Last Update: 6/12/2024
Note: Origin offers users the opportunity to automate repetitive tasks without the need for code. While coding is not necessary to enjoy the power of Origin's features, this page is for users who are interested in the programming features of Origin.
Origin allows users to run complex commands and functions without coding using GUIs and dialogs. However, it is designed to be a fully programmable software and includes built-in support for a variety of high-level languages.
Programming features allow users to customize, automate, and share their workflow. Some common applications include:
Due to the number of languages running side-by-side in Origin, users have a variety of tools at their disposal to view the underlying code, command, and scripts in Origin. It should be noted that the features discussed on this page are primarily used to access LabTalk script, including X-Functions.
Users can click on most menu items, toolbar buttons, and Mini Toolbar features while holding Ctrl + Shift to (1) display the corresponding script in the Code Builder and (2) dump commands and other identifying information in the Script Window. A quick example of this can be found on our YouTube.
Origin can use the Script Window to display commands, scripts and error messages that are processed when users change the value of the ECHO variable. By default, ECHO is set to zero to disable the display of commands.
To enable echo, type echo = Number in the Script window. Number can be one of the following:
| Number | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Display commands that generate an error |
| 2 | Display scripts that have been sent to the queue for delayed execution |
| 4 | Display scripts that involve commands |
| 8 | Display scripts that involve assignments |
| 16 | Display macros |
ECHO can be set to any sum of these numbers to combine the options. For example, if echo = 7; Origin will display (1) commands that generate an error, (2) scripts that have been sent to the queue, and (4) scripts that involve commands. If echo = 31; Origin will display a combination of all five options listed in the table above.
It is suggested for users to reset the variable so echo = 0; when they are finished.
A brief example showing how to use ECHO can be found in our documentation.
A very strong tool for automating processing and analysis is the Generate Script command, which can be found in most X-Function dialogs via the fly-out dropdown menu near the top of the window. This includes many of the actions performed on worksheets and graphs during analysis and visualization.
This feature is used to access underlying X-Functions in Origin.
| Note:
The system variable @GAS controls how much information is displayed when using the Generate Script feature. |
A brief tutorial can be found in our documentation.
Origin has multiple interfaces where users may enter code to automate or customize their work:
