Forcing a VI to Recompile

Updated Nov 17, 2023

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW

Issue Details

How can I force LabVIEW to compile or recompile my VI?

Solution

To force LabVIEW to recompile the current VI without recompiling all of its SubVIs, use the following shortcuts:

Windows / UNIX: <Ctrl> + Run Button
Mac: <Option> + Run Button

To force LabVIEW to recompile the entire hierarchy, use the following shortcuts:

Windows / UNIX: <Ctrl> + <Shift> + Run Button
Mac: <Option> + <Shift> + Run Button

Additional Information

If a VI includes compiled code, LabVIEW automatically recompiles the VI after it has been edited and the user attempts to either run, or save, the VI. If the compiled code is separate from the VI, LabVIEW automatically compiles the VI when you open it by generating a VI object file, which stores the compiled code.

In rare circumstances, LabVIEW might not recognize that a VI is in need of recompilation after a change has been made. This situation might occur when you upgrade LabVIEW (for example, from LabVIEW 7.1 to LabVIEW 8.6), and it might be necessary to force the VI to recompile, using the shortcuts above, before it will run correctly.

For more information on preventing recompiling or mass compiling, see the links below.