About Defining Build Options (AutoLISP)

VLISP provides a number of options for compiling and linking a project's source code that affect the efficiency of the compiled code. For example, you can specify whether to create a separate FAS file for each source file or merge all compiled files into a single FAS file. You can choose to have the compiler remove the names of all local symbols from your compiled files. You specify these options in the Project Properties dialog box.

To specify project build options

1. Open the project file (click Project Open Project from the VLISP menu bar).
2. Click the Project Properties button in the Project window toolbar.
3. Select the Build Options tab in the Project Properties dialog box. VLISP displays the Build Options dialog box:
   

Some of the build options require extensive background information, which is provided in the following sections of this chapter. The build options are:

Compilation Mode

Choose between standard and optimized compilation. Optimized compilation creates smaller and faster programs but is not suited for every project. See About Choosing a Compilation Mode (AutoLISP) for more information on this topic.

Merge Files Mode

Tell the compiler whether to create a separate FAS file for each source file, or to merge all compiled files into a single FAS file.

A single FAS file is faster to load and is required for certain types of optimization. Sometimes, however, you will prefer to load your code one file at a time. This is important if you have not completed the debugging or modification of the application's code. FAS files do not allow source code debugging, so it is recommended that you compile your code only after the initial debugging is done.

Edit Global Declarations

Create or edit a global declarations file for the project.

This feature is provided for compatibility with the Preview version of VLISP.

FAS Directory

Specify the directory for compiled files. If you indicate a relative path, VLISP applies it in relation to the project's home directory. If you leave the field blank, VLISP places compiled files in the same directory as the project definition (.prj) file.

Tmp Directory

Specify the directory for project-related temporary files. A relative path is applied in relation to the project's home directory.

Link Mode

Specify how function calls are to be optimized. This option is only available if optimized compilation is selected. Choose from the following:

• Do not link: This results in indirect linking of functions. The compiler stores the address of the symbol naming the function.
• Link: If selected, the compiler directly addresses function definitions and all calls where the functions are referenced.
• Internal: This directly links function calls and removes (drops) the function names from the resulting FAS files.

See About Choosing a Link Mode (AutoLISP) for further information on these options.

Localize Variables

If this option is selected, the compiler removes (drops) the names of all local symbols from compiled files and directly links their references, wherever possible. This means the program code points to the address where a variable is stored, not to a symbol used to find the address of the variable.

Safe Optimize

If this option is selected, this option directs the compiler to refuse some types of optimization, if there is a chance they will result in incorrect code. For more information on optimization, see About Choosing a Compilation Mode (AutoLISP).

Message Mode

Select the level of detail you want VLISP to produce in its compilation reports. You can choose to receive a report showing only fatal errors (those causing compilation failure), a report showing errors and warning messages, or a full report showing errors, warnings, and compiler statistics.