Compiling MDL Applications

For information on compiling MicroStation/J-based applications visit the
MicroStation/J MDL, JMDL, & Java FAQ

Description: Compiling a MicroStation 95/MicroStation SE MDL application in Windows 95 or Windows NT. These are simplified directions, for more complete instructions see the MDL Programmer's Guide available on your delivered CD.

Solution:  To compile the MDL application, "YOURAPP" (substitute your application name here), do the following:

Note: The file directory shown is valid if MicroStation is installed using the default directories. If you have used a different directory to install MicroStation, adjust the paths accordingly.

1. The following three(3) environment variables need to be set. These can be set in the AUTOEXEC.BAT, the System Setup Tool or in a batch or script file that runs in a command shell.

   Add the mdl\bin directory to the path for example: Set path=%path%;C:\win32app\ustation\mdl\bin	(path to BMAKEWIN.EXE)
   Set the MS environment variable for example: Set MS=C:\win32app\ustation	(path to MicroStation)
   Set the BMAKE_OPT environment variable for example: Set BMAKE_OPT=-IC:\win32app\ustation\mdl\include	(path to MDL.MKI)
   Note: In the BMAKE_OPT line above, that is a minus sign and uppercase i ( -I ) with no spaces from BMAKE_OPT to the end of the line.

2. In DOS, change the directory to the path of the source code (i.e. YOURAPP.mc, YOURAPP.h, YOURAPP.mke, etc.). In this case, type:

   cd\...\YOURAPP

3. From the C:\...\YOURAPP directory, type:

   bmakewin -a YOURAPP.MKE

4. The compiler may return several warning statements, "...does not have an ANSI function declaration". In MicroStation 95, the MDL compiler was redesigned to be more strict about warnings. This particular warning can be eliminated in one of the following ways:
   1. The proper way is to include the respective function definition files (.FDF). See the MDL Supplement Guide.

      The following method is not recommended on a regular basis but will work to temporarily compile applications on your own machine.

   2. Ignore this warning. Although we don't recommend this for those developing MDL applications, in this case, this warning is harmless.

5. If the application compiled, the compiler will return a line "Building C:\win32app\ustation\mdlapps\YOURAPP.ma". This line should appear approximately 4 lines above the last line returned by the compiler.

6. Lastly, In MicroStation key in MDL load YOURAPP (substitute your application name here). This should load the application.

For more detailed information on MDL see technical document #6126: MicroStation MDL General FAQ.