Running multiple scripts concurrently

For some use-cases, it may be useful to have a script running ‘in the background’ performing some process, while leaving the main scripting console free for user scripts. IBEX supports this with multiple approaches, depending on your needs.

In general, only one script controlling data acquisition should be running. Other scripts should only monitor a separate, standalone process.

Standalone python session

For simple one-off scripts (e.g. those that are only useful for one experiment), a standalone python session can be started using the script in:

c:\Instrument\Apps\Python3\genie_python.bat

This gives a python shell independent from the scripting console in the GUI, but with equivalent functionality.

Important

Scripts started using this approach will need to be manually restarted if IBEX server or the NDX computer is restarted.

Background script IOC

For more permanent use-cases, a dedicated background script IOC is available. This IOC starts and stops with IBEX server, which means it will automatically restart if IBEX server restarts.

To set up this IOC, you need to:

Create a background_script.py file in c:\instrument\settings\config\<instrument>\Python\background_script.py
Add the BGRSCRPT ioc to the IBEX configuration

The background_script.py file should generally run forever and register itself as having started - a typical way to do structure it is:

import sys
import os
import time

sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.environ["KIT_ROOT"], "ISIS", "inst_servers", "master")))

from server_common.helpers import register_ioc_start

register_ioc_start("BGRSCRPT_01")


while True:
    do_some_process()

    # Sleep to avoid using 100% CPU
    time.sleep(1)