The functions in Teststand "express browser dialog"

[jacky Wang]

  Teststand provides several functions in Teststand "express browser dialog" to facilitate calculations. For example, I can use the function of "SetNumElements" to get the size of certain arrary. However, compared with in CVI, it seems that that's far away from engough.For example, there's no functions like advanced analysis library. 
  I'm wondering whether Teststand has provided much more functions than what are already listed in "express browser dialog", if yes, where can I get a reference manual to find the functions that I need.

  In order to make it clearer, the meaning of ""express browser dialog" is shown in attached file.

Thanks a lot!

Jacky

[Dennis_Knutson]

I don't think it is the intent of TestStand to provide all of the functionality of code modules such as CVI, LabVIEW, C++, etc. It's primary purpose is to manage tests that you write in one of those languages. You can create custom steps in whatever language you use to do the things you need.

[jacky Wang]

  You are right in some way. However, it's better to have more functions in Teststand, especially functions of 1D/2D operations, ANSI C functions and simple singal processing.Of course this could increase the difficulties for beginner. 

  Besides, using custom steps with code modules such as CVI, LabVIEW, C++, etc is not always a good way to your sequence file. Sometimes, people prefer to have only sequence file included when distribution. it's unmanagable when there are too many external DLL/VIs.
  Another thing is I once saw a lot of functions diretly used in Teststand but not listed in the "express browser dialog". So I'm wondering whether there's such a reference, in which listed all the functions.
  Last, I think there could be a method to add custom functions in "express browser dialog".

Thanks a lot!
Jacky

[drohacek]

We have heard this request for the capability to add custom functions to the TestStand expression language. I'll add your name to the list of requestors (the more we have, the more likely we'll add it). Is anyone else interested in this feature?

[Dennis_Knutson]

Having the ability to add custom functions would be great but I would assume that the custom functions themselves would have to be written with a code module. My issue with having something like 'advanced analysis' part of TestStand is that it would likely increase the cost. We spend extra dollars to get the library with LabVIEW or CVI and would not want to pay extra for something I already have.

[James_Grey]

I want to comment that Dennis is exactly right about the intent of TestStand.

TestStand is meant to connect and augment code you write in LabVIEW, CVI, and/or Visual Studio, not to replace it. Also, what he refers to as putting functionality in a "custom step" can mean just calling a VI, DLL, server, or assembly from a TestStand step, not necessarily the similarly named but more involved process of creating a custom step type. 

Custom step types are good for wrapping a function or VI with a user friendly configuration dialog to facilitate re-use. However, in many cases it is more than adequate to simply passing arguments to a code module you call directly.

It is certainly true that having a large number of code module files can make it more difficult to move a sequence without forgetting to include one of its dependencies. The TestStand deployment tool is designed to help mitigate this problem by identifying dependencies and packaging them all into one directory or installer.