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The C++Builder IDE Explored: Projects and Forms
Projects in C++Builder
As you know by now, a lot goes on behind the scenes as you write a C++Builder application.
In fact, more goes on than I have told you about up to this point. It’s not vital that you know
every detail about what happens behind the scenes as you write a C++Builder application, but
it is a good idea to have a general overview.
A project is a collection of files that work together to create a standalone executable
file or DLL.
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Files Used in C++Builder Projects
C++Builder manages a project through the use of several support files. To illustrate, let’s
create a simple application to get a look at some of what goes on when C++Builder builds an
executable file for your program. Do the following:
1. Before you begin, create a fresh directory on your hard drive.
2. Now choose File | New Application from the main menu. A blank form is displayed.
3. Before you do anything else, choose File | Save Project from the main menu.
4. First, you will be prompted for the name of the unit file. Be sure to switch to the
empty directory you just created.
5. Next, type in the name MyUnit for the unit filename and click OK.
6. Now you are prompted for the project name. Type TEST in the File name field and
click OK.
7. Now choose Project | Build All from the main menu. C++Builder displays the
compile status box and goes to work compiling the program.
8. After a while, the compile status box reports that it is done compiling, and the OK
button is enabled. Click OK to close the compile status dialog box
9. Now choose Project | Close All from the main menu. (Yes, this exercise does have a
purpose.)
10. Now run Windows Explorer and locate the directory where you saved the project.
You should see a number of files.
Wow! All that to create just one little program that does nothing? Yep, it’s true. First, let me
tell you what happens when C++Builder builds an application; then I’ll explain what each
of these files is for.
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