Learning C++

Finally, you're done with your program and it's time to give it a decent setup file and show it off to your friends.  Simply compiling your program will create an EXE file for you (discussed in Lesson #4), however, to add a setup file to your program requires a few more steps.

If you are using Microsoft Visual C++ 6, then you'll be able to take advantage of the InstallShield setup wizard that comes on the Visual C++ 6 CD.  If you are using a different C++ compiler, then may also have a similar setup wizard.  Unfortunately, it would extremely difficult for me to cover the whole process of creating your own setup file from scratch.  So for the moment, I'm going to settle with InstallShield and explain how to use this application to create a setup file for your C++ program (please, no name calling at the back).

First you need to install InstallShield, so dig out your copy of Visual C++ and load it in the tray.  Now run the CD and double click on the file Ishield.  Double click on Setup and you're ready to go.  Just a note, make sure you close Visual C++ before running the Setup.

After Installation, you may need to manually add InstallShield to the Visual C++ toolbar.  Do the following:

• On Visual C++'s Tools menu, click Customize, and then click the Tools tab.
  
  
• In the Menu Contents box, scroll to the bottom of the list, double-click the blank line (indicated by an empty rectangle), type "InstallShield Wizard", and press Enter.  Note: If it is already in the list, then skip this step and the following two and press Close.
  
  
• In the Menu Contents box, highlight the name you just entered.
  
  
• In the Command box browse or type the path and name of the wizard executable file ISVCwiz.exe. The file is in the Program subfolder of the InstallShield for Microsoft Visual C++ 6 folder.

1. Now, go to the Tools menu and select InstallShield Wizard.  The wizard will load.

2. Choose your project in the first window and click Next.

3. In the next window, type in the application's name, version, its executable's path, ... and click Next.

4. This window will incorporate all the dependencies that your program uses into the setup file.  Click Finish.

5. The InstallShield Application will load.  The Help file will guide you through the many features you can set.  Therefore, this lesson will assume that you've set up all your options, features, ...

6. Go to Build, then Media Build Wizard.  Click Next and choose your media type.

7. Choose Full Build and then click on Next three times.

8. Click on Finish.  When the wizard completes, click on Finish again to close the window.

9. Now go to Build, then Compile to compile your setup file.

10. Finally, click on Build, then Run Setup to see your setup file in action.

You can find your completed setup file in: 

C:\My Installations\Your_Project_Name\Media\New Media\Disk Images\disk1

Place all the files in a ZIP file if you want to put it on the web!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and that you've learned new things about Visual C++.  Sorry for not being able to cover other C++ compilers (don't worry, I'm not biased to Microsoft products), but I have only worked with Microsoft Visual C++ 6 in the past and at present.

Congratulations, you've completed the Visual C++ Course!

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