# 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.

![](/files/MDLEwFgJ3v2AFyQMQjhD)

### 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.*

![](/files/27zt3IDf8v7ya1pxRGHt)

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

![](/files/Fjr0pP6rky9kyVVjLQvT)

* * 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.

![](/files/UklIwgx1F7bMxWUiLEHF)

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

![](/files/hVwLBpP0JezjQ1m0vJwL)

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

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

![](/files/sWhNVOGdMREaJIcDDdMQ)

* * 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.*

![](/files/m7Fe183GQzQjx7GIk2zr)

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>*

![](/files/cKHYw1YQOX96KD0TOvGs)

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

![](/files/VE1PDNe5paspeQBh4PjC)

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


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