Types

There are four types of ancillary files based on how they are accessed by the software application. The document usually keeps a reference to the location of the ancillary file in one of its objects.

1. External

The document keeps only a reference to the location of the ancillary file in one of its objects. When the compiler requires the ancillary file, it is retrieved from the location which is usually the local computer.

2. Update Internal Always

The document keeps an internal copy of the ancillary file. However, the compiler still uses the copy in the local computer if available. It uses only the internal copy if the original source is no longer present.

As the name suggests, the internal copy is always updated during the saving of the document for changes in the original source.

If no object in the document utilizes the ancillary file, the internal copy is discarded.

3. Keep On Demand

The document keeps an internal copy of the ancillary file. Unlike the previous type, Update Internal Always, its internal copy is not updated every saving of the document. Also, the internal copy is used during compilation.

If no object in the document utilizes the ancillary file, the internal copy is discarded.

4. Keep Permanently

This type is similar to the previous type, Keep On Demand, except that its internal copy is kept even if no object in the document utilizes the ancillary file.