Introductory fxDreema course. Video 5. The blocks (part 1)

Summary

This video tutorial delves into the essential features of the Builder's block system, guiding viewers on how to select, move, and connect blocks within the design area. It introduces the concept of input and output dots, explaining how to establish connections between blocks to create a functional sequence. The video also touches on the unique ID numbers of blocks, their significance, and the various working tools available, such as adding titles, resizing, detaching, and deleting blocks. It serves as a foundational guide for users new to the Builder platform, setting the stage for more advanced topics in subsequent videos.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The video demonstrates how to use blocks in the Builder, focusing on the display menu's 'indicator rise' block.
• 🖱️ Blocks can be selected by hovering and left-clicking, then dragged into the design area to be incorporated into a project.
• ℹ️ An information icon provides details about a block's name, programmed actions, and outputs when clicked.
• 🔄 Blocks can be moved within the design area by dragging, indicated by a four-hour cross cursor.
• 🔗 Connections between blocks are made by linking output dots to input dots, creating a connection line that unites them.
• ❌ It's possible but not advisable to connect a block's output dot to its own input dot, as it causes an endless loop.
• 🔀 Multiple connecting lines can be created from one origin block to many destination blocks, and vice versa.
• 🆔 Each block has a unique ID number, which can be modified by typing a new one over the existing number.
• ✂️ The 'cut' tool allows moving a block to a new position or tab without changing its ID number.
• 📋 The 'copy' tool creates an exact copy of a block with a new, unique ID number when pasted in a new location.
• ❌ The 'delete' tool permanently removes a block, with no option to undo this action.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to demonstrate how to use the key elements of the Builder, specifically its blocks, and how to incorporate them into a project.

How do you select a block in the Builder?

You select a block in the Builder by hovering the mouse pointer over it and then left-clicking when the pointer turns into a hand icon.

What does the question mark icon in the display menu signify?

The question mark icon in the display menu is an information icon. Clicking on it opens a window that provides details about the block, including its name, programmed function, and outputs.

How can you move a block within the design area?

To move a block within the design area, you hover the pointer over the block until it turns into a four-pointed cross, then left-click and drag it to the desired location.

What are the white and orange dots on blocks used for?

The white dot is the input half-dot, and the orange dot is the output half-dot. They are used to connect blocks to one another within the design area.

How do you create a connection between two blocks?

You create a connection by dragging the output dot of one block to the input dot of another block, which creates a connecting line between them.

What happens if you connect a block's output dot to its own input dot?

Connecting a block's output dot to its own input dot will cause the block to enter an endless execution loop, which will prevent it from functioning properly.

How can you remove a connecting line between blocks?

To remove a connecting line, hover the pointer over the line until it visually increases in width, then right-click on it.

What is the significance of the ID number on each block?

The ID number on each block is a unique identifier. Each new block added to the project receives a different ID number to ensure they never share the same one.

What tools are available when you right-click on a block?

When you right-click on a block, you can access tools such as 'Add Title', 'Resize', 'Detach', 'Information', 'Cut', 'Copy', and 'Delete'.

What does the 'Resize' tool do?

The 'Resize' tool reduces the size of the selected block, which can be useful when optimizing space in a crowded design area.

What is the purpose of the 'Detach' tool?

The 'Detach' tool is used to disconnect a block from all its input and output connecting lines at once, rather than removing them individually.

How does the 'Cut' tool differ from the 'Copy' tool?

The 'Cut' tool moves a block from its current position to a new one without creating a copy, whereas the 'Copy' tool creates an exact duplicate of the block and adds it to the project with a new ID number.

What is the consequence of using the 'Delete' tool on a block?

Using the 'Delete' tool removes the block permanently. There is no undo option, so once a block is deleted, it cannot be recovered.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Block Selection and Connection Basics

This paragraph introduces the process of selecting and connecting blocks within the Builder's interface. Users can select blocks from the display menu, such as 'indicator rise,' by hovering and left-clicking. Blocks are moved to the design area by dragging. An information icon provides details about the block's functionality and outputs. Blocks can be rearranged within the design area by dragging, and they have input and output dots for connections. Connections are established by linking output dots of one block to the input dots of another. The paragraph also warns against creating endless loops by connecting a block's output to its own input and explains how to remove connections. It concludes with a mention of the unique ID number assigned to each block, which is crucial for their identification within a project.

