Let us presume you are a technical writer for computer software operation.
You are specifying the required sequence of stimulus that would promote an outcome.
First, let us establish the required stimulus leading to the outcome.
if (game is launched) then // First stimulus
{
if (game has quit) then // 2nd stimulus requring 1st stimulus
{
display file.
}
}
Therefore, your statement should be
You have to launch the game and then quit the game, before the file
$will be displayed.
Where $will is either
will, can, would, could, should or might.
Secondly, we have to establish the mood of your specification.
- the file will certainly show up, no doubt about it.
- the file can show up, but there are more conditions to be satisfied.
- the file could possibly show up, due to ill-defined circumstances.
- the file should show up, I believe so hmm... because it is the expected outcome.
- the file might show up, but we hope it would not.
3rdly, let us clarify the word "will". There are two distinct usages here.
- will = having the propensity to show up. As in "the will to survive".
- an implied assertion of future tense due to unsatisfied conditions/stimulus that have yet to occur.
Let us lean towards
will = having the propensity (spontaneous tendency) to be displayed.
and that the mood of your specification is
the file will certainly show up, no doubt about it.
Therefore, your specification should be:
You have to launch the game and then quit the game, before the file
will be displayed.
or
You have to launch the game and then quit the game, before the file
will show up.