It is a feature in a COPP component type. You can use it to create a virtual connection between two components.

To illustrate the point, a method in the component called Temp reg Component has a connector to the components Input and output comp. As a result, Temp reg Component gets access to both their data and methods.

The connector is a “placeholder” for a connection to a component of a given type.

You don’t make a choice about the hardware for the components at this point. As a result, you can use the same control component with many (compatible) types of hardware. This means, that you don’t need to make new control code or views for each.

If for example, a specific hardware module for output control is out of production, you simply need to switch the physical module. Afterward, your plant can continue to run without writing new code or compiling your project again.