Virtual Device vs. Global Variable

[waynehead99]

I am a novice HS scripter and utilize Virtual Devices to hold data that I need for my scripts, but never actually use the virtual device for any other purpose.

I guess my question is, what is the difference between using a Virtual Device vs a Global variable for this purpose. I know that global variables have to be defined each time HS is started up, but are they easier to use or should I just stick with virtual devices?

[jon00]

Virtual devices

Advantages:
String/double integer is stored in the Homeseer database and not lost when rebooting.
Can be read/saved by any script.

Disadvantages:
Can only store a single string and/or double Integer
String will be visible on the web page against this virtual device.

Global variables

Advantages:
Can hold any object (String,Integer,Array etc).
Can be read/saved by any script once created.
Unlimited number of variables can be created.

Disadvantages:
Variables are lost after each restart of Homeseer and have to be recreated.
Can only store a single object per variable created.

Ini files

Advantages:
Can hold any string.
Globally available to be read/written from any script.
Multiple storage areas available
Data is never normally lost.

Disadvantages:
Can only store strings (but can be converted to Integers etc)
May be slightly slower in read times than other methods

[waynehead99]

Wow thanks Jon. That clears it up for me. INI files are still over my head (except for updating the values in an already created one IE. your plugins).

I like the idea of being able to store Arrays as I have a few scripts doing that already and that is where my experience and learning is right now with scripting in vb.net.

Thanks again.