The data source input screen opens, in which you can select the file system data source as “Type” as the first step.
However, if you first assign a name to the data source and it contains the word “file“, “Filesystem” is already preselected as the data source type. (This works with all data source types)
Once this has been done, the data source-specific settings of the file system data source are automatically adjusted.
File system specific
- File Use the “…” button to select an existing file.
- Separator Here you can enter which separator should be used to separate the contents of the file. (i.e. *VariableName**Separator**Value of the variable*) This can be freely selected. The default separator is the semicolon.
After entering the relevant information for the connection, click on “Add” or on “Save” after editing an already created data source.
Please note that the path to the selected file must be exactly the same on the server. There is no data type in a .csv file or in your file system data source –> It is always a string. If, for example, a Boolean is created, you must know that it should be a Boolean.
The file system data source is created and subsequently displayed in the data source overview.
Created data sources can be edited or deleted again. You can do this using the corresponding buttons.
You also have the option of displaying all internal data sources. This works by activating the “Show internal data sources” checkbox.
You can create variables for the file system data source below.
You can find out how to add variables for the file system data source in the chapter “Adding file system variables“.
You can find out how to carry out external logging for the file system data source in the chapter “External logging in the file system“.
For what purposes can I use the file system data source?
You can store externally provided values in a .csv file. QuickHMI then uses this data to visualize the desired values.
On the one hand, this is a form of data source that is easy to set up and use. On the other hand, many tools can export .csv files , which you can then display in your visualization without much effort.
What do I need to operate a file system data source?
In principle, every operating system has the prerequisites to operate a file system source.
All you need is a .csv file in a location defined by you that the QuickHMI server can access.
How should I prepare the file?
You have 2 options:
- You use your own .csv file
- You have a file created by QuickHMI
In the first case, you must ensure that the file is formatted accordingly. QuickHMI expects variable names and values in a specific format.
One variable is expected per line. The name and value must be separated according to the data source settings (see Making settings below).
Make settings
First switch to the QuickHMI Editor and click on 
“Data sources” in the Project Explorer under Communication.
Then select “Add data source“.
In the “Create or edit data source” window that then opens, you now have to determine the following things:
- 1. specify whether the data source should be active or inactive.
- 2. assign a name for the data source. (This name must be unique within the project).
- 3. select “Filesystem” as the data source type.
- 4. select a storage location for the .csv file. (Please note that the path must be available / accessible on the server)
- 5. select the separator with which individual fields in the file are separated.
