Database Builder

The Database Builder supports graphical creation, display and dynamic reconfiguration of the database structure and contents. It is based on the OSF/Motif graphical standard and permits point types to be configured to meet the needs of an application.
[Image] Database Tree Display
The Database Builder can add, delete, copy and move points in the RTAP/Plus database when the system is operational. The copy function will copy alarm information as well as the point information. When used in conjunction with tesserNet's rtsh, global editing of database trees is easily accomplished. For example, all occurrences of xxx in a description can be changed to yyy by writing a simple script. A more complicated script would allow the copying of a set of aliases from one tree into another tree changing xxx to yyy.

The Database Builder replaces point configuration files with a much easier to manage set of configuration files. These configuration files allow the specification of editing widgets on a per attribute basis for scalar/vector attributes or on a field basis for table attributes. The Database Builder Creator program is used to manage these files. Editing widgets can be view only and include scan input/output selection, radio buttons, check boxes, function definitions and function selection. The configuration files allow the organization of attributes into groups. Each group can be used in several points types thereby reducing the work involved in developing a system. For point types that are unknown to the builder a default widget allows the editing of any element in the RTAP database.

The Database Builder provides special functionality in the scan configuration database tree. For example:

* Addition of new drivers is as simple as picking a new communication port type
* Addition of new scan devices is as simple as picking a new scan device type
* Records can be inserted in the middle of a scan input table
The Database Builder provides a complete configuration tool for building databases. In some cases, it eliminates the need to develop custom user interfaces.

For more information see the dbBuilder(1) man page or the on-line help.