# CAR Convert Utility Guide

### CAR Convert Utility Guide

### Introduction

Welcome to the *CarConvert* Utility guide for Astera Software. This document provides comprehensive instructions on using the *CarConvert* utility, designed to convert Centerprise Project files (\*.cprj) into Centerprise Archive files (\*.car). This guide will help you understand the utility's functionality and how to effectively use it to optimize your data integration processes.

### Accessing the CAR Convert Utility

The *CarConvert* utility is provided as part of a downloadable zip file. Follow these steps to set up and use the utility.

### Setting Up the CAR Convert Utility

#### Step 1: Download and Extract the Zip File

Download the Tool: Download the [zip file](https://www.astera.com/Downloads/api/CarConvert10.zip).

Extract the Zip File: Extract the contents of the zip file to a preferred location on your system.

Step 2: Open the C# Project

Choose an IDE: To open the project, you will need an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that supports C# projects. Examples include:

* Visual Studio Community Edition
* Visual Studio Code
* JetBrains Rider

***Note:** In this guide we are using Visual Studio Community Edition.*

Open the Project: Locate the extracted files and open the C# project in your chosen IDE.

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2FJtz7PMrgDZJcAsjw0pHK%2F0.png?alt=media)

### Using the CAR Convert Utility

#### Method 1: Running the CAR Convert Tool via IDE

1. **Set Debug Properties**:
   * In your IDE, navigate to *Debug > CarConvert Debug Properties.*

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2F22UR6ueOkFHvPH1R85Wg%2F1.jpeg?alt=media)

* * In the *Debug Properties*, locate the *Command line arguments* text area.

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2FOigc5wlMVEOIHcDgfKUx%2F2.jpeg?alt=media)

* * The *CarConvert* utility requires two *parameters*:
    1. cprj: Path to the existing Centerprise Project file.
    2. car: Path where the output Centerprise Archive file will be saved.

**Example:**

1. cprj: *\`C:\test\testproject.cprj\`*
2. car: *\`C:\test\testarchive.car\`*
   * Enter the paths for the *.cprj* file and the *output directory* as command-line arguments.
3. **Run the Project**:
   * Save the *CarConvert* file.
   * Run the file from the IDE.

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2F66ESIe1cjLfr8gBKa4uN%2F3.jpeg?alt=media)

* * The converted *.car* file will be created in the output directory you specified.

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2FmJqu50PdybyxI9ebb3Gy%2F4.jpeg?alt=media)

#### Method 2: Running the CAR Convert Tool via CLI

1. **Build the Project**:
   * In your IDE, navigate to *Build > Build Solution*.

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2FMw1HfgYH3btXooNsMP7d%2F5.jpeg?alt=media)

* * This will create an executable file for the *CarConvert* utility.

***Note:** The CarConvert Project has to be built first so that the carconvert.exe executable is created.*

1. **Locate the Executable**:
   * After building the project, navigate to the path where the executable is created. This is typically found at *CarConvert > bin > Debug > CarConvert.exe.*

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2FzMJ3uLQz6pazsqxNrYgL%2F6.jpeg?alt=media)

1. **Run the Executable via CLI**:
   * Open your Command-Line Interface (CLI) (e.g., Command Prompt, PowerShell).
   * Navigate to the directory containing carconvert.exe.
   * Run the utility using the following command:

*carconvert.exe \<path\_to\_project\_file.cprj> \<path\_to\_output\_file.car>*

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2FKq6c2evhlRF4DYv3HptM%2F7.png?alt=media)

* * The converted *.car* file will be created in the output directory you specified.

![](https://3083465318-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsR50Wa7EwZGlmPSAMkkf%2Fuploads%2F8VV9EeqVeWaYPex4QFKy%2F8.jpeg?alt=media)

By following these steps, you can effectively use the *CarConvert* utility to convert Centerprise Project files into Centerprise Archive files.