05:01

🔧 Block Tools and Operations

The second paragraph delves into the various tools available for manipulating blocks in the Builder. These tools include 'add title' for renaming blocks, 'resize' for adjusting block size to optimize space, and 'nadech' for detaching all connections at once. The 'information' tool provides a review of block functionalities, while 'cut' allows for moving blocks to new positions or tabs without changing their ID. The 'copy' tool creates an exact duplicate of a block with a new ID, and 'delete' permanently removes a block without the possibility of recovery. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of these tools for efficient block management and project organization.

Keywords

💡Builder

The term 'Builder' refers to a software tool or interface that allows users to create and customize applications or projects through a visual, drag-and-drop approach. In the context of the video, Builder is the main platform where users can manipulate blocks to design and build their projects. The script mentions selecting blocks from the display menu, which indicates that Builder provides a user-friendly environment for assembling various functionalities.

💡Blocks

Blocks are the fundamental components within the Builder that users can select, drag, and connect to create a functional design. Each block represents a specific function or feature that can be incorporated into a project. The video script describes how to select, move, and connect these blocks, emphasizing their importance in the building process.

💡Display Menu

The 'Display Menu' is a part of the Builder interface where users can find and select different types of blocks to use in their projects. The script mentions hovering the mouse pointer over the 'indicator' block within the display menu, indicating that this menu is a key navigational element for accessing available blocks.

💡Indicator

An 'Indicator' block, as mentioned in the script, is a specific type of block within the Builder that likely serves to display or represent data or status within a project. The video explains how to select and use this block, highlighting its role in the design process.

💡Input and Output

In the context of the video, 'Input' and 'Output' refer to the connection points on blocks where they can receive data (input) or send data (output) to other blocks. The script describes how blocks have white input half dots and orange output half dots, which are used to establish connections between blocks, demonstrating the flow of data within a project.

💡Connections

Connections are the links established between the output of one block and the input of another within the Builder. The script explains how to create these connections by dragging from one block's output dot to another block's input dot, which is essential for the functional integration of different blocks in a project.

💡Time Filter

A 'Time Filter' block, as referenced in the script, is a type of block that likely controls or filters data based on time-related parameters. The video mentions selecting a 'once a day' block from the time filter display, suggesting that this block could be used to schedule or limit the execution of certain tasks or functions within a project.

💡ID Number

Each block within the Builder has a unique 'ID Number', which serves as its identifier. The script points out that every new block added to a project is assigned a different ID number to ensure uniqueness. This ID number is crucial for organizing and referencing blocks within the Builder's interface.

💡Tools Window

The 'Tools Window' is a feature of the Builder that provides users with various options to manipulate blocks, such as adding titles, resizing, detaching, and deleting. The script explains how right-clicking on a block opens this window, offering a range of tools to customize and manage the block's properties and connections.

💡Endless Execution Loop

An 'Endless Execution Loop' is a scenario where a block is connected to itself in a way that causes continuous and unending execution, which can lead to malfunction. The video warns against connecting a block's output dot to its own input dot, as this would create such a loop, illustrating the importance of proper block configuration.

💡Execution Order

The 'Execution Order' refers to the sequence in which blocks are processed within the Builder. The script mentions that blocks will execute in the order established by their connecting lines, which is crucial for the logical flow and functionality of the project.

Highlights

Introduction to the main features of key elements in the Builder's blocks.

Demonstration of how to select and use blocks from the display menu.

Tutorial on connecting blocks using input and output dots.

Explanation of the information icon and its role in providing block details.

Guidance on moving blocks within the design area.

Description of block connections and how to create them.

Instructions on removing connecting lines between blocks.

Warning about creating endless execution loops by connecting a block's output to its input.

Capability to connect multiple blocks to a single origin block.

Importance of each block's unique ID number and its role in the project.

How to modify a block's ID number.

Introduction to the working tools available for blocks.

Explanation of the 'Add Title' tool for customizing block names.

