Overview
Executing a Solution involves:
- Loading all functional modules for execution
- Acquiring and processing data, updating visual displays
- Performing all tasks based on the Solution's configuration
The Runtime Environment applies settings like network addresses and database connections according to execution profiles, enabling the same configuration to interface with various databases and devices across different lifecycle phases (Development, Validation, Production).
Key Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Runtime | The execution environment when the solution is running, distinguishing it from Configuration phase |
| Execution Profile | Settings allowing customization of database connections and device addresses for different environments |
| Online Configuration | Real-time modifications to a running solution without stopping execution |
| Hot Reloads/Hot Reload | Subset of online configurations allowing offline solution changes without disrupting runtime |
| Build and Publish | Compilation of solution code and creation of read-only versions for regulated deployment |
Runtime Architecture
Real-Time In-Memory Database
When the solution executes, variables like Tags, Templates, and Assets are loaded into memory as a central reference point for all functional modules.
TServer.exe Process Architecture:
- Real-Time Database
- Tags, Templates, Assets
- Current Values & Quality
- Microsecond Updates
- Module Connections
- Devices → Tag Updates
- Scripts → Processing
- Clients → Data Access
The TServer.exe process maintains the real-time database and can run as a Windows Service or be deployed to Linux and other supported operating systems.
Startup Procedure
1. Launching TStartup.exe
- Loads the Solution
- Reads Solution Configuration
- Parses Command Line Parameters
- Activates Main Process TServer.exe
2. Starting the Real-Time Database
TServer.exe loads solution objects, tags, templates, and assets into memory. A communication service is established for other modules to connect.
3. Modules Startup
Other modules (Historian, Alarms, Devices, Scripts, Datasets, Reports) start by reading configuration and connecting to the main process.
4. Applying Execution Profiles
Modules behave according to profile definitions:
- Development: Temporary local SQLite database for alarm records
- Production: Alarm Database mapped to SQL server
5. Solution Designer Automatic Connection
Designer connects to running solution for monitoring, adjustments, and troubleshooting via Monitor and Diagnostics pages.
6. Opening Client-Side Displays
Operations displays (HTML5 or WPF) can be opened from any remote computer connected to the server.
7. Applying Online Changes
System applies configuration changes and updates without disrupting runtime, maintaining high availability.
Runtime Namespaces
Info Namespace
Main location for runtime status:
Info.Solution - Information about running solution
Info.License - License information
Info.Module - Module information and start/stop commands
Info.Trace() - Display message on TraceWindow
Info.TestMode - Shows if solution running in Test ModeServer Namespace
Information about the server computer running the solution.
Client Namespace
Information about each client computer running a graphical interface.
Configuration Components
| Component | Purpose | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime Startup | Start/stop execution, profile selection | Runtime Startup (Reference) |
| Execution Profiles | Environment-specific configurations | Runtime Execution Profiles (Reference) |
| Build and Publish | Compilation and deployment | Runtime Build and Publish (Reference) |
| Runtime Diagnostics | Property Watch, Trace Window, Module Info | Runtime Diagnostics (Reference) |
| System Monitor | Runtime status and metrics | Runtime System Monitor (Reference) |
Process Isolation
Configuration and Runtime Process Isolation ensures development doesn't impact production:
| Process | Activities | Isolation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Setting parameters, profiles | Separate environment |
| Runtime | Active execution | Protected instance |
| Development | Testing features | Different profile |
Working with Runtime
Starting Solution Execution
- Go to Runtime → Startup
- Select appropriate Execution Profile
- Click Run Startup button
- Monitor for errors during startup
Stopping Solution Execution
Use appropriate shutdown method to avoid data loss:
- Designer: Click Stop button
- Service: Stop Windows service
- Command line: Use shutdown command
Applying Configuration Changes
- Identify configuration file or settings
- Modify settings as needed
- Either:
- Restart application (offline changes)
- Use Online Configuration (Hot Reloads)
Child Pages
Configuration Interface:
- Runtime Designer UI (Reference) - Designer runtime pages
- Runtime Startup
- Execution Profiles
- Build and Publish
- System Monitor
- Runtime Diagnostics
Architecture:
- Runtime Engine (Reference) - TServer components and architecture
For IT operational deployment posture — install, identity, audit-and-SIEM integration patterns, and 10.1.6 roadmap — see FrameworX Enterprise IT Readiness Reference.
Runtime Links
Explanation - to understand concepts
→ Modules / Solution Lifecycle / Runtime
Tutorials - to learn by doing
→ Tutorials / Solution Lifecycle / Runtime Tutorial
How-to Guides - to accomplish specific tasks
→ How-to Guides / Solution Lifecycle / Runtime How-to Guide
Reference - technical details
→ Technical Reference / Solution Lifecycle / Runtime Reference
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