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What Is a Virtual Machine Application?

The IDL Virtual Machine is a runtime version of IDL that can execute IDL .sav files without an IDL license. It is designed to provide IDL users with a simple, no-cost method for distributing IDL applications. It runs on all IDL supported platforms, and does not require a license to run. This utility allows you to easily distribute IDL SAVE files to your colleagues or your customers, without requiring them to own an IDL runtime license.

Beginning with IDL 6.0, the IDL Virtual Machine is included with all IDL distributions. During installation, you can choose to install just the IDL Virtual Machine or a full installation of IDL (which includes the IDL Virtual Machine). For the benefit of developers who need to debug applications designed to run in this environment, the IDL Virtual Machine can be started explicitly. Otherwise, if a SAVE file program is run without an IDL license, IDL defaults to the IDL Virtual Machine mode.

If You Are Running a Virtual Machine Application

If you have received an IDL Virtual Machine application from someone else and are interested in running it on your own computer, do the following:

  1. Install the IDL Virtual Machine. You must have an IDL installer in order to install the IDL Virtual Machine. Follow the instructions on the CD or web download page, or see Installing the IDL Virtual Machine.

    2.  

  2. Install the Application. Follow the application developer's instructions to install the Virtual Machine application on your computer.

    3.  

  3. Run the Application. Follow the application developer's instructions to start the application, or see Starting a Virtual Machine Application.

If You Are Creating a Virtual Machine Application

If you are creating an IDL Virtual Machine application, you should be familiar with the entire contents of this chapter. You may also wish to familiarize yourself with Distributing Runtime Mode Applications.

  IDL Online Help (March 06, 2007)