Use of the 'Resize' tool to optimize space in the design area.

The 'Detach' tool for disconnecting all connections from a block at once.

The 'Information' tool to review block functionalities.

Utilizing the 'Cut' tool for moving blocks to new positions or tabs.

The 'Copy' tool to create and paste exact copies of blocks.

The 'Delete' tool for permanently removing a block from the project.

Note on the irreversible nature of the 'Delete' action in the Builder.

Transcripts

[Music]

in this video we'll see the main

features of the key element of the

Builder its blocks we already saw in a

previous video where we can find them

now it's time to use them let's select

one belonging to the display menu

conditions for indicators for example

now we hover the mouse pointer on

indicator rise the pointer is at hand

now this means you can select this block

by left clicking right when we do it we

can see it on the pointer and we can

then drag it into the design area this

is how we will incorporate new blocks to

our project if we move the pointer again

on the display menu we will also see a

question mark available on the left this

is an information icon a window pops up

when click on it here we will find the

blocks name what it's programmed to do

and its outputs

blocks can be moved from any current

position to any other one within the

design area by dragging them we just

need to move our pointer on the block

and it will become a four-hour cross now

we left-click and drag it wherever we

wish all blocks have one white input

half dot and at least one orange output

half dot some of them as is the case of

this example have a second yellow output

half dot dot areas to connect blocks to

other blocks let's see how on this

occasion we will select a new one from

the time filter display called

once a day

we can see the same input and output

health thoughts in it

connections are made by linking origin

block output dots to destination block

input dots in our example we'll do it

from once a day to indicator rise so we

move our pointer to the orange health

dot and left click on it it will become

a full dot now then we simply drag it to

the destination input dot the connection

line is created that will be uniting

both of them if we move any of the

blocks the connection is held

a connecting line can be removed by

moving our pointer on it until its width

is visually increased then we simply

right-click on it we can create and

remove as many connecting lines as

required by your project you will notice

that it is technically possible to

connect any blocks output dot to its own

input dot the connection line will be

created normally however that will cause

the block to enter into an endless

execution loop that will cause it not to

work properly if you do this

accidentally just remove it as explained

we can create an unlimited amount of

connecting lines from one origin block

too many destination blocks

[Music]

you

[Music]

as well as the opposite

the EA will execute all blocks in the

other established by those connecting

lines in our example this one will

always be the first then those below it

and finally this one an important block

feature is its ID number each one has a

unique identity number on its left every

new block added to the project will be

given a different one so that they will

never share the same ID number

we can modify it just by moving our

pointer there and typing the new one the

importance of this ID number will be

explained later in the course

now let's see what working tools are

available for blocks if we right click

on any of them we will see its tools

window in this video we will focus on

the most common only the others will

also be explained later in the course

the first one is added title

we can customize our blocks name by

selecting it this will position an

addition cursor with which we will type

the text we want once completed we will

click on done titles can be modified as

many times as required the next tool is

called resize

by selecting it our blog will be reduced

in size this can be useful when the

design area is full of blogs and we need

to optimize individual space if we hover

over it returns to its normal size for a

few seconds to recover it permanently we

need to select resize again and wait for

a few seconds before doing any other

action

[Music]

the next tool is called nadech

this is used when we want to disconnect

the block from all its input and output

connecting lines at once instead of

doing it one by one as explained before

there is no undo detach option when

selected we need to create all those

removed connections again if we did it

accidentally

the next tool is called information if

we selected the same blocks information

window explained before will pop up here

we can review its functionalities

whenever we want

[Music]

the next tool is called cut

we can use it when we want to move a

block from its current position to a new

one this is especially useful when we

need to do it from one tab to another

when we select this option we move to

the new tab and then right-click on the

position we want the block to be pasted

it's ID number will not be changed

the next tool is called copy

we will use it to create an exact copy

of this block and paste it in this tab

or in a different one this works like

the cut tool but we will have a new

block added to the project now so a new

different ID number will be assigned to

it finally the delete tool will remove

the block permanently please note that

there is no undo delete option in the

Builder once removed a block can never

be recovered in our next video we will

complete the description of blocks

[Music]