.INF or .INI Files Linked To An Application

[aiki727 via DotNetMonster.com]

Building an application that will use an external data file to get
configuration info for the app when it loads. I have a few questions. When I
deploy the app where does the file that is being linked go; in the Bin folder,
or somewhere else? In order to link the file to the app, I need to select it
during the deployment process (I think). How does the app know where to find
the data file once it is deployed? Is there a way for the app to retrieve its
own installed path? Is this info put in the registry? I've read that the new
method is to try and avoid using the registry for this purpose, but then how
will the app find its associated external files? Normally, on a computer with
1 hard drive and 1 partition, the app would be installed in the C:\Program
Files\My Application directory. What happens when someone installs it on the
H drive, subnested 3 directories down? Again, how does the app know where to
find its external files?

If someone could give me a good overview of the subject or a link, or book
that explains this in detail it would be helpful. I have many books on VB.NET,
but none even mention this subject. Maybe too in depth of a subject for the
intermediate programmer?

Thanks for the time and energy in advance.

 

[Ken Tucker [MVP]]

Hi,

VB.Net will look in the directory the exe is in for the file if
there is no specific path.

How to get application path
http://www.vb-tips.com/default.aspx?ID=73bbbf0d-1876-4d18-b55c-dfa89d0d9842

XML is the prefered format to save a configuration file.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnadvnet/html/vbnet02122002.asp

Ken

 

[aiki727 via DotNetMonster.com]

Thanks for the good info.

Do you know of any good books that step you through the deployment process in
depth?