Target types

This section describes each of the targets you can build.

Application targets

There are three wizards for creating application targets:

Application Target wizard

You use the Application Target wizard to create a new PowerScript-based Application object and the library containing it. You must create any other objects you need from scratch.

Template Application Target wizard

You use the Template Application Target wizard to create a PowerScript-based application, the library containing it, and a set of basic objects and scripts. If the application requires a connection to a SQL database, the wizard automatically creates a Connection object.

In the Template Application wizard, you can choose one of two application types: MDI Application and SDI Application.

MDI ApplicationThe wizard automatically generates the shell and scripts for a basic Multiple Document Interface (MDI) application that includes these objects:

  • Application object

  • Frame window

  • Frame menu

  • Base sheet window

  • Sheet menu

  • Sheet menu service object

  • Sheet windows

  • About window

  • Toolbar window

  • Connection service object (if database connection is needed)

  • Project object (optional; can build later using a Project wizard)

You can run the MDI application immediately by clicking the Run button on the PowerBar. You can open sheets, display an About box, and select items from menus. The To-Do List can help you use the application as a starting point for continuing development of an MDI application.

SDI ApplicationIn the Template Application wizard, you can also choose to create a Single Document Interface (SDI) application. An SDI application has only one main window with a menu and an about window. If the application requires a connection to a SQL database, the wizard automatically creates a Connection object.

For information about building MDI and SDI applications, see Building an MDI Application in Application Techniques.

Existing Application Target wizard

You use the Existing Application Target wizard to add a target to your workspace that uses an application you built in an earlier version of PowerBuilder. After you complete the wizard, the Migrate Application dialog box opens so you can migrate the application to this version.

Before you migrate. Always make a backup copy of all the PBLs used in an application before you migrate it to a new version of PowerBuilder.

You can use the Migration Assistant to check for obsolete syntax in your application before you migrate; then you can make changes in the earlier version of PowerBuilder and avoid some migration errors. The Migration Assistant is particularly useful if you are migrating from PowerBuilder 6 or earlier. Open the Migration Assistant from the Tool tab of the New dialog box, and press F1 if you need help in the wizard.

You should also check the release notes for the version of PowerBuilder that you are using to find out if there are any migration issues that might affect you.

For more information about migrating targets, see Migrating targets.

For information about building standard PowerBuilder applications, see the rest of this book and Application Techniques.

.NET targets

.NET Web Service and .NET Assembly wizards

The PowerBuilder .NET Web Service and .NET Assembly wizards build targets that deploy PowerBuilder custom class user objects as .NET Web services or assemblies.

The .NET Web Service and .NET Assembly targets require that the PowerBuilder IDE be run under the administrator mode, because these targets call external executable files that must be run under the administrator mode.

For more information about .NET targets, see Deploying Components as .NET Assemblies or Web Services.