What is a symbol?

A symbol is a collection of graphic objects, parameters and conditions used to give a dynamic representation of changing data.
A CSS file is used to store the information necessary to represent a symbol, including the type and position of shapes, text, IVL files, images, and other symbols used to make up the symbol. Symbol data is stored inside the palette file structure. Palettes are stored in standard Java™ .jar archive files. Once created, a symbol is manipulated either by being imported into other Rogue Wave® JViews products such as the Designer, the Dashboard Editor, or directly using the Rogue Wave JViews Java API.
Elements inside a symbol can be static to represent specific information or dynamic to display status according to values extracted from external data sources. For example, you can use a PNG image showing a network structure and add elements which change color to show bandwidth on hubs in the network. Other examples of uses for symbols are:
  • Indicators on a map, such as weather conditions, interesting locations or vehicle information.
  • Gauges, sliders or VU meters on a dashboard.
  • Status indicators and alarms in a SCADA application.
Symbols contain interactors. An interactor listens for mouse events in a symbol, it uses the mouse movement to change the value of a symbol parameter. Changes to parameters result in changes to the graphic element to which they are bound. Using interactors you create symbols that react to user input such as:
  • A slider or dial to control sound volume.
  • Buttons to enable or disable options in a graphic equalizer.