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Build your PHP application project

Compiling your application

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This is the step where ExeOutput for PHP creates the application's executable file recognized by Windows (.EXE file extension). This is also the application file that you will have to distribute to your end users.

Shortcuts for launching the compilation

You have several ways to launch the compilation of your package:

  • Click Build in the toolbar.

  • Use the Build commands from the Application menu:

  • Press F5 for compilation and F10 for full build.

  • Use the command line parameters.

Warning

Remember that all resources (splash screen for example) and source files must exist when you compile the application.

Tip

To launch the publication, you can press F9. If the project was modified, you'll be prompted for a new compilation before launching.

About archive caching

When building an application, ExeOutput for PHP first compresses source files into a single archive file which is then merged into the application .exe file. The file compression is the operation that takes the most compilation time. That's why ExeOutput for PHP stores a newly created archive into a temporary folder: we say it "caches" the archive. As long as you do not modify the source file list or compression options, ExeOutput for PHP will use this cached archive when building your application instead of compressing all files again. It works exactly similar to caches of Web browsers (places of temporary Internet files).

  1. Consequently building time is highly decreased. Compilation can take only seconds when an archive is cached.
  2. ExeOutput for PHP will do this operation each time: to force it to reconstruct the entire archive by compressing source files again, select the "Build full application" command from the Application menu: .
  3. The cached archive is automatically deleted when you close ExeOutput for PHP or when you work with another project. It is temporarily stored in the local user temporary folder.
  4. ExeOutput for PHP can actually determine itself when the source files should be compressed again (for example, when the file dates/times differ). Please go to the Environment Options for further information.

Compilation Options

  • Activate TEST mode: this option is only designed for testing purposes. To speed up the compilation procedure, ExeOutput for PHP can disable file compression, optimizations and digital signing. Use this option for debugging for example. Applications built with the test mode should never be distributed.

  • Jump to the compilation log after compiling: this option will automatically display the compilation log once the build operation has finished.

Reset settings

An application stores its settings (user window preferences...) as local information on the user computer. If you test your application on your own computer, you may want to remove or reset these settings: just click , choose Build => Reset Settings and answer Yes.