Last Modified October 1, 2026

Custom Activation - Overview

  1. Introduction
  2. Where to find the DNA Library packages
  3. Other Considerations

 

The Custom Activation method implements a 2-step approach to Activation with GUI screens of your design to capture license information, and provides detailed control over the License Activation and Re-activation process.

The Custom Activation approach can be used with all License types.

An abbreviated coding example is presented and each step is explained and discussed in the following sections. For exact API call syntax and descriptions, consult the DNA API Reference

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If you would like to experience the software_DNA solution immediately, you can download examples of simple working applications, from your DNA Control Panel account (under the Resources -> Samples menu), including:

  • HelloWorld - source code - Very simple annotated source code demonstrating key process flow and API calls for software_DNA implementation. Full project that can be compiled.
  • Clock Demo - Source Code - Complete annotated source code to demonstrate software_DNA implementation. Full project that can be compiled.
  • Clock Demo - compiled full working example of a simple program.

 

Where to find the DNA Library packages

You can download the DNA Library package for your target OS from the DNA Control Panel, under the Resources -> DNA Libraries menu.

The ZIP Package will include:

  • The DNA Library itself

  • The DNA Interface files for multiple programming languages

  • A ReadMe file with key information:

    • The MD5 and SHA1 Hash of the DNA Library required to authenticate the DNA Library
    • Info on which files to include in your development project
    • Advice on how to configure your IDE environement to target 32-bit or 64-bit, etc..

Add the DNA Library and the appropriate DNA_INT file to your development project and follow the steps below to integrate software_DNA in your application.

Other Considerations

software_DNA provides extensive and sophisticated licensing features beyond what is described in this Implementation Guide. See our "Advanced Topics" for details.