Sample Application

SFArchiver is a SatForms plugin extension that enables you to bundle specified Palm files together into a single-prc self-extracting archive. This archive is a handy tool for both program installation and on-device file-backup purposes. 

Features include: 

Installation Enhancement Utility

As a SatForms developer you are aware that most SF applications require many files to be installed on the Palm. There is the RDK engine, your program pdb file, all of the data table pdb files, and probably a few extensions. SFArchiver lets you take all of those files and package them up into a single-prc self-extracting archive. 

Now you can distribute standalone (non-conduit-syncing) apps significantly easier, since you do not need to include any kind of installation program. Just supply the single prc which users drop onto their Palm using the standard Palm Install Tool. 

When the archive icon is tapped by the user, it self extracts into all of the files you packaged together, and then optionally runs an application program you specify (most likely the application they just installed from your archive). The archive file is automatically deleted when the files have been extracted (this is optional), so it is a simple "install it and forget it" process. 

Of course, you can use these single-prc archives for installation of applications that do sync with a desktop or server database (not just standalone apps), but in those cases you still need an installation program on the PC to install the conduit. 

On-Device Backup Utility

The second major application of the SFArchiver extension is to let you perform on-device archiving of your files as a backup tool.  Using SFArchiver, you could program automatic data/program archiving at scheduled intervals, perhaps after so many new records have been added, or perhaps every x number of days, or according to whatever criteria you deem appropriate. The archiving process can be fully automated, eliminating the need for user input. 

The self-extracting backup archive can be unpacked by launching it via script from your SF app, using the LaunchApp command included in the extension. This command lets you specify which app to launch at runtime, rather than just at compile time. 

A sample application is included that demonstrates all of the features of the extension. The sample app can also be used as the tool for creating archives of your application for easier installation.

DocID: 10060  DocDate: 2005-07-01