Help Getting Started

Hi,
I am getting more and more confused (and frustrated) as I read through information. I have a Symbol scanner with Windows CE 4.2 on it. I want to develop a small app in VB.NET to run on the scanner that will collect barcode information from products. Here are my questions:

1) What is the Platform Builder. Do I need this?

2)Is the .NET compact framework supposed to be installed on the CE device or the PC I am developing with...or both?

3) I have .NET 2002 it looks like. I can't find a Smart Device Application option for VB projects...do I need some add on or do I need to upgrade to the .NET 2003 version?

4) Is the emulator used for only testing in the development environement? Is it supposed to serve any other purpose?

5) If I do create an app to run on the scanner...what directory do I deploy it to?..or does it matter?

.....ugh..I'll probably have more questions...I think my wires are getting crossed reading this stuff. I haven't found any crystal clear documentation on what I want to do.

Thanks in advance

2 & 3. There is a redistribution package that is to be installed on the device so it can run the compact framework. There have been several releases so far
this is the latest one.

The compact framework is to be installed on the desktop development PC. The compact framework only comes with visual studio 2003 professional edition. It is not in the standard edition of 2003.

4. The emulator comes in both windows ce device and pocket pc with visual studio pro. The emulator replicate the os of the device and are a lot better than previous version of the emulator for eVB.
Generally the emulator is best for debugging applications and you can also test applications however testing is best left to the actual device.


5. Generally VS2003 Pro smart device apps are defaulted to install to the program files directory of the device. But you can select you own directory if you want.

Thank you...I have these things up and going I think. A few questions and I think I am on my way.
1) What is the difference between "Build" and "Deploy".

2) Also, what would one need to "Build CAB file" for.I s this something I need to know?

3) I assumed that Deploy meant to "Compile" project. If not, how do I compile my project so I can put it on the device.

Thanks again.

1. build means to compile the project
deploy run the application on the device if you are using that to debug

some devices allow this others dont

2. Build Cab is to create a device installer package for your application.
So just copy this file to the device and double tap on it

3. explained in 1 & 2 above.


sounds to me like your coming frm C++ background

when you debug it it asks you where to deploy it. then you can choose to send to the emulator or your pocket pc.