About Class Objects

Class objects provide an easy way to do complex configuration for one or more objects that are similar. Class objects, which are based on a Class template, can include pre-configured attributes, points, events, actions and scripts.

When creating a class object, an object designer simply needs to specify the values that pertain to that class object. Once specified, the class object's features achieve full status within a CIMPLICITY project.

For example, class object points behave as any other points with the same type of configuration; class object events function the same as any other similar events.

1

A class file (.soc file) can have several components, including CimEdit screens and developer created help.

2

One or more objects can be created from the class.

3

Objects include instantiated parts that are included in the class.

4

One or more CimEdit screens can be created for each object.

Although class object features behave the same as their non-class counterparts, CIMPLICITY makes it easy for the object designer (or any project designer) to locate features for any class object. CIMPLICITY attaches the object name to the front of the feature name.

Example–Parts of a Class Object Point Name

Two points that display in the Workbench Points folder are:

Tank_1.TANK_LEVEL

Tank_2.TANK_LEVEL

Where

Tank_1 is a class object and

TANK_LEVEL is a data item attached to Tank_1.

Tank_2 is a class object and

TANK_LEVEL is a data item attached to Tank_2.

 Important: Before you can configure a class object, a class must be created. If the class exists, but is not in the current project, you simply need to import it into the project.

Note: The exceptions to the rule are data items that have the Just-in-Time (JIT) option checked: JIT points are not created until requested by an application.

More information

Class object definitions.

Class to object evolution overview.

Class object configuration.