Introduction
Every knowledge domain has its own terminology, and software applications are no exception. While our platform uses industry-standard terms whenever possible, certain words may carry specific meanings in this context.
We recommend reviewing this glossary after you've gained some experience with the platform. Revisiting these definitions will help clarify key concepts and improve your efficiency when building applications.
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Glossary (A-Z)
AccessTypes, Device AccessType
Each DevicePoint is assigned an AccessType, which defines its read/write behavior, including polling rate and permissions.
AlarmArea
A hierarchical grouping of AlarmGroups for structured alarm management. Can contain child AlarmAreas, useful for large systems.
AlarmGroup
A collection of AlarmItems sharing common properties. Simplifies configuration with settings like AckRequired, AutoAckTime, and Sound.
AlarmItem
A tag or expression monitored by the Alarm Module, including condition, limit, deadband, and message settings.
App Domain, Application Domain
A virtual, isolated environment for running a .NET application, providing process isolation.
Application, Project, Solution
"Project" applies to version 9.2 and earlier. "Solution" applies to version 10+. "Application" refers to the functional use of the configuration.
Application Modules
Modules that execute a system's internal logic and transformations, including Datasets, Reports, Scripts, and Displays.
Assembly
An executable file (.EXE or .DLL) created using managed code within the .NET framework.
Asset Tree
A hierarchical view of variables and templates reflecting equipment, recipes, setpoints, and other process data.
Audit Trail
Logs changes and events during runtime execution, useful for diagnostics and compliance.
Build and Publish
Build compiles the solution; Publish creates a read-only version for deployment in validated environments.
Categories
Labels used to organize large configurations across multiple tables.
Channels
Configuration object in the Devices Module specifying communication protocol and settings.
Client
Software interacting with the server or runtime. Includes .NET, HTML5, and Remote Clients. In scripting, "Client Domain" refers to client-local values.
Client Connection
A runtime connection to the solution from a local or remote station. Does not include engineering sessions.
CodeBehind
Custom VB.NET or C# code used for event handling, calculations, and behavior. Can also call Python classes.
Component, User Controls
Graphical controls used in displays. Includes buttons, inputs, and custom elements.
Connection Target
Defines the data source (Local Solution, TagProvider, or Remote source).
Data Connections
Links between the platform and external systems (PLCs, databases, OPC, MQTT, etc.) for I/O.
DatasetDBs
Settings in the Datasets Module for external database connections.
DatasetFile
A logical object in the Datasets Module for reading/writing ASCII, Unicode, or XML files.
DatasetQuery
A configured SQL query in the Datasets Module, with properties and methods for execution.
DatasetTable
A table mapping Tags to database columns for read/write operations.
DataTemplate (UDT)
User-defined data structure with nested variables and template references.
Designer, Solution Designer
The interface used to configure FrameworX solutions.
Display / Screen
Visual container for user interface elements.
DLL Hell
Conflicts from shared DLLs in legacy systems, addressed by .NET’s assembly isolation.
Domain, Server Domain, Client Domain
Object value scope during runtime: Server-wide vs. Client-local.
Draw
Designer module for building synoptic screens and animations.
Dynamics and Animations
Changes to graphical attributes based on tag values.
EdgeConnect
Product series designed for IIoT and embedded edge devices.
Enumerations
Maps possible tag values to states, labels, and colors.
FactoryStudio
A scalable version of FrameworX for SCADA/HMI and IIoT Edge applications.
Form, Report Form
Rich text document that can embed real-time data and symbols; exportable to PDF.
FrameworX
The core software platform and runtime environment.
FrameworX Unlimited
Licensing model with unlimited Clients, Developers, and Connections.
FX EDGE
A FrameworX deployment for edge computing scenarios.
FX MQTT Broker
Built-in MQTT broker in the FrameworX platform.
FX MQTT Simulator
Simulator for testing MQTT Clients and Sparkplug payloads.
Graphical Element
Basic UI elements like shapes, charts, and controls.
HistorianTables
Group tags for historical logging with storage and retention policies.
