Data Entry |
 
|
Data Entry |
|
When you double-click on a particular file in the File View, its contents are shown in the main display area. This area is also used to display plot files and text output files. When a keyword file is being displayed, the area is divided into two sections, with the Table Editor shown in the upper section by default, and the Keyword Editor below it.
Beginner or inexperienced users may prefer to use the Table Editor. Data is entered in tabular format, with the various rows and columns clearly labelled. More experienced users tend to favour the Keyword Editor - working directly with the keyword entries is the quickest way of inputting data.
If you prefer to position the Keyword Editor on top, you can alternate the positions using the 
button). Either (or both) sections may be used to define the finite element model and the loading conditions to which it is subjected. The two input sections operate in tandem via Data Synchronisation – as soon as you add or change an entry in the Table Editor, the alteration is immediately reflected in the Keyword Editor, and vice versa. Furthermore, the Model View is continually updated based on the information you specify.
Further information on this topic is contained in the following sections:
•Keyword Editor behaves very much like a standard text editor but has some additional helpful features, including colour coding of entries, syntax prompting and command autocompletion.
•Table Editor facilitates data input in rows and columns in a similar manner to a spreadsheet.
•Data Synchronisation discusses the Automatic and Manual options for data synchronisation between Table Editor and Keyword Editor.