Authoring Policy Files in Template Description Language
Visual Studio .NET 2003
Use the Template Description Language (TDL) to define policy for distributed applications based on Enterprise Templates and to customize the Visual Studio integrated development environment.
Security Note If you receive an Enterprise Template project (.etp) or policy (.tdl) file from a potentially untrusted source, the policy file could contain settings that can cause problems or nuisance events. Before using a questionable .etp or .tdl file, you should open it in a text editor and inspect it for things such as unnecessary references, unknown scripts, or inappropriate constraints. For more information, see Avoiding Nuisance Risks with .etp Files, Avoiding Nuisance Risks with Policy Files, and Avoiding Risk of Malicious Property Constraints.
In This Section
- Basic Concepts of Template Description Language (TDL)
- Explains TDL as an implementation of XML specifically for describing templates.
- Defining Policy with Template Description Language (TDL)
- Provides information on shaping policy for distributed applications in TDL.
- Editing Template Description Language (TDL) in Visual Studio
- Gives best practices for editing policy files written in TDL.
- Using ELEMENTSET Nodes to Specify Constraints in Policy Files
- Provides links to topics explaining how to use ELEMENT identification and how to use an ELEMENTSET to restrict projects, project items, controls, and components.
- Common Policy Tasks
- Provides links to procedures for applying typical policy restrictions such as specifying permitted projects or project items, disabling menu or Toolbox items, and manipulating property values.
- Policy Walkthroughs with TDL Files
- Lists a series of extended tasks that provide hands-on instruction to help you become familiar with how to use and modify Enterprise Templates.
Related Sections
- Distributing Policy, Prototypes, and Custom Help
- Managing and distributing policy files and guidance.
- Template Description Language Reference
- Detailed descriptions of TDL syntax.
