Target Definition

A target definition specifies all aspects of a target - including its location, constituent plug-ins and environment.

The New Target Definition wizard is available under File > New > Other... > Plug-in Development > Target Definition from the top level menu.

Target Wizard

 

File Name and Location

The only restriction is that the target definition must have a .target file extension. The target definition can be placed in any project and any folder. The flexibility in naming the file allows you to store multiple target definitions in the same folder.

 

Initial File Content

A target definition can be initialized in one of three ways:

  1. Create a target with basic settings: This option creates a minimal target definition with default settings for all sections.
  2. Use the current target platform settings: This option initializes the file with the settings of the current target platform as defined on the Window > Preferences... > Plug-in Development > Target Platform preference page.
  3. Use an existing target definition: This option creates a copy of an existing target definition. The View Target button lets you preview the the content of the target definition that is selected in the combo box. This option is particularly useful if you are creating a target definition that augments or slightly modifies an existing target.