Component Definition File Overview

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In the component definition file, you can define new components to list in the All Nodes pane in Target Designer. A component definition file contains system instructions for the components, including their capabilities and dependencies. You can also configure capabilities and components by using information in your development system, such as your local registry or the Target Designer system database.

After creating your component definition file, you can import it into Target Designer. Then you can add the new components to your configuration.

Component definition file sections provide information about a component and its relationship to other components, including conflicts and dependencies. It is important to be familiar with each section of the file before you start a new one. For specific section instructions, click the appropriate question mark icon:

Note   When you import the component definition file into Target Designer, the support files are also imported.

Although you can use any text editor to create or edit a component definition file, Component Designer gives you a graphic view, which speeds up the process.

When using Component Designer, you do not need to be aware of the internal structure of the component definition file. For proper syntax, see the component definition file section in Target Designer Help.

See Also

What Do I Do First?

Prerequisites for Creating a Component Definition File

Using Component Designer to Define a Component

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 Last updated on Friday, April 02, 2004

© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Icon	Section
	Component Definition File Header For more information, see Setting Component Definition File Properties.
	Capability For more information, see To add a capability.
	Component For more information, see Adding a Component.
	Files For more information, see To add a file.
	Registry For more information, see Registry Additions.
	Needs For more information, see Dependencies and Conflicts.
	Needed by For more information, see Dependencies and Conflicts.
	Conflicts For more information, see Dependencies and Conflicts.