Frequently Asked Questions
The Flowcode v6 FAQ
Contents
Changes from v5
Where is VNET?
From v6 onwards support for VNet in its current form has been dropped.
It is possible this functionality will be brought back at a later date in the form of a plug-in, but in the meantime similar functionality can be obtained using DLL extensions, files or using the Matrix EB006 v9 dev board.
The Flowcode panels
Properties and variables
TODO
What is the difference between constants, variables and properties?
A variable is a value that resides in memory and can be changed by your program at any time. Each variable has a name that uniquely identifies it meaning you do not need to know the location in memory of a variable to use it. All variables have a type that allows the program to decide how it is used.
A constant has the same attributes as a variable except its value can only be assigned once. It is fixed and can not be changed during a programs execution. Constants require no additional memory to store the data like a variable does and it is easier to modify your program when using constants rather than inserting immediate values such as integers into your program.
A property behaves like a constant, except that during simulation built-in commands exist to change the value of a property. This means that during simulation a property is like a constant that can be changed, but when downloaded to chip that property becomes fixed and behaves like a constant.
How do I edit a components properties
Aside from changing the values, you can only edit the properties of your own component.
Properties are like variables in that the component that 'owns' them may rely on their presence to run correctly. If you amend a component properties that component may fail to work as expected.
The simulation API can be used to alter properties to a greater degree than the properties window, but even this can not create or delete another components properties.
