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Broken_Arrow

Visual indication that a constant is linked to TypeDef

Status: Completed
Available in LabVIEW 2011

I would like to be able to see that a constant is linked to a typedef without clicking it, especially enums.

This could be a light border around the constant, marching ants, or a flag of some type such as the example I have posted. You can quickly tell that the top enum is not linked to a typedef, whereas the bottom one has the little "td" flag.

 

 

 

typeDef_notification.gif 
  
Richard






25 Comments
Knight of NI
This is another one of those simple, but extremely effective ideas.
JackDunaway
Trusted Enthusiast

The idea of having a custom user-defined wire for typedefs is also a solution for making typedef data readily evident.

 

I really like the idea, but would prefer a more economical indication. Consider changing the color of the < > rather than adding the " t d ". Can anyone else think of another solution?

 

Also, consider this: How can we provide visual distinction between other types of typedef'd datatypes, not just enums?

 

I really like the idea of distinguishing between a typedef'd datatype and a non-typedef'd datatype, but there needs to be conversation on how to handle all the different datatypes.

Intaris
Proven Zealot

Great idea.

Broken_Arrow
Active Participant
Before posting the picture with this idea, I tried different borders and effects, but nothing seemed like it would work as well as the "flag". Another (proposed) bonus of the flag: Hover over it and the TypDef filename appears in a TipStrip. Click on it and the TypDef opens!
Richard






tst
Knight of NI Knight of NI
Knight of NI

I personally prefer the border idea. It doesn't make the constants any larger and can be the same for every type.

 

BTW, I believe there's an environment option which allows double clicking on typedefs to open them in the control editor.


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MathieuSteiner
Active Participant

Or just have a coloured enum when it is typedefed.


Broken_Arrow
Active Participant

Colored constants might not work for accessability and/or datatype confusion reasons. Here's some examples of the "td" flag on different constant types.

 

td_flags.GIF

Message Edited by Broken Arrow on 09-17-2009 02:24 PM
Richard






muks
Proven Zealot
Nice thought!!!Kudos
St3ve
Member
Good idea, recently I've been using typedefd enums a lot and this would be very useful!!
Wonger
Member

Great idea. I have started working on this for 2011.

I found that the tag sticking off the side looked a little tacked on, especially if you put the constant in an array. I have been working on an alternative that you can see here. Please note that this is not final and the look may change

 

.typedef corner grey.jpg

One question I would like to ask you guys is what do you think about the same type of indication on block diagram terminals? Is there any particular reason why they were not included in the original idea?