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7    Palm OS Package Builder

Introduction to Palm OS® Developer Suite

Palm OS® Developer Suite

This chapter describes how to use the integrated version of Palm OS® Package Builder to create PalmSource Install (PSI) files.

Palm OS Package Builder Overview ^TOP^

Palm OS Package Builder is a component of PalmSource Installer family of tools. PalmSource Installer is designed to streamline the online and over-the-air (OTA) download and install process of Palm OS applications onto Palm Powered™ smartphones and other wireless devices.

Palm OS Package Builder is a developer utility for packaging application files into a single, compressed PalmSource Installer (PSI) file. This package file facilitates the downloading and installation of the application and support files.

Using the provided XML schema and starter file, you can create a definition file that specifies which files go into the package (including desktop components). Additional OTA files are created for each language and screen combination for direct downloading to specific device environments.

Using Palm OS Package Builder ^TOP^

Palm OS Package Builder is integrated with Developer Suite as an Export function. To use Palm OS Package Builder, follow these steps.

  • Select File > Export to open the Export dialog box, shown in Figure 7.1.

Figure 7.1  Export dialog box

  • Select PalmSource Installer Package.
  • In next page of the Export wizard, select the project you want to export as a package installer file.

When you click Finish, Palm OS Package Builder creates the following files:

  • package.psml, an XML file that defines the package.
  • a PSI file, which is the PalmSource Installer package file.
  • a filename-ota.PSI file, which is the component that can be installed "over-the-air" to a Palm Powered handheld.

The version of Palm OS Package Builder that is installed as an Export function uses many default settings.

Palm OS Package Builder can also be used as a command line tool, in case you need to use non-default settings. For additional information on Palm OS Package Builder and other PalmSource Installer components, see the book PalmSource Installer Developer Guide.