Path
Variables are used to specify locations on the file system. The
project resources' location may be specified relative to these path
variables. In this manner you can avoid references to a hard-coded
location on your file system which are very hard to
maintain.
With the use of path variables, you can configure your project so it can be moved from one computer to another without requiring the exact same directory structure as the one on your system. All you have to do is make sure that the path variables are defined on both systems.
Path variables are used during the development of your installation
project. They do not apply to the target computers where the package is
installed. Thus they cannot be used instead of formatted references.
To convert the existing absolute paths to path variables use
the Convert Paths wizard (“Project” ->
“Convert Paths...”). This wizard scans your installation
project for static paths and changes them to path variables, which makes
your project more easily portable. Alternatively the wizard allows you
to transform project paths that already use path variables, to
absolute.
File
Path:
This field displays the path to the XML file which contains the user-declared path variables.
Operations
This combobox contains the following options:
Change...
This command enables you to select and import a XML file which contains path variables. Once a XML file is imported the "Path:" field will be populated with it's location and the imported variables will appear in the "Path Variables" listbox.
Save To...
This command let's you save the previously declared path variables. Only the custom declared variables( global variables ) will be saved in the generated XML file. Advanced Installer variables and System Folders variables will not be included. If no custom path variable is declared, running this command will not generate a XML file.
The path variables declared in this dialog are actually
created once the "Edit Path Variable" Dialog is closed by using the
button. Therefor if you want to export them in a
XML file it is recommended to first create the variables and then use
the "Save To..." command.
Path Variables
This listbox display all the path variables available to be used in the current project. It contains two fields:
- Name
- This field contains the path variable's identification name
- Value
- This field displays the location where the variable points at.
Creating a new path variable
Use the button, the “New...” context menu option or press the Insert key.
When a new path variable is declared, you can choose between
creating it as a global or a private variable. Global
path variables( “Custom Variables” group ) can be used in
multiple projects while the private ones( “Project
Variables” group ) can be accessed only from within the project
where they are created.
Editing a path variable
Use the button, the “Edit...” context menu option or press the Space key.
Deleting a path variable
Use the button, the “Remove” context menu option or press the Delete key.
Topics
- Edit Path Variable Dialog
Create or update a path variable