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The first step in creating a new application is to create an .APP file. The .APP file holds the procedures, data, and other properties you define for your application. Optionally create a new directory for the application; whenever you open the .APP file, Clarion will use the directory in which the .APP file resides as the working directory.

1.Create a subdirectory for your application, then return to Clarion.

2.Choose **File** {{ebx_-772703880.jpg|ebx_-772703880.jpg}} **New** {{ebx_-772703880.jpg|ebx_-772703880.jpg}} **Solution, Project or Application**.

3.In the //New Solution, Project or Application// dialog, select the //Clarion for Window// category and the //Application// Quick Start.

4.Type a name for the .APP file in the **Name **field. Clarion automatically adds the .APP extension.

5.Verify and modify the **Location** if needed, Optionally check additional directory options if needed.

6.Press the **Create** button.

The **Application Properties **dialog appears. This dialog allows you to define the essential files for the application.

7.Name the .DCT file the application will use in the **Dictionary File** field, or press the ellipsis (**...**) button to select the file in the **Select Dictionary **dialog.

See //How to Create a Data Dictionary// for information on creating your application's data dictionary. The **Select Dictionary **dialog is a standard **Open File **dialog.

The Application Generator does **not **require a data dictionary to generate an application, if you **uncheck **the **Require a dictionary** box in the **Application Options** dialog.

8.Optionally rename the first procedure from MAIN to another name of your choice.

You can do so by typing another procedure name from the **First Procedure **field.

9.Choose the **Destination Type** from the drop down list.

This defines the type of target file for your application. Choose from **Executable **(.EXE), **Library **(.LIB), or **Dynamic Link Library** (.DLL).

10.Type a name for the application's .HLP file in the **Help File** field, or use the ellipsis (**...**) button to select the file in the Open File** **dialog.

The Application Generator allows you to name the help topics in your application without determining that the help file exists. You are responsible for creating a .HLP file that contains the context strings and keywords that you optionally enter as HLP attributes for the various controls and dialogs.

11.Choose the **Application Template** field, type. You may accept the default ABC template, or press the ellipsis (**...**) button to select another (third party template set) in the **Select Application Type **dialog.

The selected application template controls code generation.

12.Optionally, check the **Application Wizard **box to use the wizard to create a complete application based on the selected dictionary and a few answers you specify.

13.Press the **OK **button.

Clarion creates the .APP file, then displays the **Application Tree **dialog for your new application.