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Glossary

When you start digging into HELIO, you'll probably encounter some unfamiliar terms and phrases along the way. To help you on your journey, we've defined some of the most common GraphQL vocabulary here in this handy cheat sheet.

Action​

What HELIO does in response to events that occur in the HMI, like a button click, is determined by actions. HELIO can execute many different actions in these situations, such as:

  • Writing to a data variable
  • Opening another page in an overlay
  • Navigating to a different page
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HELIO Data Directory​

The HELIO Runtime Directory is the folder that you get when you download and extract a version of the HELIO Runtime. It contains the HELIO executable as well as some setup directories that are required for the first start.
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Dynamic Property​

This property is a special one known as a Dynamic Property, which allows you to change its type.

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Element​

Elements are the basic building blocks that comprise your HMI. They can be thought of as the Lego blocks that you use to assemble your HMI.

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Elements​

Elements are the basic building blocks that comprise your HMI. They can be thought of as the Lego blocks that you use to assemble your HMI.

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HMI​

Abbreviation for Human-Machine Interface that is mainly used to refer to user interfaces for industrial machines. HMIs allow operators to interact with a machine, monitor its status, and control functionality.

HMIs​

Abbreviation for Human-Machine Interface that is mainly used to refer to user interfaces for industrial machines. HMIs allow operators to interact with a machine, monitor its status, and control functionality.

HMI Variable​

The HMI variables in your project serve as your link to the data in your PLC. You can create them by importing variable definitions from your PLC.

All clients connected to a HELIO Runtime can access these variables to visualize and manipulate data from your PLC.

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HELIO IDE​

The HELIO Integrated Development Environment is the graphical environment where users design and test their HMIs. It features a visual interface with drag-and-drop, a library of elements, icons, and real-time testing. No coding skills are required to create sophisticated HMIs.

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UX​

The User Experience is how a user interacts with and experiences a product, system or service. It includes a person's perceptions of utility, ease of use, and efficiency.

Page​

A Page refers to a specific screen in your HMI. Every Page Type in HELIO serves a particular purpose.

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Pages​

A Page refers to a specific screen in your HMI. Every Page Type in HELIO serves a particular purpose.

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PLC​

A Programmable Logic Controller is a special type of computer that helps control industrial machinery. It gets information from motors, sensors and other devices, processes this information, and triggers actions based on pre-determined rules.

Usually, a PLC offers an API that is used by Human-Machine Interfaces to show data or carry out commands.

Pointer​

HELIO supports a variety of input and pointing devices, including fingers, a mouse, a pen, and a stylus. Therefore, whenever the term Pointer is used, it refers to all of these devices.

Properties Panel​

Panel on the right side of the Project Editor that allows you to adjust the properties of the element that is currently selected in the editor.

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HELIO Runtime Directory​

The Runtime Directory is the folder obtained by downloading and extracting a version of the HELIO Runtime. It includes the HELIO executable and setup directories needed for startup. You can have Multiple Runtime Versions on one computer.

Seats​

HELIO licenses are linked to computers or machines. Each computer or machine is counted as a seat. A license can only be used on a certain number of seats.

  • Developer and Runtime License are restricted to 1 seat each.
  • The Trial License can be activated on up to 5 seats, allowing you to evaluate HELIO with your team.

Translation Manager​

App that allows you to view, edit, export, and import all translations across your projects.

Trial License​

A HELIO Trial License is a temporary license that lets you try out HELIO for 30 days. It gives you full access to all the features of HELIO so you can see if it's right for you. You can easily obtain a trial license by filling out the Contact Form