the tool, add the file you want to use it on to the project, right click on it, select Edit Node Attributes, and if not already set, click on the translator field's down arrow to select it. If it's set up properly, when you compile it should run and send its output to the message viewer window. 7/2/98 10:32:32 AM
Last Modified: 01-SEP-99