User Guide

Table Of Contents
Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. Glossary-1
Glossary
The glossary contains programming terminology you will encounter
in this manual.
APOGEE firmware
Firmware used in APOGEE field panels; Firmware Revision 2.x and
later.
argument
Type of variable whose value is not a direct function of another
variable. Arguments can represent the location of a number in a
mathematical operation, or the number with which a function works
to produce its result.
arithmetic function
Function that performs mathematical calculations on a value
(number). When used in PPCL, the value derived from the
calculation is usually assigned to a point name for future reference.
arithmetic operator
Mathematically related functions that are performed on two or more
operands (numbers). When used in PPCL, the value of the
calculation is determined and assigned to a point name or local
variable for future reference.
at (@) priority indicators
Indicators that are used to test if a point is at a specific priority, or to
command a point to a specific priority. A maximum of 16 parameters
can be used in one PPCL statement. When using a @ Priority
indicator with PPCL statements, the priority level you define in that
statement occupies one of the parameters.
APOGEE PPCL User’s Manual
Glossary-2 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
command
Instruction evaluated by the computer.
comment line
Information that is written into the program but is not interpreted as a
program command. The compiler skips over the comment line during
compilation. Comment lines allow you to enter text information
describing the functionality of a specific section of code. Comment
lines are especially helpful for describing subroutines and areas of
program code that are difficult to understand.
condition
Result of a comparison between two values.
debugging
Process by which the logic of the program is tested for errors. A
program is said to have “bugs” when it fails to function properly.
device
In PPCL, a device represents any field panel or equipment controller
that can execute PPCL statements.
execute
To carry out the instruction of an expression or program.
expression
Statement that describes a set of variables, constants, or values
combined with arithmetic, logical, or relational operators.
firmware
Portion of software used in a controller that is stored in non-volatile
memory. See APOGEE, pre-APOGEE, or Unitary firmware.