Auto-expanding nodes

[JW-JnJ]

Say you have new errors you want to merge into an existing structure. You have to expand the merge error, then bring the new error to the merge. Here is what I'm proposing.

Start wiring the new error, then click on the merge error node.

LabVIEW expands and connects the error wire

This would also be nice for any expandable node like build array, concatenate strings

Bonus points idea, but might cause more polarization so don't let the entire idea hinge on this. Clicking on an existing unbroken wire can insert the node.

The existing UI behavior just wires a new source into an existing wire, which really only breaks the wire. I'm not sure the above behavior would take capabilities away from the user. For build array to work this way, it would have to detect if the singleton was the same type as the array wire you were clicking on. This is a bit more iffy in my mind.

[BertMcMahan]

I like this idea but would want it as an optional thing, like control-clicking or something. I use the standard "wire this here and break the wire" very frequently when I'm adding something to the chain. It's usually easier to add the new connection then delete the old rather than deleting the old wire and adding a new one at the terminal.

[JW-JnJ]

Yeah, i could agree to having this as a control or shift click while wiring.

[wiebe@CARYA]

+1, this could eliminate a lot of pixel accurate mouse movement (AKA RSI).

Would this allow inserting errors (for example) in the middle or at the top? I don't see how "the end" is special (although it might happen more often)...

We might need visual feedback while wiring, see the node expanding before actually wiring. 

[McQuillan]

+1

This could be a fun XNode challenge whilst waiting for NI to implement it!

[_carl]

After reading this suggestion a while back, I now find myself wishing it existed somewhat often!  Would save a lot of extra clicks. As wiebe@CARYA suggested, I'd expect visual feedback of where the wire was getting inserted...and I'd want to be able to insert at any location in the merge node.

Unlike others, I'd prefer for it not to be a hidden hold-down-a-key feature for existing nodes -- if there's visual feedback, I can't really think of situations where this would be undesirable) on an existing merge node).

[JimB.]

Maybe I'm misreading, but I thought the others talking about a click modifier were primarily talking about the wire idea.

For expandable nodes I think this is a great idea. I think some visually identifiable hotspot that triggers the expansion would be a cool way to implement this. Something like a special terminal at the bottom that triggers the node to add a new row with the wire attached when it is clicked.

As for auto inserting merge nodes on wires, I'd agree that if this is implemented it should be with some click modifier or hotkey of some sort. I guess I'd get over it if this became the new standard behavior, but I also share the habit of purposely breaking wires when changing code and frankly think I'd spend more time cleaning up unwanted nodes than I'd ever save on inserting them when I do want them.

[JW-JnJ]

JimB. Yeah, I agree, this idea has morphed several times in my mind due to good additions people gave. Click modifiers, visual feedback, and existing wire behavior. I'll try to summarize what I'm thinking:

1. When wiring, as your mouse moves over a matching node, it will expand (or ghost expand) and show you what it would like like when you click on it. This would allow you to see where it adds the input and allow you to place it in the middle of an existing node.
2. When wiring AND if you hold a click modifier, as you hover over an existing wire you will see the ghost node addition (merge, build-array, etc). While slightly above the wire, it will show the additional input being above the existing. While slightly below, it will show the additional input being below. Clicking creates the node and wires.

I use the word "ghost" to describe wiring's current behavior of adding shaded out tunnels as you wire.