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If your graph contains interface nodes you will be able to list, display, and edit them with a click on this button. The number in brackets shows the total number of input parameters.
Please take a look at this [ chapter ] the "Using the Input Parameters" subchapter below for an example how to work with this feature.
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This dialogue is closely related to “Edit input parameters (n)”. There you can edit the interface nodes, but here is a place to define their initial values when the graph is executed and the UI is displayed.
Please take a look at this [ chapter ] the "Using the Input Parameters" subchapter below for an example how to work with this feature.
Edit next execution values
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With “Cancel”, the current process is aborted. “Add” confirms your settings and adds the command to the already existing pool.
Using the Input Parameters
In RealFlow 2014 you will find some new graph nodes allowing you to create user interfaces with input parameters. The parameters of such an interface will be pushed to the “Commands Manager”. There it is possible to change them without having to touch the graph itself. All changes made in the “Edit input parameters” dialogue will be added to the graph again.
Edit input parameters [n]
To become familiar with the input features mode of operation, a very simple graph is created. The purpose of this graph is just to print out a few values to the “Messages” window. Download the graph and follow these steps:
Commands Manager > Add > Add new Graph
Edit graph
From the editor load the downloaded file with “Open...”
Confirm with “OK”
Now, click on the “Edit input parameters [3]” button. There you will see three entries. “Parameter Name” is simply the name of the input field, while “Parameter Type” is of greater importance: with custom user interfaces it is always necessary to determine which type of value RealFlow has to expect. Is it an integer, a vector, or a string, to name but a few. When you double-click on one of the types a drop-down menu appears showing all valid data types.
The order of the entries describes, in which order the parameters will be displayed when the graph is executed. To change this order, simply drag and drop an entry with the small button on the left. If you want to delete a parameter click on the trash bin icon.
Add Parameter
A click on the “Add Parameter” creates a new interface node in your graph – its name and type can be specified here in the edit dialogue directly. Please bear in mind that you have to edit the graph to connect the new interface with other nodes and evaluate it.
Find Graph Inputs...
A click on this button finds all nodes with “orphan” pins. Once RealFlow has detected such a pin you can check it in the appearing list and connect it with new interface nodes automatically. The new interface node's parameter will be shown in the parameter list where you can define a name and specify the parameter type.
OK/Cancel
Confirm your settings with “OK”, or abort the process with “Cancel”.
Edit default values
Currently, there are interfaces and nodes to print the values to the “Messages” window, but which values? Where are they and how are the default values defined at all? The answer is this button. When you click on it, the graph is analysed and all input parameters are listed in a separate window. There you can enter the values you want to use when the graph/command is executed for the first time.
Copy to next execution values
When a command's user interface is executed several times RealFlow will put the values of the previous launch to the UI. This way you do not have to note or remember your last settings.
OK/Cancel
Confirm your settings with “OK”, or abort the process with “Cancel”.
Edit next execution values
As described under “Edit default values”, the next execution values are the ones you have used before. Sounds weird? An example:
At the graph's first launch you will see the default values:
String = Hello!
Integer = 5
Real = 2.5
Change the values and execute the graph:
String = Hello RealFlow users!
Integer = 5
Real = 3.14
The values are printed to the “Messages” window and now you launch the graph again. This time you will not see the default values, but the ones you have entered before:
String = Hello RealFlow users!
Integer = 5
Real = 3.14
Copy to default values
As you can see from the example above, RealFlow remembers your settings and uses them as new, temporary defaults. For simulations this is of particular importance, because once you have found working settings you are satisfied with, check “Copy to default values” to add them to the graph permanently: when you open RealFlow the next time you will see these new settings instead of the original values.