Matrix user forums

Hi Everyone
Please, can anyone help me find the specific Wiki page which gives details of the icons used for - Properties Variables, as shown below. I mean, what is L+; Z+ b; B etc. I am sure B is for byte and b is for bit, but I am left guessing here.
If you look at those shown below, I am left wondering what the differences are between certain variables listed. I am trying to do a new tutorial for building components and although I am using these variables, I am unable to be very specific as to what those icons are.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Hi

The letters b /B / Z etc refer to the type of variable etc. If you "add new" variable you will get a list of available types (Integer / Byte etc).

Boolean = b
Byte = B
Integer = Z
Unit = Z+
Long = L
Ulong = L+
String = S
Floating Point = R
Object Handle = H

Hope this helps,
Regards

In addition to the above post. If you select add variable then the valid range of variables with be shown.

Hi chipfryer27

Yes, let me further explain. I know what the variables are, but, if I am to give directions to a new user for further reading on variables, where do I send them for help. I am trying to write a tutorial which by definition must be specific and precise, not left guessing. Those icon definitions which you describe, where is the Wiki page? I cannot find one anywhere.


the method you describe on my system does not work as shown here: I need to have clear and precise/detail instructions, as someone is going to ask the same question and I will not be able to give further guidance.

Dave

Hi

Whilst I didn't find any reference either, I'm sure you have looked at https://www.matrixtsl.com/wiki/index.ph ... able_Types which explains in detail each type.

You could "prove" the meaning of each symbol by simply creating a variable and viewing variables in Project Explorer. When you "Add New" you are given a choice of variable type, although in that window it doesn't specifically say that a Byte will be assigned the symbol "B". Once created however you will see the assigned symbol beside the variable when viewed in Project Explorer.

Perhaps as an assignment ask your students to create a variable called "test" and assign different types to it, noting which symbol is used for which? Just a thought.

Regards

Hi chipfryer27

Thank you for your replay, it's very much appreciated. The process you describe is what we all do, but I am trying to avoid that method.

The reason is, when someone is trying to decide a strategy for dealing with a variable that e.g. contains information regarding colour:
- blue; green; red, it is in 24bit format. This colour information is stored in one variable from the - Properties colour picker and it's a variable longer than 1 byte. It's not obvious by just simply looking at the variable name - but that icon does give the information you need to begin variable bit manipulation to extract each byte of colour information.

I'm being pedantic I know, but it's an important point none the less.

Dave

Hello,

Many thanks for bringing this to our attention we do try and put a lot of work into the support wiki but it's often too easy to ignore the smaller things.

I've now added the variable icons to the wiki page you mentioned.
https://www.matrixtsl.com/wiki/index.ph ... able_Types

I will see if I can also do the property variable icons tomorrow. There are more of those

Please let us know if you spot more areas that could do with improvement and we will do our best to help.

Hi Benj

Thank you for your very quick response. The information shown for variables is what I needed to help show appropriate methods for bit manipulation techniques.

Your help is very much appreciated.

Regards
Dave