QNX IDE Projects and Build FAQ#

How can automated builds be set up with 4.5?#

1) If you are using Makefile Projects simply call make from project directory, you have to create a super makefile to build all required projects (can create a super project for that too)

2) Using of container projects. This option could be convenient for those who use a big code base. Container is a holder of various projects (among them could be other containers as well). It is the user's decision on how to combine projects into container. For example, third-party service libraries could be assembled in a single container. Each container has a set of different build configurations (this is almost the same as assigning make targets such as debug, release etc.). To build the whole workspace just launch a root container build specifying configuration. This structure should be mirrored into command line build. To provide this, insert special make file into top container's root directory The content looks like that:

<configuration_1>  :
      cd ../Child_Container_1 ; make <target name>
      cd ..
      ...
      cd ../Child_Project_k ; make <target name>
      ...
<configuration_n>  :
      ...

3) Using mksbp utility

4) Using make for QNX Projects. In this case super makefile has to contain some setup which includes setting "project path" macros. The recommended way is to create an extra file with this definition (here mylib is the project name):

• If your project and dependency live in workspace
  
  • PROJECT_ROOT_mylib=$(PROJECT_ROOT)/../lib1
• If your project and dependency live outside workspace
  
  • PROJECT_ROOT_mylib=F:/libs/mylib

(repeat this for every project)

Then add to this extra make file launch of you "root" make file or add environment variable MAKEFILE=<extra-makefile>.

If you build several IDE project you have to create an additional makefile (can be the same as one with variables) and call make in every project, i.e.

 PROJECT_ROOT_mylib=F:/libs/mylib 
 PROJECT_ROOT_myapp=F:/libs/myapp
all:
   cd ${PROJECT_ROOT_mylib}; make all
   cd ${PROJECT_ROOT_myapp}; make all

How can I create Makefile Project in IDE 4.5?#

New->C Project opens a C Project Wizard Select Makefile->Empty Project Select QNX QCC on the right (important!)

QNX QCC toolchain set environment variables, such as CC, LD etc. They are automatically corrected when you switch compiler or build variant from Settings page of project properties. If you don't want these variables to be defined you can select and undefine them from the Environment tab.

What is the difference between Managed C project with QNX toolchain and QNX Project?#

Managed C project (MBS) with QNX toolchain can be used in similar way as QNX Project. They are both managed projects. QNX Project is based on qnx recursive makefiles, when you change setting of QNX Project you modifying a makefile for this project. If you change makefile manually - QNX Project would read and recognize this change (it may be limited to known build macros). Managed project stores all setting in XML and they cannot be changed outside of IDE. You can pick builder for Managed project - internal builder, or external make builder. In the second case, makefiles would be generated that represent build process for this project, but you cannot change those makefiles. Besides that, MBS has a bit more modern UI and more flexibility for project structure (you can exclude some files to be compiled for example). On the other hand QNX Project has very good build variants structure which is nice when you are building for 5 platforms at the same time.

Where does a "QNX Project" store its metadata?#

QNX Project properties are mostly stored directly in makefiles, in particular "common.mk". Additional macro and functions stored in internal makefile ".qnx_internal.mk". Settings for current active builds are stored in workspace metadata, outside of the project. If you want it to be stored with project you can check "Share all project properties" - in this case it would be stored in .cproject file inside the project folder.

Can I create projects targeting something other than the QNX OS or can I use different compiler?#

Yes, QNX IDE is based on Eclipse CDT which allow to create project for any target. You need to install appropriate toolchain on your host and you may need to create a toolchain definition from IDE. Search CDT newsgroup for this topic.

How do I change the default settings for new projects?#

To enable QNX Toolchain as preferred toolchain for Makefile and Managed projects: * Open Window->Preferences...

• C/C++->New CDT project wizards
• Select Makefile project->Empty Project
• Select QNX QCC
• Click on button "Make toolchain(s) preferred"
• Click OK.

If you are anticipating creating many new projects and they will have values different than the defaults, you can change default settings for makefile projects:

• Window->Preferences...
• C/C++->New CDT project wizards->Makefile Project
• Go through tabs and pick defaults for your projects

For Qnx Projects:

• Window->Preferences...
• QNX->New Project
• Go through tabs and pick defaults for your projects

How to create keyboard shortcut for Build?#

To fast access to Build command define a keyboard shortcut (e.g. F6).

• Windows->Preferences...
• Type Keys in filter
• Select Keys
• Check Include unbound commands
• Type build in right panel filter
• Select Build Project
• Select Binding field
• Press keystroke <F6>
• Click Apply
• Click Copy command
• Select C/C++ Editor in When combo box
• Select Binding field and press <F6>
• Click Apply again

How show line numbers in the C/C++ editor?#

• Open Window->Preferences
• Type "line" in filter
• Select Text Editors
• Check Show line numbers
• Click OK

Is it possible to configure the IDE to add a "Build Project" icon on the toolbar?#

To show build button in C/C++ perspective (or any other perspective) from bar menu select "Windows->Customize Perspective->Commands" and check "Build Action Set".

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