Licensing a native IDL application with an embedded IDL key

Topic:

Compiled IDL applications run on top of the IDL Runtime environment. In order for a native IDL application to run, the IDL Runtime environment must initialize in a licensed mode. This TechTip describes how to create a native IDL application that contains an embedded license. For more information on other licensing options for IDL-based applications, please see TechTip 3552: Licensing options for compiled IDL applications.Discussion:

There are two methods for creating a native IDL application *.sav file with an embedded license:

Method 1: IDL Developer's Kit:

With an IDL Developer's Kit license, you use the Project->Export feature to create the distribution. The IDL Projects interface automates the process of creating the .sav file for your application. This *.sav file also includes the embedded license key. You must build a project before it can be exported. For more information on the following steps, see "Setting the Options for a Project" and "Building a Project" in the Building IDL Application manual, located in the IDL on-line documentation.

1. Create your IDL project.
2. Select Projects -> Options from the IDL-DE main menu.
3. Select Project Type -> Licensed Save File (.sav) then hit the OK button.
4. Select Projects -> Build from the IDL-DE main menu.
5. Select Projects -> Export from the IDL-DE main menu
6. Indicate the location where you would like to place the final *.sav file.
7. IDL will prompt you whether you wish to create an IDL Runtime distribution. Select 'No' if you are creating an application for use on a standard IDL Runtime or IDL Virtual Machine installation. Otherwise, select yes to create a customized distribution of IDL-Runtime.

Method 2: IDL command line-based embedded licensing (IDL 6.2 and later)

If you are unable to use the IDL Projects interface to build your native IDL application, you may create a licensed *.sav file from the IDL command line. If your license file enables you to generate embedded license *.sav files via the IDL Projects interface, you may also embed licensing into your *.sav file directly from the IDL command prompt with the IDL "SAVE" command.

You will receive a text file from RSI containing your embedded license key.

1. Write your program and save it to a *.pro file.
2. Clear out your IDL session by issuing the command:
   .reset_session
3. Compile your program either by using the .COMPILE command or by selecting Run -> Compile from the IDL Development Environment main menu.
4. To ensure that all ancillary routines are included, use the RESOLVE_ALL command or select Run -> Resolve All. If you use IDL objects in your program, you will want to use the RESOLVE_ALL CLASS=string command (added in IDL 6.0) to include the necessary object definitions and methods.
5. To save the final *.sav file, enter in the following command:
   

   SAVE, /ROUTINES, /EMBEDDED

For more information on creating compiled IDL applications, please see TechTip 3532: Creating a compiled IDL application.Solution:
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