Framework on Framework Architecture
FrameworX is literally a framework built on top of the .NET Framework. This isn't just using .NET as a programming language—it's total integration where platform objects like DateTime tags are actual .NET DateTime objects. This deep integration enables features impossible with traditional SCADA scripting engines.
100% Managed Code Benefits
Being entirely managed code provides industrial-grade reliability:
- Intrinsically safe software - Cannot cause system crashes or memory corruption
- Automatic memory management - No memory leaks from user code
- Process isolation - Scripts run in separate application domains
- 24/7 operation - Garbage collection without stopping the system
This architecture prevents the cascading failures common with native code in industrial systems.
Multi-platform Deployment Options
| Framework | Platforms | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework 4.8 | Windows only | • Pre-installed on all Windows • Legacy library compatibility • No additional installation needed |
| .NET 8 | Windows, Linux | • Better performance and memory usage • Cross-platform deployment • Modern framework features |
| Docker | Any with Docker | • Container orchestration • Microservices architecture • Cloud deployment |
Choose .NET 8 as default unless you need specific .NET 4.8 libraries or zero-installation Windows deployment.
Dynamic Assembly Generation
The built-in code editor doesn't just compile scripts—it creates new .NET assemblies on the fly:
- Runtime component creation - Generate new functionality without restarting
- AI integration capability - MCP tools can create custom methods dynamically
- Solution-level customization - Extend the platform using only built-in tools
- No external dependencies - Complete compiler toolchain included
This unique capability enables advanced features like AI-generated configurations and runtime optimization that would be impossible with traditional scripting.
Native .NET Objects Throughout
Every project element is a native .NET object accessible via IntelliSense:
- Tags, alarms, and datasets as first-class objects
- No temporary variables or type conversions
- Direct data movement between tags and DataTables
- Full object model exposed to scripts
See for the complete object hierarchy.
Execution Model
Server-Client Separation
The platform automatically manages execution distribution:
- Server-side - Global logic, data processing, device communication
- Client-side - UI interactions, local calculations, display logic
Developers create sophisticated applications without managing this complexity—the platform handles it transparently.
Tasks, Classes, and Expressions
- Tasks - Scheduled or event-driven processes
- Classes - Reusable .NET libraries and components
- Expressions - One-line calculations with full .NET access
Process Isolation
Each script runs in its own application domain, isolated from the real-time database for maximum security and preventing any script from affecting system stability.
Development Environment
- Languages - Industry-standard C# and VB.NET
- Code translation - Convert between languages anytime
- Full debugging - Breakpoints, step-through, watch windows
- Online changes - Modify and debug while running
Related Concepts
- - Object model leveraging .NET types
- - In-memory database using .NET collections
- - Cross-language capabilities
- Platform Generations - Evolution of the .NET foundation
In this section...