InstallShield 2012 Spring Express Edition User Guide

Integrating InstallShield with
External Applications
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An important aspect of InstallShield is how it coexists and integrates with other software development
tools such as Visual Studio as well as source code control software that complies with the Microsoft
Source Control Interface.
Consult the help topics in this section for specific details on the extent of external application support in
InstallShield.
Integrating with Microsoft Visual Studio
With InstallShield, you can create your installation projects directly in Microsoft Visual Studio.
InstallShield enables you to create, modify, or build your installation from within Microsoft Visual
Studio.
Integration Features
InstallShield is fully integrated within the Visual Studio shell. Some of the unique features of the
integration effort include:
• All InstallShield navigation is presented within the Solution Explorer.
• Each InstallShield view is presented in a separate window so no scrolling is necessary and side-byside
viewing options are available.
• You can run InstallShield external to Visual Studio.
• Dynamic links to other Visual Studio projects exist, so the new contents of output groups are
included in the installation.
Integration Benefits
Some additional benefits of using InstallShield’s integrated installation authoring solution are:
• You can create and customize your installation without leaving the Visual Studio user interface,
enabling use of familiar navigation and layout options.
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