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# Installation

Normal installation creates directories, copies files, and updates the main menu.

The OSAS installation process interprets the existence and the contents of the installation files and performs tasks accordingly. If you define the programs and files properly, your product will install easily and uniformly.

Applications must be installed with the standard OSAS installation procedure. Your application must meet these requirements:

- It must use a unique 2-character application ID to distinguish it from other applications available from Open Systems. If you are unsure about the ID to use, check with Open Systems to find out which 2-character application IDs are in use.
- The xxAPPL.TXT file must contain the appropriate application information.
- There must be programs for the functions that make up the application, and they must conform to the standards outlined in this document.
- Your sample data must allow the application to function in demo or training mode without a data installation step. This data must be related and logical.
- There must be BASIS Data Dictionaries defining all fields in all data files for the application. Use the functions on the Data Dictionary menu in the Software Development Utilities to create the dictionary.
- There must be an xx.TPL file that contains string templates that define all files for the application.
- There must be an xxMN file that contains all application menu entries for the application being installed.
- An optional xx.PTL file should be included if your application is designed to use report pick defaults.
- If the application uses options, you must create an Options and Interfaces (xxOI) file that contains the questions and data necessary to prompt for the settings for the options switches.
- If the application requires a conversion to a higher version number or modifies OSAS files, you must create programs, xxCNVT.yyy (where yyy is the version number), which convert the data for each version. The user executes this program through the Data File Conversion function in Resource Manager. New files designated as destinations for converted data are created automatically through the normal Data File Creation process. You must also create or edit the xxCNVT.HDR file to include the steps required in a multi-version conversion. The xxDATA.yyy file must also be kept accurate.
- Use the functions in the GENERAL Report Writer application to create the GENERAL Report Writer dictionary files for the application.
- Modify the xxAPPL.TXT file to include any required steps for merging files or other installation tasks.