By specifying a custom build event, you can automatically run commands before a build starts or after it finishes. For example, you can run a .bat file before a build starts or copy the build output to a folder after the build is completed. Build events run only if the build successfully reaches those points in the build process. The scripts consist of the same commands that you would use at the command prompt. Macros can be used to substitute common values from the project such as the project path, the project name, the current configuration, etc.

The following are some general tips on creating pre-build and post-build event scripts:

• Place each command on a separate line. Separate each with a line break.

• Add a call statement before all build events that run .bat files. For example: call C:\Project\CopyMyFiles.bat.

• If you specify files or macros that can contain path or file names, enclose them in quotes so that the commands handle paths and filenames containing spaces correctly. For example: COPY "$(ProjectDir)Help\*.*" "C:\Project\Build Output\"

• In the extended editor dialog box, select a macro from the grid below the text box and click the Insert button to insert it at the current cursor location. An example of the macro's value based on the current project settings is shown to the right of its name.

• The pre-build event will run unconditionally. The post-build event can be set to run only if the build succeeds or to run always by changing the value in the combo box following the post-build event text box on the property page.