Compiling source code refers to converting ABL source codes into the binary r-code, which is then executed inside the ABL Virtual Machine (AVM).

To compile an ABL code, you require an ABL source code and an AVM with compiler. The following illustration typically represents the input and output parameters for a compile operation:

ABL source code

ABL files such as procedure files and class files that need to be compiled.

AVM configurations

AVM configuration consists of:
  1. Propath—The paths where the AVM looks for resolving various project dependencies. See Manage dependencies for more details.
  2. Database connection—For projects that require data from a database, you need to provide the database connection details.

    In a CI environment, it is good to use a test database. Use single user mode (-1) for connection details to overcome the overhead of starting a database server.

  3. AVM parameters—The startup parameters as supported by AVM.

Compile configurations

The COMPILE statement provides various options, such as OPTIONS (strict options), LISTING, and so on, which can be configured while compiling. For more information, see COMPILE statement in the ABL Reference.