What is the wixpdb file for? Is it necessary for deployment?

Question

After creating the installer, I was given the cab, msi, and wixpdb file. I found out that you can embed the cab using the EmbedCab property of the EmbedCab element, but I don't know what the wixpdb file is. What is its purpose, and is it necessary for a basic installation?

Answer 1

It's like a .pdb file for your .exe - it contains additional information about the symbol of your .msi. It does not expand, but can be used later (for example, to create patches), so you should archive it as if you were archiving other build artifacts.