Technical data

Creating Data Blocks
11.3 Data View of Data Blocks
Programming with STEP 7
Manual, 05/2010, A5E02789666-01 269
11.3 Data View of Data Blocks
The data view shows you the current values of all variables in the data block. You can only change
these values in the data view. The table representation in this view is the same for all shared data
blocks. For instance data blocks an additional "Declaration" column is displayed.
For variables with complex data types or user-defined data types, all elements are displayed in
their own row with their full symbolic name in the data view. If the elements are in the IN_OUT area
of an instance data block, the pointer points to the complex or user-defined data type in the "Actual
Value" column.
The data view displays the following columns:
Column Explanation
Address Displays the address that STEP 7 automatically assigns for the variable.
Declaration This column is only displayed for instance data blocks. It shows you how the variables in the
variable declaration of the function block are declared:
• Input parameter (IN)
• Output parameter (OUT)
• In/out parameter (IN_OUT)
• Static data (STAT)
Name The symbolic name assigned in the variable declaration for the variable. You cannot edit
this field in the data view.
Type Displays the data type defined for the variable.
For shared data blocks, only the elementary data types are listed here because the
elements are listed individually in the data view for variables with complex or user-defined
data types.
For instance data blocks the parameter types are also displayed, for in/out parameters
(IN_OUT) with complex or user-defined data types, a pointer points to the data type in the
"Actual Value" column.
Initial Value The initial value that you entered for the variable if you do not want the software to use the
default value for the specified data type.
When you save a data block for the first time, the initial value is used as the current value if
you have not explicitly defined actual values for the variables.
Please note: Unlike with actual values, initial values cannot be downloaded to the CPU.
Actual Value Offline: The value that the variable had when the data block was opened or to which you
last changed it and saved it (even if you opened the data block online, this display is not
updated).
Online: The current value on opening the data block is displayed but not updated
automatically. To update the view, press F5.
You can edit this field if it does not belong to an in/out parameter (IN_OUT) with a complex
or user-defined data type. All values must be compatible with the data type.
Please note. Only current values can be downloaded to the CPU/
Comment The comment entered to document the variable. You cannot edit this field in the data view.