OpenROAD applications are made up of components. There are many different component types available for you to use when structuring your applications. For more information, see Components Portlet.

Each type of component can contain different kinds of information. For example, a user frame is typically a complex component that has both 4GL code and visual elements, such as fields and menus, associated with it. A constant or global variable, on the other hand, is simpler and has only declaration information, such as a data type, associated with it.

Some components can be generated automatically while others must be hand-coded. A third group, including frames, can be produced using both methods.

Each of the primary editors is geared toward managing its particular component type. The editor is as simple or complex as it needs to be to provide all the functionality you need to create, edit, and maintain the component.