Rockwell Automation 2708-NAG Application Generation Software - Manual (Page 7)

Chapter 1
Overview
1 – 2
An AG developer should have a good grasp of the problem to be solved, and
be familiar with use of PC- based products. General programming skills may
be beneficial, although they are not required.
While AG substantially decreases development time, and improves overall
program quality, it cannot duplicate the in-depth problem analysis, and
insight available only from a human developer.
The simulation is controlled by the AG master program. The AG developer
loads an initial personality (.AIP) file into the simulator program.
The personality will contain a set of operations that are eventually compiled
into an A-B VBASIC program. The operations are selectable from menus
within AG.
Unlike a program, a personality can be executed stepwise, both forwards and
in reverse. This means that any operation the simulator program performs
can be undone. This provides true ‘hands on’ access to programming instead
of the more common indirect approach.
The AG developer steps forwards and backwards through the operation of
the current personality. Where operations are missing, the developer inserts
them. If the personality performs extraneous operations then the developer
deletes them.
This manual provides the information necessary to use the Application
Generator software. It includes 4 chapters and an appendix.
Table 1.A
Summary of Contents
Chapter Title Purpose
1 Overview Provides an overview of the manual.
2
Installing and Starting
Application Generator Describes how to install the software on your
system, and how to begin using it.
3
Using Application
Generator
Describes how to navigate the software’s menu
system and create your own application
simulations.
4
Running & Compiling
Applications
Describes the steps necessary to compile an
application based upon your successful simulation.
Appendix A Sample Program Listing
Provides a complete listing of the default application
for reference and further study.
Index
Who Can Use It?
How Does It Work?
Contents of This Manual