Visual DCT

Visual DCT (Database Configuration tool) provides visual composition of new EPICS databases as well as graphical representation of already existing ones.

It was developed to provide features missing in other configuration tools such as the CapFast and GDCT and has surpassed them in both functionality and popularity. Visual DCT is written completely in Java and therefore supported on various platforms.

Basic functionality includes record creation, moving and linking as well as field and link modification, but Visual DCT offers a lot more. Using groups, records can be grouped together in logical blocks, which allows for a hierarchical design. Indication of data flow using arrows makes the design also easier to understand.

Visual DCT has a powerful DB parser, which allows importing existing DB and DBD files. Output file is also DB file, all comments and record order are preserved and visual data is saved as a comment, which allows DBs to be edited with other tools or manually.

Benefits:

• Faster and more accurate database composition
• No more syntax errors
• Clear view of dataflow and record processing
• In-line text and frames provide easy and fast database documentation
• EPICS standard tool

Features:

• Visual representation of databases
• Hierarchies for easier maintenance of complex databases
• Opens non- Visual DCT created databases
• Error free drop down menus for record type selection
• Drop down menus for field value selection
• Morphing and renaming of records
• Plug-ins
• Standard clipboard operations

Demo

Run Visual DCT using Java Web Start.

Download Visual DCT

Visual DCT and  its plugins are available on Visual DCT build page.

VisualDCT-JCADebugPlugin

(enables the possibility to see live values of fields from the IOC within VisualDCT)

VisualDCT-JCADebugPlugin is available on VisualDCT-JCADebug plugin.


Links

Community VisualDCT web page at
APS Wiki.

For more details, contact :