Component
A Component is essentially a library which is controlled by a Flowcode program, and can extend the Flowcode interface.
Components can interact with flowchart programs and other components to create an effective rapid prototype development system or application which can usually run both in simulation and on hardware.
Overview
A Component can be anything that is self-contained, for example:
- An electronic device
- A measuring instrument
- A packaged simulation
- An extension to the system
- A library of useful macros
Flowcode provides a set of Components packaged with the application.
A component always has a physical presence on the 2D Panel or the 3D System Panel. This is to allow the user to easily select and identify the components they are using, and also, where graphics are used, to provide a representation of the object the Component represents. The Component object can also be used to convey useful information to the user.
Components also have access to other features of Flowcode suitable for displaying data, such as the Data Console and Data Scope, where a Component can create their own data feeds for reading and writing information.
Components structure
A Component comprises of a combination of primitive shapes, existing components, flowchart macros, resources and properties. When the Component is exported this information is packaged into a self-contained unit, similar to an executable application which can then be no longer read or edited.
Components are located in the Components Libraries ribbon. It is divided into sections such as Inputs and Outputs to help the user find what they want.
Another method to find the required component is to use the Search Icon within the Components Libraries ribbon.
The is an option to show either 2D only components that go on the 2D panel, 3D only components that go on to the 3D System Panel, or to show both 2D and 3D components.
Any component can be used as a building-block to create new components.
