Runtime Reference

Configure and operate the runtime.

Reference → Runtime | Tutorial | How-to Guide | Reference

Runtime Reference: The active stage where a Solution starts and operates, executing real-time data acquisition, scripts, alarms, and all configured modules.

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 Updates/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 Mode

Server 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 updates)

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

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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