OVERVIEW: Extending Experiments with PackageFile Editor [22888]

E-Prime contains the PackageFile Editor application, which can be used to create and modify user package files – reusable blocks of E-Basic script that are added to E-Prime experiments via the PackageCall object. Package files are convenient if you have frequently used script that you want to make available for addition in any E-Prime experiment.

About the PackageFile Editor
The PackageFile Editor facilitates the creation and modification of package files (*.epk3) – reusable blocks of E-Basic script that are added to E-Prime experiments via the PackageCall object. The PackageFile Editor features standard interface characteristics, including menus and toolbars. The PackageFile Editor follows a single document model, meaning that only one package file can be open at a time.

NOTE: The default installed version of PackageFile Editor cannot be used to edit Certified Package Files.

All *.epk3 files consist of several types of components, which are used to define various aspects of the package file. The Package node is used to specify the properties of the package file itself, such as the name of the package file and the version number. This node contains a Variable Prefix which allows you to set an alpha code specific to each PackageFile. This will allow you to share PackageFiles with other people and prevent variable conflicts. Script components are used to insert initialization script, such as declaring variables or opening a device that will be used by the routines in the package file. The References node specifies additional package files that may be referenced by the current package file. Finally, the Routines node is used to create and modify the routines that will be added to an E-Prime experiment via the PackageCall object.

 
Launching the PackageFile Editor
The PackageFile Editor application can be launched from the E-Prime folder on the Windows Start menu. The PackageFile Editor can also be launched via the Tools menu in E-Studio.

Creating a New Package File
When launching the PackageFile Editor application, a new package file is created automatically. New package files contain no routines, no references, and are virtually empty except for a number of default values in the Package component. If a new package file is not currently open in the PackageFile Editor, one can be created by selecting "New" from the File menu or by clicking the "New" icon in the toolbar.

Articles in this Section:
PACKAGEFILE: PackageFile Editor Interface [22889]
PACKAGEFILE: Package Component [22894] 
PACKAGEFILE: PackageFile Hierarchy [22897]
PACKAGEFILE: Opening and Saving PackageFiles [22898]
PACKAGEFILE: Loading PackageFiles in E-Studio [22899]

PACKAGEFILE: Calling PackageFile routines via InLine Script versus in a PackageCall [26208]