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Creating Input Files
You create and use several types of files when developing software: source-code files, resource files, interface or header files, library files, and project files.
Source-code file
A source-code file is a text file containing program statements written in a language such as C, C++, the Java programming language, or assembly language.
Resource file
A resource file contains descriptions of user-interface items, such as window definitions, dialog-box layouts, and text strings. A resource file can be a binary file or a text file translated by a special resource compiler. The IDE links these resource files into your software. Placing resources in separate files makes it convenient to tweak and customize those resources without having to recompile other parts of a program.
Interface or header file
An interface file, also called a header or include file, is a text file referred to by source-code files. Typically, interface files give access to objects, variables, data structures, routines, and other items in libraries or source-code files.
Library file
A library file contains objects, variables, routines, and other items that are already compiled. There are two library types: static libraries and dynamic libraries.
The IDE builds a static library into a program. A static library cannot change (hence the term static) unless you rebuild the software. Furthermore, you cannot share static libraries with other programs.
Although a program might refer to a dynamic library, the IDE does not build a dynamic library into a program. Instead, the program accesses the library dynamically, that is, while the program is actually running. Often, more than one program shares the same dynamic library. You can replace a dynamic library with a newer version. Programs that utilize the dynamic library remain unaffected, as long as the newer library version provides the same operations as the original library version.
NOTE
Most platform targets support static libraries, but not all platform targets support dynamic libraries. See "Targeting Documentation" for information on resources for platform targets.
Project file
A project file contains one or more build targets. Each build target contains source-code files, resources, interfaces, library files, and even other project files. Each build target also contains its own settings that tell the IDE how to create your software. See "Projects and Targets" for more information on build targets.
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Last updated: August 17, 2000