# Expression Tag cannot execute runScript() using Gateway Scripting Project (Ignition 8.1.50) **URL:** \ **Category:** Ignition\ **Tags:** perspective, ignition81, scripting\ **Created:** [December 10, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/expression-tag-cannot-execute-runscript-using-gateway-scripting-project-ignition-8-1-50/112738 "2025-12-10T17:40:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![italogustavoaraujo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/italogustavoaraujo/32/55235_2.png) [@italogustavoaraujo](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/italogustavoaraujo)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/expression-tag-cannot-execute-runscript-using-gateway-scripting-project-ignition-8-1-50/112738/1 "2025-12-10T17:40:27Z")
Hi everyone, I'm running Ignition **8.1.50** and I'm having trouble using a script function inside an **Expression Tag**. ### **Setup** - I have a **Gateway Scripting Project** configured (a global project). - Inside that project, I created a script in `project.Funcs_Util`. - If I call the function through the Script Console, it works correctly. - The script simply returns a string. Example: `def formatarTitulo():` ` return "Hello World"` **What I'm trying to do** Inside a **String Expression Tag** , I'm trying to call the script like this: `runScript("project.Funcs_Util.formatarTitulo")` **Problem** The Expression Tag shows the error **Error\_ExpressionEval** and does not execute the script at all. It looks like the Expression Tag can **validate** the syntax (Designer editor accepts it), but during runtime the script is not executed. ### **What I already checked** - The Gateway Scripting Project is correctly set in Project Properties. - The script runs normally when called from: - Only the **Expression Tag** fails to execute `runScript`. ### **Question** Is `runScript()` supported inside **Expression Tags** in Ignition 8.1.50? If not, what is the recommended approach to call shared project scripts from tags? Should I move the logic to: - A Tag Change Script? - A Gateway Timer Script that writes to the tag? - A Tag Event Script? Or is there any setting that allows Expression Tags to call Gateway scripts directly? Any guidance would be appreciated! Thanks in advance. ---
**Author:** ![dkhayes117](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/dkhayes117/32/68344_2.png) [@dkhayes117](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/dkhayes117)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/expression-tag-cannot-execute-runscript-using-gateway-scripting-project-ignition-8-1-50/112738/2 "2025-12-10T17:54:46Z")
Use `runScript` sparingly, and only when the execution is in the single digit millis. Otherwise, you can stall other tags from running by blocking a tag execution thread. It's far better to setup a gateway tag change, timer, or scheduled script to run the project script then write to the tag. I can't debug why the script is not running without the code, but it probably has to do with scoping. I.E. trying to run a named query in the gateway scope without a project name provided. ---
**Author:** ![pturmel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/pturmel/32/3295_2.png) [@pturmel](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/pturmel)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 6:10pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/expression-tag-cannot-execute-runscript-using-gateway-scripting-project-ignition-8-1-50/112738/3 "2025-12-10T18:10:09Z")
~~Have you saved the project? The designer script console will run unsaved scripts, but the gateway cannot.~~ _You already confirmed with Perspective and Tag Change Events._ Look for entries in the gateway log. Also what Daniel said about project name issues. ---
**Author:** ![nminchin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/nminchin/32/6911_2.png) [@nminchin](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/nminchin)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 4:16pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/expression-tag-cannot-execute-runscript-using-gateway-scripting-project-ignition-8-1-50/112738/4 "2025-12-12T16:16:20Z")
You should see the error in the diagnostics on the tag itself as well. > [@italogustavoaraujo](#): > > If not, what is the recommended approach to call shared project scripts from tags? > > Should I move the logic to: > > - A Tag Change Script? > - A Gateway Timer Script that writes to the tag? > - A Tag Event Script? This depends what your script will be doing after it says hello