# Scripting

Cognex Designer provides a powerful scripting environment using Microsoft C# .NET. You can write standard C# .NET code and have it execute within the Cognex Designer environment.

Note: This document does not describe how to use C#, and assumes that the user has a basic understanding of C# programming.

Cognex Designer provides two simple language extensions that allow the C# scripting to access Cognex Designer tags (A) and functions (B):

1. Cognex Designer uses a special $ character to access tags. To read or write from a tag in a script:

       $BooleanValue = False;

       $IntegerValue = 10;

       $StringValue = "Hello";

2. Functions use the $ sign as well. Alternatively, you can drag 'n drop from the Tag & Function browser tool window. Recognized functions will be highlighted in the Script Editor.

Note: Published (Cognex Designer or Plugin) methods with 'out' parameters cannot be compiled within a script. For more information, see the Use Methods With "out" and "ref" Parameters topic.

## WebPages HMI Scripting

WebPage Elements scripts are used to program the script points for handling WebPage Element events, such as a Button's On Clicked event. These scripts execute in the Web browser running the HMI.