HistorianTag
Tag configured for storage in a HistorianTable, optionally referencing external sources.
Hot Updates (Hot Reload)
Apply offline changes to the runtime without restarting execution.
Image Resources
Graphics imported into the application as visual assets.
Industrial Icons
Pre-built graphics suited for industrial applications.
Internal Module
Background functionality that operates without user configuration.
Layout
Arranges UI into panels or grids. Supports Canvas and Dashboard styles.
MachineHMI
Product series for OEM and factory-floor operator panels.
Modifier (Device/Points)
Parameter for DevicePoints enabling custom access for arrays, bits, and strings.
Modular Architecture
System design that splits functionality into interchangeable modules.
Module
Executable unit interfacing with the real-time database.
Namespace
Logical space where named runtime objects exist.
Nodes
Objects in the Devices Module specifying connection to physical equipment.
Object Type (RunObj type)
Identifies the type of runtime object (e.g., Display, Report, Script).
Objects, Runtime Objects
Entities managed and accessed in runtime via displays and scripts.
ObjectValues, PropertyValue
Runtime properties of Tags and system objects.
Online Configuration
Ability to edit running systems in real time.
PanelType
Defines layout style (Canvas or Grid) for UI elements.
Parameters (Tag Configuration)
Settings that define tag behavior and data handling.
Permissions, PermissionsGroup
Access levels and user role definitions.
Plugin
Reusable component exported/imported from a solution.
Policies
Rules for login and user session handling.
Points, DevicePoint
Mapped values representing physical I/O or register addresses.
Process Modules
Modules such as Alarms, Devices, and Historian that interface with the physical process.
Process Tag
Tag that reflects real-world data via devices or other sources.
Product Family
Platform variants: FrameworX, FactoryStudio, MachineHMI, EdgeConnect.
Product Family and Model
Defines runtime licensing requirements.
Project File
In versions before v10, contains project configuration (.tproj, .trun).
Protocols
Communication rules supported by the Devices Module.
Property or Attribute
Defined value of a runtime object.
PropertyWatch
Tool for live inspection/modification of values.
Real-Time Database, RunDB, Runtime Database, RtDB
In-memory database that stores tag data during execution.
Rendering Engine
Graphics rendering engine supporting WPF, HTML5, and Portable Clients.
Reports WebData
Interfaces for JSON, XML, HTML data exchange or file output.
Runtime
Phase where the solution executes in real time.
Runtime Database
The core in-memory database used during solution execution.
Runtime Startup
The initialization of the runtime, handled by TStartup.exe or TServer.exe.
RuntimeUsers
Authenticated users stored in secure databases or identity providers.
Script References
DLLs referenced by scripts and displays.
ScriptClass
Reusable code library for use in script and display logic.
ScriptExpression
Single-line code for simple runtime actions.
ScriptTask
Script block triggered by events or timers.
Smart Symbols
Reusable graphical components bound to data and templates.
Solution
A complete application configuration built using the platform.
Solution File / Solution Name
Saved configuration file (.dbsln) with the solution's name.
SolutionDB / SolutionDatabase
Database file storing the configuration of a solution.
StorageLocation
Defines where historian data is saved or retrieved.
Tag
A named variable representing real-time or historical data.
Tag Type
Specifies the kind of data (e.g., Integer, Digital, Text).
TagProvider Connections
Enable live access to external data sources without redundant tags.
TargetPlatform
Specifies runtime host platform (Windows/.NET Framework or .NET 8/Linux).
Task (Script.Task)
A code program written in C#, VB.NET, or Python.
Time-Series
Sequentially recorded data points with timestamps.
Toggle
Switches a value between 0 and 1.
Trust, Partial Trust, Full Trust
Execution permissions: full vs limited system access.
Unified Namespace
A shared data model for organizing, publishing, and consuming system data.
User
Any individual accessing the application via design or runtime interfaces.
Visibility (Tag Visibility)
Defines external visibility for tags: Public, Protected, or Private.
WebData
Supports data exchange formats and interactions with REST APIs.
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