## 9.2 Loading and Using Outboard and Runtime-Loadable Modules

Data Explorer allows the following types of user-written module:

`inboard` | modules are compiled and linked into the Data Explorer Executive.
`outboard` | modules are run as separate processes.
`runtime-loadable` | modules are loaded at runtime and effectively become inboard modules.

For an outboard or runtime-loadable to be available for use, its module description file must be loaded into the tool palette. To load a module description file:

1. Select the `Load Modules Description(s)...` option from the `File` pull-down menu in the VPE. A file selection dialog box appears. For information about how to use the dialog box, see "File Selection Dialog Boxes".
2. Use the dialog box to locate the description file for the module you want to load, and select the desired file. The module name appears on the tool palette under its assigned category.

   Note: | If the module description you loaded has the same name as an module description loaded previously, the more recent description replaces the less recent, regardless of whether they were assigned to the same category.

When the new module is available for use, it is listed in the tool palette as a member of the category you assigned it to.

You can configure Data Explorer to automatically load module descriptions when you begin the Data Explorer program. To do this, use the `-mdf filename` option when starting Data Explorer, where `filename` specifies one or more module definitions. Alternatively, you can use the DXMDF environment variable. For more information on how to do this, see "Using Environment Variables" and C.1 , "Environment Variables".

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