CygNet Studio > Using TheFrame/TheView > Saving and Accessing Screens

Saving and Accessing Screens

Studio screens can be saved to and accessed from a BLOB Storage Service (BSS) or the standard file system. A BSS is a CygNet service that stores files. The standard file system is local and network drives. When you select a file you will be prompted to pick the file system. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. CygNet Software recommends using a BSS to store Studio screens.

File System Advantages Disadvantages

BLOB Storage Service

  • Provides a centralized repository that is not dependent on network drive access.
  • Provides a centralized repository for master files (version management).
  • Security is defined at a single source (Access Control Service) and security can be set for an individual file in a BSS, a group in the BSS, or the BSS itself.
  • A key can be added to the registry to check the BSS for new screen versions at a regular interval and to display a pop-up message box to users when a new version has been saved.
  • A Librarian mode can be enabled on BSS folders to allow file check in and check out, to prevent users from working on the same BSS screen at the same time. See CygNet Studio Librarian Mode below.
  • Files have to be cached on the local machine before being viewed.
  • Download time is dependent upon file size.

Standard File System

  • Files are local. Network issues are eliminated.
  • Version manager has to download the screens to the local machine every time a screen is modified.
  • Version management is dependent upon workstation settings and may be bypassed.
  • Does not support periodic checks for newer screens.

CygNet Studio Librarian Mode

The BSS supports a Librarian mode where files in Librarian-enabled folders can be "checked-out" and "checked-in" allowing exclusive access to a file for a specific user, as identified by User ID. This feature is useful for "locking" CygNet Studio screens while editing to prevent two screen builders from working on the same BSS screen at the same time.

Whenever you edit a BSS screen in a Librarian-enabled BSS folder, CygNet Studio will automatically check out and hold that file for your exclusive use. Other users may edit the screen file, but will be prevented from saving their version of the screen, until you close (and check in) the screen. Switching from Edit mode to Run mode will also check in a file. A warning message will be displayed indicating the User ID and check out time of the file. The user is offered the option of opening the file as a new file.

Configure Librarian mode at the folder level via script (see CxScript.FileSystemObject.EnableLibrarian) or via BSS Explorer.


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