Block Explorer libraries can be subdivided into three categories based on their block files location:
1. Checked In — all block files located in block archive file BeLib.zip, located in library installation folder
2. Checked Out — all block files located in file system folders
3. Mixed — some block files are located in block archive and some are checked out to file system folders
These are main pros of using Checked In (category 1 above) scenario:
· Library Portability — to move library all that has to be done is to move three files over to a new folder (BeLib.mdb, BeLib.slb and BeLib.zip)
· Library Security — block archive could be password encrypted and user access will be controlled by permissions configured in User Access module
· Single source - when archived blocks are inserted Block Explorer transparently extracts them into temporary folder and deletes block files afterwards so no extracted files are left behind on file system
· Consistent X-references - when archived blocks are X-referenced Block Explorer extracts them into appropriate file system folder. These files will stay extracted (checked out) until library manager checks them back into library blocks archive.
These are main pros of using Checked Out (category 2 above) scenario:
· Increased Performance - library blocks insertion, collection and modifications is much faster, especially on larger libraries
· When this type of library has to be moved to another location Block Explorer will automatically check all blocks into block archive before moving library and re-extracts them afterwards. The whole procedure is completely transparent to the user.
· Block files security is controlled outside of Block Explorer by system administrators
For detailed help on how to check in / out library blocks, encrypt library archive with password, move libraries and more - see Library Hub => Library Node topic.
