Stratasys. Here we go again - SOLIDWORKS is making it easy for you by using Global Variables and Equations. Global Variables are independent variables that can be set to any numeric value. Equations are used to create mathematical relationships between dimensions. Let's go ahead and create some.
Right-click the
equations folder in the feature tree > Manage
Equations. Go to Tools >
Equations. Tools toolbar > click the
Equations icon.
You can use the global variables:
- when you enter a sketch or feature dimension.
- while creating an equation.
- while creating a custom property.
- when you create a weldment.
To add an equation in the Sketch Equation View:
- In an open sketch, do one of the following:
- Select the Sketch Equation View .
- Under Sketch Equations, click an empty cell in the Name column.
- Click a dimension in the graphics area.
- After = (equal sign), add a term to the equation by doing one of the following:
To delete a global variable or an equation from any view:
- Select one or more rows, containing the global variables or equations you want to delete and right-click.
- From the flyout menu, select Delete or the Delete key.
- Click OK to close the Equations dialog box.
Global variables should be used when multiple functions need to access the data or write to an object. For example, if you had to pass data or a reference to multiple functions such as a single log file, a connection pool, or a hardware reference that needs to be accessed across the application.
For smaller applications, global variables are not a problem. Sharing data inside the application using global variables will also help you minimize local variable creation and lesser memory usage. But for larger applications, using global variables are bad. It will make your application hard to maintain and read.
Yes, in theory, globals (and "state" in general) are evil. Specifically to python, globals' visibility is limited to a module, therefore there are no "true" globals that affect the whole program - that makes them a way less harmful.
For smaller applications, global variables are not a problem. Sharing data inside the application using global variables will also help you minimize local variable creation and lesser memory usage. But for larger applications, using global variables are bad. It will make your application hard to maintain and read.
Global variables are declared outside any function, and they can be accessed (used) on any function in the program. Local variables are declared inside a function, and can be used only inside that function. It is possible to have local variables with the same name in different functions.
No. They use the exact same amount of memory as local variables. EXCEPT, that global variables are allocated once, and are kept during the excecution of your program, while local variables are allocated when your program enters a procedure, and deallocated when your program exits said procedure (or method).
The use of global variables must be reduced as much as possible. Global variables are freely visible to all part of your program hence, There is a very high chance of the data getting corrupted. The use of global data is a hinge to security of the system as the data is accessible from all part of the program.
Global variables hold their values throughout the lifetime of your program and they can be accessed inside any of the functions defined for the program. A global variable can be accessed by any function. That is, a global variable is available for use throughout your entire program after its declaration.