dl-breadcrumbs__homedl-breadcrumb-item__separatorConfiguration and programmingdl-breadcrumb-item__separatorProgramming with CODESYSdl-breadcrumb-item__separator...dl-breadcrumb-item__separatorCODESYS Development Systemdl-breadcrumb-item__separatorApplication at Runtimedl-breadcrumb-item__separatorMonitoring of Valuesdl-breadcrumb-item__separatorUsing watch lists
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Using watch listsdl-permalink__symbolPermalink

What is a watch list?

A watch list is a user-defined list of project variables that are collected in one view for the purpose of monitoring their values. In online mode, you can write and force variable values in a watch list. Monitoring, writing, and forcing are handled the same way as the declaration editor in online mode. You can customize the format of the representation of floating-point values in the options for monitoring.

There are four, ready-to-use watch lists (‎Watch <n>‎) available in a project. Click “View  Watch”.

If the expression is an interface reference, then it can be expanded. If the interface points to a global instance, then this global instance is displayed as the first entry below the reference. If the interface reference changes, then the displayed reference is collapsed.

Creating and editing a watch list (offline or online mode)

Requirement: The project is in either online or offline mode. It includes an application with declared variables that you want added to one of the four possible watch lists.

  1. Click “View  Watch  Watch <n>”.

    The ‎Watch <n>‎ view opens. It contains a blank table row.

  2. Double-click the field in the “Expression” column and type a variable to monitor, either manually or with the input assistant.

    Syntax: <device name>.<application name>.<object name>.<variable name>

    Example: "‎Dev1.App1.PLC_PRG.ivar‎"

    If you type the name of a structured variable, then the individual components are displayed automatically in other lines in online mode.

  3. Define all successive variables that will be monitored with this list. You can change the order by using drag and drop operations.

    The “Execution point”, “Type”, “Address”, “Comment” fields are filled in automatically according to the variables declaration. The symbol before the expression indicates the type of variable: input variable (_cds_icon_input), output variable (_cds_icon_output), or ordinary variable (_cds_icon_variable_in_watchlist).

In online mode, you can also create or edit watch lists by right-clicking and choosing the “Add Watch” command.

Adding variables by choosing the 'Add Watch' command (online mode)

Requirement: A project is open and running. It includes an application with declared variables that you want added to a possible watch list.

  1. Click “View  Watch <n>” to open the watch list.

  2. Place the cursor on a variable in the declaration or implementation part of a POU and right-click to choose the “Add Watch” command.

    This adds an entry to the list for the selected variable.

  3. You can add other variables in this way or by typing directly into the list in the “Expression” field as described above.

    The watch lists are updated immediately.

If a watch list is not open when you click “Add Watch” for a variable, then it is added automatically to the “Watch 1” list.

Writing and forcing variable values is also possible in the watch lists. In online mode, the “Prepared value” column is also available.