Following are some definitions that are useful in understanding point classes and objects.
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Attribute |
A category of information to which a value will be assigned. The category is the general information, while the value is the more specific information. Example
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Class |
An object type: a group of objects that have the same properties, operations, and behaviors. In this case, the class is defined for configuring a group of points. |
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Class developer |
Person responsible for planning and building a class. The Class developer will determine the application for which the class will be used and then accordingly plan the associated attributes, data items and graphics. |
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Data Item |
A data item is a template for a point definition. A data item becomes a CIMPLICITY point when the class is instantiated into an object. |
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Instantiation |
Producing a particular object from its point class template. This involves allocation of a structure with the types specified by the template and initialization of attributes with either default values or those provided by the user. |
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Just-in-Time Data Item |
Just-in-Time (JIT) data items are not written to the point database when an object is instantiated; rather, the point configuration is created on demand. JIT data items are exclusive to point classes. |
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Object |
In object-oriented design or programming, a self-contained item with instructions for the operations to be performed on it. In this case, a point object that will conform to the point class template for all configured data items, attributes, and graphics. |
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Object Developer |
Person who will create an object by assigning values to the class attributes and select associated graphics from the graphics library in order to support an application. |
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Operator |
Person who will use the data and view the graphics screens from the instantiated object as an integral part of monitoring and maintaining an application. Classes can contain two member types.
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Classes and class objects overview. |
