Build specification Destination Does Not Preserve Hierarchy

[NathanJD]

I have a destination configured in my build specification (application) so that I can include required LabVIEW and non-LabVIEW files in my builds.  This destination is configured as a directory with "Preserve disk hierarchy" checked.  Under "Source File Settings", I have one of the folders in my project configured to use the aforementioned destination.

There are two issues that occur when I build my application.  The first is that it ignores empty folders entirely.  The second is that I have one folder that contains files (this folder is a child of the folder that is listed in the build spec) and when I build, it completely ignores the child hierarchical step.  I.e. It omits the child folder completely and put's the child folder's contents in the parent/top-most folder.  E.g.:

Source:

source/ParentFolder/ChildFolder/file1.ext

source/ParentFolder/ChildFolder/file2.ext

Build Result:

builds/ParentFolder/file1.ext

builds/ParentFolder/file2.ext

If I put a dummy file (or another child folder with a dummy file) in "ParentFolder", it will then actually preserve the hierarchy of the files (empty folders are still ignored though).  Note that the ParentFolder is "Always Included" under the build spec's "Source Files".

I need to be able to preserve the hierarchy without having to use a dummy file (this would be extremely confusing and could get deleted easily by future developers) or having to remove this hierarchical step in the folder structure (this code was inherited).

I'm using LabVIEW 2013 SP1.

[mikeporter]

Actually this has been discussed before -- a lot. The builder will not create an empty directory, and it only counts files as contents.

Mike...

[NathanJD]

I guess I searched for the wrong terms.  In that case, "preserve disk hierarchy" is extremely misleading.

However, omitting empty folders still doesnt explain why it omitted a non-empty folder and decided to put its contents in the parent folder.

[mikeporter]

Because it only counts files. It ignores folders.

Mike...

[T999]

ok...i think i got it...

1. under destination --> support directory --> set whatever path (i changed it to dataxxx)
2. click "Add Destination" plus button on the bottom

3. you should have a "New Destination"

4. click on "New Destination" --> click "preserve disk hierarchy"

5. under source files --> project file --> add your desired folder to --> always included

6. under source file settings --> project files --> select your folder --> click "set destination for all contained items" and select "New Destination" (or whatever name you chose in step 3)

7. under preview --> click "generate preview" to verify

steps:

before:

after: