What is the recommended design pattern for that kind of application

[Benjamin_]

Hello all

I'm working on a project which should look like a tablet PC application, shown in the attached picture.

The larger window on the right side should change depending on which button has been pressed in the left vertical bar.

My question is, how can I implement such a behavior or is there a recommended design pattern for this?

My first idea was about tabs but this means that all controls and indicators are needed in the main vi which would make my code confusing if it grows.

Thank you for your answers

Benjamin

[Ben]

We used tabs in an app we did a while back. I don't remeber if sub-panels will be an option for you, but if available those can help.

Ben

[Mark_Yedinak · Accepted solution]

Take a look at the plugin architecture presented here.

[Yamaeda]

Tabs or sub panels is usually the way to go. You can also combine them if you dont want to swap panels. A subpanel in each tab.

Assuming you make it event driven you'll probably have events for each control and will place them in their events. It will need to be very large before that becomes an issue. I recently did an application with approx 80 events and ~20ish tabs (3 or 4 tab controls with several tabs each).

Tabs will make the trick.  

/Y 

[richjoh]

"

My first idea was about tabs but this means that all controls and indicators are needed in the main vi which would make my code confusing if it grows.

"

No not really, wire the tab reference to a subVI then get the tab property, the property gives you all controls on that tab. But I see tabs get over used IMHO. Just wire ctrl reference in an cluster or array to your subVIs, decide what to do with them when the time comes. Your question is a broad one needs more specifics.

[Benjamin_]

Thank you to all for your ideas.

I have had a look at the plugin architecture and in seems to be an appropriate way to go.