R020 File/Pipe Adapter

Outline

The File/Pipe adapter reads data from filesystem objects. The received data is forwarded to a configurable reader. Scripts are used to activate the streaming environment (stimulation). The adapter can be combined with other adapters using a multi-adapter port.

Platforms

32/64bit

Requirements

None

Known limitations

None.

Status

Stable

Operations

Connect
Read
Sync
Stimulate

Parameters:

Enable: Enables/disables the port adapter.
Path: Select the system file as the input.
Mode: Normal , Read until port stopped (no EoF handling)
Reader: Select the reader to parse the raw data stream.
Configuration: Optionally, a serialization configuration can be selected (depending on the reader).
Insert as root: If the adapter is included in a multi adapter port, the flag will force the adapter to add its signal hierarchy into the root of the combined record.
Synchronisation: Allows to define a script to do adapter synchronisation.
Stimulation: Allows to define a script to stimulate the connected pipe.

Video

Screen Cast: Using the File/Pipe Adapter

Modes

In "Normal" mode, the adapter tries to open the file or pipe and reads its content until it receives an end-of-file notification.
If "Read until port stopped" is chosen, the adapter ignores an end-of-file. This mode can be used if a process writes into the file while reading and no pipe is used (Windows does not support simple pipes).

Source Configuration

Path: Use the button to open the file dialog.

Serializer

Configure the serializer by selecting a reader and optionally a reader configuration (some reader require a configuration, e.g. the CSV reader).
You may use the buttons '+' and '...' to add and manage existing reader configurations (Preferences).
You may use the "Test Line Reader" (extracts lines from the raw input) and "Test Block Reader" (extract fixed size byte blocks) for debugging purpose.

Synchronization

Using a multi adapter port, you can combine an unlimited number of different input adapters. The synchronization section of the adapters allows you to synchronize inputs with different domain bases (e.g. each input has its own time base).

11 Synchronisation

Stimulation

There may be cases where the environment need to be stimulated to make the source data available. In this case, enable the "Enable Script" check and extend the stimulation script according to your needs.

The script is executed after connecting (background thread).

	// file: java.io.File
	// log: java.io.OutputStream,
	// progress: progress control of type IPortProgress
	// console: console output of type MessageConsoleStream

	java.lang.Thread.sleep(100);
	console.println("waited for"+file.getName());
	doWhatever();

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