Two basic rules explain the process of building SOM class libraries:

• IDL files for a class' metaclass, parent class, or ancestor class are required for the SOM compiler to process a class definition file. These files establish the relationships between classes.

• H files are required for C-language compiler processing and building of the class library. These files resolve references to methods defined in other files.

With these rules in mind, the basic process for building a SOM class library can be summarized as follows:

• Create IDL files and do SOM compilation for all parent and ancestor classes and their related classes.

• Create IDL files for a class and its metaclass (if any).

• Compile the metaclass IDL file using SOM.

• Compile the class IDL file using SOM.

• Compile C implementation files, in any order, using the C compiler.