Learning Center

Getting Started with Building Simulation Apps

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This course is an introduction to building simulation applications of a COMSOL Multiphysics model using the Application Builder. In this course, you will be guided through the basics of building your first simulation app. From there, you will explore using a few of the different layout templates available for simulation apps and experience firsthand how quickly and easily you can get started developing your own apps. Throughout the course you will learn various ways of customizing and extending the functionality and operation of the apps you develop. This is accomplished through using various parts of the Application Builder workspace like the Main Window editor, Form Editor, and Method Editor, as well as various tools like the Editor Tools window, Data Access functionality, and Record Method tool. Additionally, you will learn techniques to expedite the app building process.

The UI of the thermal microactuator app showing the model in the Graphics window, several buttons towards the top of the app to perform various operations, and a window for the inputs as well as results.

The simulation app developed in part 7 of the course.

An overview of the what is covered throughout the course is as follows:

Part 1: Basics of Building and Compiling Simulation Apps

• Demonstrate building a simulation app and then compiling it for distribution
• Demonstrate using the compiled simulation app

Part 2: Using Layout Templates to Build Simulation Apps

• Use templates for simulation apps
• Navigate the Application Builder workspace

Part 3: How to Validate User Inputs Entered into an App

• Overview of various form object types
• Change form object settings
• Add data validation bounds

Part 4: Modifying Command Sequences and Creating Methods to Customize App Operation

• Overview of command sequences and methods
• Write code using the Method Editor
• Reference model tree features in methods using tags

Part 5: Enabling Access to Model Settings in Your Simulation App

• Create a form to add a section to an app
• Activate data access
• Add form objects easily using the Editor Tools window

Part 6: Using and Recording Methods to Create Custom Code for Simulation Apps

• Create a custom form object
• Define declarations
• Record method to generate code

Part 7: Increasing Complexity of Apps Using Command Sequences and Methods

• Create an event to run a method or command sequence via form object's settings
• Create command sequences
• Create methods and review code

Part 8: Navigating the Application Builder Window

• Overview of the application tree
• Settings for the application tree nodes
• Access help documentation for the Application Builder

Part 9: Embedding Documentation in Your Simulation App

• Add documentation to the app
• Create functionality enabling access to the documentation

Part 10: Using a Sketch Layout to Design the User Interface for an App

• Overview of using Sketch mode
• Settings for the layout mode

Part 11: Using a Grid Layout to Design the User Interface for an App

• Overview of using Grid mode
• Tools to make part of an app resizable

Part 12: Organizing and Managing Multiple Sections Within the App User Interface

• Overview of using a Form Collection
• Create an organized, structured design for your app user interface

Part 13: How to Add a Dialog Box to Your Simulation App

• Create a dialog box to confirm choice selection
• Enable access to model tree setting containing the option

Upon completing the course, you will have a thorough understanding of the workflow for developing simulation apps using the software. This includes how to navigate the Application Builder workspace and use the main components of the Application Builder. You will also be knowledgeable in the various tools and techniques you can use to customize apps or build sophisticated app operation.