17.1.1 Functionalities of the Automatic Installation Tool

The Automatic Installation Tool provides the following functionalities for creating AIT files:

The Edit window for creating and editing an AIT file. This window provides cut, copy, paste, indentation, and other text editing functionalities.
The Window Properties tool for acquiring the properties of installer windows. You can copy the acquired properties on the Clipboard, and can use them as arguments for the API functions used in the AIT file.
The Recorder functionality for recording the installation operations you actually performed. This functionality lets you automatically generate the AIT file that simulates your operations on the installer.
The Syntax Check functionality for checking whether the AIT file meets the AIT language specifications. If this functionality detects errors, it displays them on a window.
The Execute functionality for replaying the script in the AIT file after conducting a syntax check.
The Debug functionality for helping detect and correct syntax errors. In the debug mode, you can stop executing the script in the AIT file at each breakpoint you set or at each statement. Moreover, you can check the values set in variables and update them during execution of the AIT file.
The API (Application Programming Interface) specific to the Automatic Installation Tool. This API allows you to perform various operations such as replay of the installation script, and operations on the registry, files, and text.
Functionality for creating a program product ID file, which associates an AIT file with the software to be distributed.