Managing Similar Configurations


What is a common configuration?

Some configurations may be exactly the same except for a few settings. To minimize duplicating files or numerous links and shortcuts, a common configuration can be created. A common configration is a special configuration with a configuration type of Common. A common configuration is be used by other configurations to share settings and applications.

Creating A Common Configuration

A common configuration is created just like a normal configuration. The difference is to set the Configuration Type to common and be sure to leave the Common Configuration field blank.

Defining A Configuration To Use A Common Configuration

To use a common configuration, modify the configuration's properties:

  1. Run the dsl_configure program
  2. Select the Configuration icon in the toolbar to activate the configurations panel.
  3. Select the wanted configuration in the list
  4. Make sure the Properties tab is selected.
  5. Select the common configuration to use in the Common Configuration field. Only available common configurations will appear in the list. Selecting No Common Configuration specifies that the department is not using a common configuration.
  6. Choose File->Save Changes when complete.

Now the configuration will use a common configuration.

Referring To The Common Configuration In Environment

The environment variable DSL_COMMONDEPT_DIR will be set to the Common Configuration directory location. This will be helpful in menuscripts and in environment variables. You will still use DSL_DEPT_DIR when you need to refer to the actual configuration directory.

NOTE: When not using a common configuration, DSL_COMMONDEPT_DIR will be the same as DSL_DEPT_DIR.

Adding Configuration Specific Programs When Using A Common Configuration

GRIPs, ufuncs, menuscripts, and dialogs can still be placed in the configuration directory to create configuration specific applications that are not available to other configurations that use the same common configuration.

Configuration Directory Notes

Most subdirectories in the configuration's NX version directory can still be used as if no common configuration has been defined. This allows defining additions to what is in the common configuration. However, a few subdirectories will only be searched in the common configuration. They are: