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

Question

After building the installer, I'm provided a cab, msi, and wixpdb file. I've learned you can embed the cab using the EmbedCab property of the MediaTemplate element, but I've no idea about the wixpdb file. What's its purpose, and is it necessary for a basic installation?

Answer 1

It's like a .pdb file for your .exe -- it contains extra symbol information about your .msi. It doesn't get deployed but it can be used later (e.g., to build patches) so you should archive it like you archive other build artifacts.