AMX NETLINX PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE Manual page 242

Appendix B: Glossary
Identifier: A combination of letters, numbers, or underscores that represents a device, constant, or
variable.
Index value: Number that tells NetLinx which location in an array to retrieve. This value must be non-
zero and not greater than the maximum length of the declared array.
Input change: A signal sent by the input function of a channel that alerts NetLinx to scan mainline for a
reference to that signal.
Integer: In NetLinx, the range of whole numbers from Ø to 65,535, inclusive.
Integer array: An array where each location can hold a value ranging from Ø to 65,535. Note that an
integer array will take up twice as much NetLinx memory than would a character array of the same
storage capacity.
Keyword: A word or series of words that signifies the operation for NetLinx to execute.
Latching: A defined behavior of status that causes its output channel to stay on or off until activated
once more.
Level: A value that is related to an analog input or output on a NetLinx device.
Level Event: Triggered by a level change on a particular device.
Local variable: A variable declared in a subroutine or function, and whose scope is limited to that
subroutine or function and is static.
Mainline: The portion of a NetLinx program ( DEFINE_PROGRAM ) that is executed continuously to
service input events and provide feedback to NetLinx devices.
Mutually exclusive set: Only one channel or variable in this set can be on at a time.
Output change: A message to the output function of a channel.
Reserved identifier: An identifier reserved for use by the NetLinx compiler.
Statements: Complete programming instruction such as a calculation, variable assignment, or
subroutine call.
String: A set of values grouped together with single quotes.
String expression: This expression is is enclosed by double quotes and combines several types of data
into a single string.
String literal: A set of ASCII characters (values ranging from 32 to 127) enclosed in single quotes.
Structure: Provides the ability to create a new data type composed of other data types arranged in a
specified order.
Subroutine: A section of code that stands alone and can be called from anywhere else in the program.
System variable: A value kept in the Central Controller that can be referenced by certain keywords.
Timed Wait: A wait request with an associated parameter that indicates that amount of time that must
elapse before the associated wait instruction(s) are to be executed.
Timeout: A defined amount of time during which a device waits for user input until performing a default
action.
Variable: A place to store data that will change as the program is executed.
Volatile Memory: Memory that does not preserve its state when the operating system is rebooted. This
type of memory is typically more plentiful than non-volatile memory. Data variables are stored in non-
volatile memory by default.
Wait list: A list containing unexpired WAIT statements. After each pass through mainline, the Central
Controller scans this list to see if any have come due.
226 NetLinx Programming Language Reference Guide