Programming Example 
Programming in C using the VTL
36
Opening a Session
A session is a channel of communication. Sessions must first 
be opened on the default resource manager, and then for 
each device you will be using. The following is a summary of 
sessions that can be opened:
• A  resource manager session  is used to initialize the VISA 
system. It is a parent session that knows about all the 
opened sessions. A resource manager session must be 
opened before any other session can be opened.
• A  device session  is used to communicate with a device on 
an interface. A device session must be opened for each 
device you will be using. When you use a device session 
you can communicate without worrying about the type of 
interface to which it is connected. This insulation makes 
applications more robust and portable across interfaces. 
Typically a device is an instrument, but could be a 
computer, a plotter, or a printer.
Device Sessions
There are two parts to opening a communications session 
with a specific device. First you must open a session to the 
default resource manager with the viOpenDefaultRM 
function. The first call to this function initializes the default 
resource manager and returns a session to that resource 
manager session. You only need to open the default manager 
session once. However, subsequent calls to 
viOpenDefaultRM  returns a session to a unique session to 
the same default resource manager resource.
NOTE
All devices that you will be using need to be connected and in working 
condition prior to the first VTL function call (viOpenDefaultRM). The 
system is configured only on the first viOpenDefaultRM per process. 
Therefore, if viOpenDefaultRM is called without devices connected 
and then called again when devices are connected, the devices will not 
be recognized. You must close ALL resource manager sessions and 
re-open with all devices connected and in working condition.