What is the use/relevence of inst in .bdf files.

[Altera_Forum]

I'm just starting to use Quartus with Block Design Files -- very impressed. Coming from a KiCAD background it seems natural.  

 Two things have me puzzled: What is the relevance on "inst" in each block. As I add components the number seems to increase. Is it just a way of identifying a block for debugging etc. or is there more to it.   Second, its unclear to me what the relevance/difference between  "Analysis & Synthesis" and  "Fitter (Place & Route)" are.  Do I use both, one or none before doing a compile, none, once, or every time.  Thanks in advance guys, hopefully questions like these will be helpful to other newbies. John

[Altera_Forum]

Hi John, 

  --- Quote Start ---  What is the relevance on "inst" in each block. As I add components the number seems to increase. Is it just a way of identifying a block for debugging etc. or is there more to it.  --- Quote End ---    Yes, It`s for identification purpose, it can be modified using “Symbol Properties”.   --- Quote Start ---  Second, its unclear to me what the relevance/difference between  "Analysis & Synthesis" and  "Fitter (Place & Route)" are.  Do I use both, one or none before doing a compile, none, once, or every time.  --- Quote End ---   These are the Compilation steps, for creation of netlist you must do first "Analysis & Synthesis". Refer “Intel Quartus Prime Integrated Synthesis Design and Compilation Flow” & “Intel Quartus Prime Design Stages for Incremental Compilation” from handbook. https://www.altera.com/documentation/mwh1409960181641.html#mwh1409959376628  Let me know if this has helped resolve the issue you are facing or if you need any further assistance.  Best Regards Vikas Jathar  (This message was posted on behalf of Intel Corporation)

[Altera_Forum]

Thanks Jatharvk, big help. 

Got it! John