WXS file extensions are an integral part of our digital experience, utilized predominantly in software development, especially those employing Wix Toolset. They form an important cog in the installation system, acting as a code file otherwise known as an XML description file under the WiX(Window Installer XML) toolset. This article will explore the different formats and various methods of opening and using WXS files.
WiX Toolset and WXS Files
The WiX toolset uses WXS file extensions as a primary file format in creating Windows installation packages. It's an open-source toolset, and here is where you can find more about WiX Toolset. These source files, written in XML, contain the instructions to build Windows installation packages from the file elements and features you specify.
Using WXS files with WiX Toolset
To open a WXS file, you�ll need to use an appropriate program like WiX toolset from Outercurve Foundation. If you�re not a developer familiar with the WiX toolset, opening a.WXS file and interpreting its contents may prove difficult. Hence, download the appropriate Wix Toolset version from the official site, follow the installation instructions, and start creating WXS files to control your software installation process.
Text Editors and WXS Files
If you wish to view or edit these files, any text editor should be sufficient: Notepad++, Sublime Text, Atom, etc., will allow you to see the file's XML-based instructions. Microsoft�s Visual Studio with Votive (a WiX toolset plug-in), provides a full-feature environment to edit and compile WXS files. You can download it from the official download site and learn how to set it up for WXS files here.
WXS File Important Information
A better understanding of how to navigate and use WXS files can significantly benefit developers working with Windows application installation. Because of their XML-based structure, they can be viewed in simple text editors, but for complication and proper use, software like Microsoft's Visual Studio with the Wix Toolset plug-in installed is recommended.
