2.3 Where To Begin

Tutorials I and II are designed so that you can proceed from one topic to another in whatever order you choose.

If you have not used Data Explorer before, we recommend that you start here with Tutorial I, which will quickly introduce you to many of the basic features of the user interface, as well as to many of the most commonly used Data Explorer functions.

If you already know how to run Data Explorer and want more information on how to edit and create visual programs, you can start with Chapter 3. "Tutorial II: Editing and Creating Visual Programs" You may also start directly with any of the topics listed at the beginning of that tutorial.

If you need to learn how to start Data Explorer, see 2.1 , "Starting Data Explorer".

When you have completed Tutorial I, you should have no difficulty:

• Running a visual program and manipulating objects in the Image window.
• Exploring Data Explorer functions.

Figure 4. Visual Program Editor Window (VPE). This window consists of two palettes and a "canvas." The palettes list categories of tools (or modules, top left) and individual tools in a selected category (bottom left). The canvas is the area for creating and editing visual programs ("networks"). as shown here, a network consists of tool (module) icons and connecting lines ("arcs"). The name of the network program appears in the title bar at the top of the window. (Use of the VPE is described in Chapter 3. "Tutorial II: Editing and Creating Visual Programs".)