What must you do before creating an application archive file?

Before creating an application archive file, it is essential to check in the rules in the application ruleset. This step ensures that all modifications and developments within the application are saved and stored in the appropriate ruleset, which is necessary for integrity and version control. When rules are checked in, it allows the application archive file to include the latest versions of all rules, which can then be deployed or shared with other environments confidently.

This process is fundamental because an application archive is meant to capture the current state of the application. If the rules are not checked in, it may lead to scenarios where changes are lost or not reflected in the archive, potentially resulting in inconsistencies or errors when the application is moved to production or another environment. An organized repository of checked-in rules ensures that the archive serves as a reliable backup and reference for future deployments.