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Introduction to the Actor Framework

Stephen R. MercerSenior Software EngineerLabVIEW R&D

Allen C. SmithSenior Systems EngineerSystems Engineering

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Agenda

• What Actor Framework Replaces• How AF Minimizes Code Replication• How AF Standardizes Module Communication• Getting started with Actor Framework• Where to Learn More

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Queue-Driven State Machine

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Larger Systems

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Three Sources of Code Replication

1. Override the handling of one message2. Extend the set of handled messages3. Decorate the machine with additional behavior

Override

Extend

Decorate

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Source 1: Override

Speed

Direction

ToggleOn

Speed

Direction

Toggle/Notify

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Cluster and Node...

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… become Class and Method

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… become Class and Method

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Source 2: Extend

Speed

Direction

Speed

E-Stop

ToggleOn

ToggleOn

Direction

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Message and Case Structure…

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… become Class and Dynamic Dispatch

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Source 3: Decorate

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New Class: Actor.lvclass

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Using the Parent

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Fan UI.lvclass:Actor Core.viUsing the Child

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Standardizing Communication:Launch Actor.vi

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Demonstration

• Making an Actor…• Making a Message…

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For Best Results

• Announcement messages, not request messages• No message should get or set the entire actor• Embrace peer-to-peer messaging• Actors may register as listeners for other Actors• Synchronous messages can be created at your risk

Real-world applications demonstrate scalability

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Watch Tomorrow’s Keynote…

When you see this, you’re seeing the Actor Framework in action!

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Recap• Extensible along three axes without replication:

Override Extend Decorate

• Messages have strict type and direction• Standard for highly scalable communications• Reduced the risk associated with by-reference

architectures in a dataflow environment

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Download the Actor Framework

• QUESTIONS?

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Other Object-Oriented Sessions• Tuesday

2:15 Intro to OOP 3:30 Trends in LabVIEW OOP 4:45 Hands-On: Intro to OO Design Patterns in LV

• Wednesday 1:00 Hands-On: Intro to OO Design Patterns in LV

• Thursday 1:00 Building Plug-in Architectures and HALs

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Alliance Partner Network 20th Anniversary Celebration

Join us for an evening of drinks, music, networking, and a celebratory toast by Dr. James Truchard at

5:30 p.m. in the exhibition hall.