MakeIKB is a command-line tool used for collecting any number of Intent Language version 3.0 source files into a single binary file. During this process, all of the human-readable source is stripped, leaving only essential naming information intact. The binary form is significantly smaller than the original source.
MakeIKB is suitable for distribution of rule sets (Designs and Functions) to end users. Because the source information is stripped, it can be difficult to work with in a development mode, although the capabilities should be identical.
MakeIKB.exe is a command-line application, and should be run from its installed location. When invoked, it initializes the Intent kernel to compile source files into a binary form. Once Intent is initialized, MakeIKB can compile hundreds of files in a matter of seconds. Because of the startup time, it is much more efficient to batch-process entire folders rather than one file at a time. Every invocation must include a path to a destination file (which should have the extension .IKB for Intent to recognize it). Optional command line flags allow some control over the source file locations and other behaviors.
MakeIKB reports information to the command line. This output should be checked for success or failure. Failed compilations will not stop processing, but will result in the Designs or Functions which fail to compile not being included in the resulting IKB.
Because it directly compiles Intent Language source, the output of MakeIKB can only be used with the same version of Intent that was used to produce it. This usually includes minor versions. Intent will report the presence of incorrectly versioned IKB files in its search path.
Designs and Functions which are loaded from IKB files do not have all of the information normally present for efficient use in the Part Editor or other parts of the Intent user interface. They are intended for more supporting roles deep inside Intent applications.