Visual DCT - A User-Friendly EPICS Configuration Tool

Title: Visual DCT - A User-Friendly EPICS Configuration Tool

Main Research Question: How effective is Visual DCT as a tool for creating and maintaining EPICS record instance databases?

Methodology: The researchers developed Visual DCT, an EPICS configuration tool written entirely in Java. It was designed to provide features missing in existing tools like Capfast and GDCT. The tool's performance was optimized to compensate for the fact that it's an interpreted language.

Results: Visual DCT offers several key features:

1. Rapid Database Development (RDD): This feature allows for intuitive database construction, making it easier to understand and find errors. 2. Database File Parser: Visual DCT creates and maintains only one file - the record instance database (.db) file. All necessary visual composition data is stored as a comment at the end of the record instance database (.db) file. 3. Group, Record, and Link Representation: Records are represented as rectangles with their type and name inside. Below the line inside the record, all fields with non-default values are shown.

Implications: Visual DCT is a powerful and user-friendly tool for creating and maintaining EPICS record instance databases. Its features, such as RDD and the database file parser, make it an efficient choice for rapid database development and maintenance. Additionally, its ability to parse existing databases and its intuitive design make it an ideal tool for users of all levels of expertise.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0111014v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0111014v1