TOPIC:

It would be very nice if at least one of below state machines could be integrated into CT:
melander.dk/delphi/statemachine
github.com/malcolmgroves/TStateMachine

I am about to do a silly question.
I have used the State Machine logic sometimes in the Automation Systems i am programming. It was usefull for parsing specific protocolls from
some devices. So my question is this:

How can a component like the TStateMachine apply to a PC based project?
In what parts of the project should one use it and how?

Please use plain explanations in your answers.

Kostas.

P.S. It seems like a usefull component to include it in the next CT version.

I have started conversion of the visual TStateMachine, and although it works I have a connector lines updating problem (only in design mode). I know it's a bad idea to have both component and demo in the same dir but that was a quick tmp fix for IDE not having unit in the path, and I don't think it's the cause of the problem. Maybe someone can help with this design only repainting problem, since this is my first conversion of a Delphi component?

As you have noticed, state machines are very useful in embedded systems, but there are many appliances on desktop applications too. Just take a look at the attached automated pizza ordering machine demo. All states are visual in both design mode and runtime, and you can visually set or change their relations and transitions. Once you write code for a state/event it is completed, and if you enter new things or change transitions you just change visual presentation or properties and the old code can stay. If you code all this by hand you can quickly make a maintenance mess and loose compass as complexity raises. With these components you can also visualize transitions for yourself very nicely (single image is a thousand words, and you know current state with a single quick look), or you can single step through states for debugging purposes. Visual flow chart presentation is also clear even to most non-programmers, so can be nicely used sometimes if needed for state presentation to your users.

I don't know why I couldn't have 2 attachments to the same message, so sources are here in the separate message.

EDIT1: I still have problems with uploading sources. Making short file name without spaces and putting file into disk root for uploading didn't make any difference...

EDIT2: It seams that forum does not accept 7z archieves?!? Could this be fixed? Finally solved after repacked to ZIP.

EDIT3: I have just noticed that this topic should be moved probably to:
Components and Libraries / General Purpose
Admin, please do so.

Sorry for my poor English,

Many year ago, i used a solution called TFM/FBS (TASK FLOW MANAGEMENT)from DEC, very useful with banking automation. see "h18000.www1.hp.com/info/SP5419/SP5419PF.PDF"

best regards!

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