------------------------------------------------------------ README file: external dlm ------------------------------------------------------------ This directory contains files used to build the TESTMODULE dynamically loadable module (DLM). If your platform supports the MAKE_DLL procedure (Unix, Windows) then you can use the simplified instructions which take advantage of IDL's ability to build sharable libraries. Otherwise, you should use the standard instructions. To Build TESTMODULE (simplified, Unix, Windows) The simplified way to build TESTMODULE is to use the build_testmodule IDL procedure contained in this directory: IDL> pushd, FILEPATH('', SUBDIRECTORY=['external','dlm']) IDL> build_testmodule IDL> popd The BUILD_TESTMODULE procedure builds and loads the DLM, and then calls the 2 routines it contains. If specify the VERBOSE keyword to BUILD_TESTMODULE, it will show you the compilation and linking steps it takes to build the sharable library from the C code. Since the directory containing the testmodule example is not usually in your path, PUSHD is used to temporarily move your current working directory to the proper location so IDL will find build_testmodule.pro to compile. POPD is used to restore your working directory to its previous location. To build TESTMODULE (standard, all platforms) - copy the files contained in this directory to a work directory (if desired, the entire examples directory can also be copied). - cd to your work directory - Issue the appropriate command. depending on your operating system: Unix: % make Windows: (Use a command prompt window. Read build_win.bat before executing it and adjust the path of the IDL distribution as needed for your system) C: build_win For more information about DLMs, consult the IDL External Development Guide.