The Structure of a PL/B Project

The Project file allows addition of any type of text file. Each time a file is added with an extension that is defined as Compilable Source, the PL/B IDE Studio will scan the file and identify any included source files and forms once the file has been compiled. The result is a accurate visual representation of the files that make up the application. The following sections describe the different types of files that are visible in the project windows.

Source Files

Source files are text files that contain PL/B data and object definitions, executable statements, and compiler directives. When a source file is added to a project, the IDE Studio parses the file identifying inclusion files and forms contained within. The IDE Studio will then parse those files in turn. Source files may be modified using any text editor.

Form Files

Form files (PLF file name extension) contain a binary image of the form and textual descriptions of the form and its controls, including their property settings. They can also contain declarations of constants, variables, and external procedures; event procedures; and general purpose procedures. Form files are modified using the PL/B Form Designer only.

Folders

To simply the management of large projects, developers can create folders with a project to better organize the source files. Programs in folders can be used in the same manner as programs not in a folder including compiling and execution.