Novice ilogic Question: Difference Btw User Parameter and Custom iProperty

[cadman777]

Hello All,

This is another novice question I'd appreciate insight on.

What's the difference between a User Parameter and a Custom iProperty?

You create the User Parameter in the Parameters dialogue, and that parameter shows up in the iProperties 'Custom' tab. So what's the difference? It's a parameter in one place, and an iProperty in another, but it's the same thing??

I noticed problems when creating C/C parts when trying to update. I forgot the specifics, but do remember. So when it comes to iLogic, what's the difference?

Thanx ...

[philip1009]

User Parameters only show up in Custom iProperties when it's a number and you have the Export box ticked, it's the second box after the Key box.  Numerical parameters are directly accessible by the model for dimensioning where as properties are directly readable either in file explorer or Vault.  Boolean and Text parameters are really only used to make iLogic forms for user input and can only show up automatically in Custom iProperties when a rule is written to do so.

[cadman777]

Thanx for that info Philip,

Your explanation is confusing.

What's the purpose for having NUMERIC values in the iProperties>Custom tab when they already occur in the Parameters dialogue and are accessable by iLogic from the Parameters dialogue?
Why not make the Custom tab show ONLY text values?
What's the purpose for this double occurrence mix-up?

[Sergio.D.Suárez]

Hi, 

A user parameter appears in the parameters tab in the part or assembly. This parameter can be introduced in equations between the dimensions of the part for example. In one part it would be very useful to generate parts of catalog, where one would place the values ​​of the parameters to vary in this catalog of a reducer or a motor for example. Then create an ipart or an equation with another parameter to size the part correctly in the desired configuration.
In an assembly, a user parameter could be used to place general data that controls constraints between parts or subassemblies.
The iproperties instead are numbers or text, and serve for drawing notes for example. An iproperty can not be multiplied by another, nor can an equation that of a result. Note how easy it is to retrieve a value of iproperty in a drawing note, while a dimension value is more complex and often does not focus correctly when changing parts.
User parameters are not exported by default as iproperties. For that you have to check the box that shows the image below.

In the user parameter it can be controlled if the unit will be seen when exporting it as iproperty, its tolerance can be controlled, and much more.
I think the most advisable thing is to work with equations with the parameters and then export them as iproperties.
Also imagine that it has as I said a catalog part. With a lot of dimensions named with letters like its catalog. Imagine that you must delete a sketch to improve your file. The dimensions of this sketch will be removed, and the user parameters will not. If I had named the dimensions with these special names, I would have had serious problems.
I hope I was clear. regards

[cadman777]

Thanx for your explanation, Sergio,

This is what I get form both of you guys:

Parameters are designed primarily for use in modeling (geometry).

iProperties are designed primarily for use in documentation (drawings).

Both are designed for use in programming, for the same purposes:

Parameters for modeling and iProperties for documentation.

Am I getting it?