Tools

The Vala distribution includes several programs to help you build and work with Vala applications. For more details of each tool, see the man pages.

valac

valac is the Vala compiler. It's primary function is to transform Vala code into compilable C code, though it can also automate the entire build and link project in simple cases.

The simple case for use is:

$ valac -o appname --pkg gee-1.0 file_name_1.vala file_name_2.vala

The -o switch requests that an object file is created, rather than just outputting C source files. The --pkg option says that this build needs information from the gee-1.0 package. You do not need to specify details about what libraries to link in, the package has this information internally. Finally, a list of source files is given. If you need a more complicated build process, use the -C switch to generate C files instead of a binary, and continue the process manually, or through a script.

vapigen

vapigen is a tool to make bindings. It creates a VAPI files from a library's metadata and any extra information required. See also Vala Bindings Tutorial.