Lesson 1: Connect to Data Archive or PI AF database

After completing this lesson, you will be able to perform the following tasks:

• Describe the structure of a PI AF database.

• Create a simple console application.

• Use the AF SDK to create an application that connects to a PI AF server or Data Archive.

• Use the PISystems class to find a list of known PI AF servers.

• Use the PIServers class to find a list of known Data Archive servers.

• Describe the AF SDK internal cache.

• Connect to PI AF server and Data Archive collectives.

Before you begin

The following links contain information that describes objects used in this lesson. Refer to the following topics for more help during the exercises:

• AFDatabase Class

• AFElementTemplate Class

• AFSDK.Extension.FilterBy Method

• AFNamedCollectionList(T) Class

• AFAttributeTemplate Class

• UOMClass Class

• AFEnumerationSets Class

• AFCategories Class

Lesson 1 scenario

In this lesson, assume the role of a software developer at the Green Power Company. You will access the Green Power Company PI AF database, which has already been configured on your local PI AF server. You will be asked to print the names and properties of various PI AF objects. Before you begin the exercises, familiarize yourself with the Green Power Company PI AF database using PI System Explorer.