3. WDTC - Getting started/Online course

Widget Development Tool Chain
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This is a short overview of how to get started with WDTC. Whether you’re new to it or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the key steps to begin effectively. Let’s dive in!

Before you start:

:pushpin: Installer and documentation downloading:

  • B&R webpage login is required, contact your local sales representative if you don’t have access.
  • Installer and documentation is available on request, contact is available next to version history

:pushpin: Online course/first project:

  • Online course Available at B&R Industrial Automation’s website. It contains:
    • Introduction to Widget Development Tool Chain (WDTC)
    • Installation and setup
    • Creating a spinner widget
    • Debugging possibilities
    • Topic duration
      • About 6 hours (4 hours: Widget development; 2 hours: Testing and debugging)

:pushpin: QnA

Licensing & Access

  1. Do I need a license to use WDTC?
    → Yes, a valid license is required. For license overview see link.
  2. How do I obtain a WDTC installer/license?
    → installer and license is available on request, see link.
  3. Can I transfer my WDTC license to another user?
    → License can be returned to the license pool of the user. If another user has access to the same license pool, then yes.
  4. What happens when my WDTC license expires?
    → WDTC will switch to demo mode, same as you would not have a license. License is automatically renewed, if you do not cancel it beforehand.

Installation & Setup

  1. Where can I download WDTC?
    → You will receive a download link after obtaining a license.
  2. What are the system requirements for WDTC?
    → There are no special requirements. Computer where Automation Studio is running on, is ok.
  3. How do I install and set up WDTC for the first time?
    → Follow instruction in Online Course, link.
  4. How do I update WDTC to the latest version?
    → You need to check the location where or contact from whom you received it.

Development & Customization

  1. Which programming languages do I need to know for WDTC?
    → You need the knowledge of web technologies like JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3.
  2. Can I integrate third-party libraries into my widgets?
    → Yes, it is possible to use third-party libraries, but it is not possible to develop with a different “framework” (e.g. vue.js, angular, …)
  3. How do I debug widgets created with WDTC?
    → It is possible to debug the widgets out of the development environment (e.g. VS Code), or directly with the developer tools.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

  1. Why is my widget not displaying correctly?
    → Check for syntax errors, missing dependencies, or console errors.
  2. How do I fix CSS styling issues in my widget?
    → Ensure correct selectors and avoid conflicting styles.
  3. WDTC is running slowly—what can I do?
    → Optimize your code, check system performance, and update to the latest version.
  4. I get an error when deploying my widget—how do I fix it?
    → Check error logs and ensure all required files are included. Use primary contact or Internet resources. See support structure [link]

Community & Resources

  1. Where can I find tutorials or best practices for WDTC?
    → Check the B&R Community forum, documentation, or Online tutorials.
  2. Can I share my widgets with others?
    → Yes, through the B&R community, repository or internal sharing features.
  3. How can I suggest new features for WDTC?
    → Submit feature requests using official B&R channels
  4. Who can I contact for additional support?
    → Get in contact with primary contact in your local B&R office or create topic and B&R community forum for assistance. See support structure link

Community Forum

  1. Is there dedicated category I have to use for new discussion?
    → Yes, please use category WDTC
  2. Are there any limitation I can ask about WDTC?
    → Any technical question, idea or issue topic can be created, B&R community guidelines must be follow link
  3. What tags are available?
    → wdtc-question - for any user, general questions
    → wdtc-issue - for any user, tag topics with issue and ask for help
    → wdtc-idea - for any user, tags any ideas or sample shared
    → wdtc-news - for moderators/admin. Is used for news announcement.
    → wdtc-getting-started. Topics to study before using WDTC category

Feel free to set watching to any of it.

:books: All WDTC getting started related topics:

:link: WDTC - Introduction/Guidelines/Supports
:link: WDTC - Licensing/Downloads/Version history
:link: WDTC - Getting started/Online course

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