What Are LabVIEW Coding Best Practices?

Updated Nov 16, 2022

Reported In

Software

LabVIEW

Issue Details

Where can I find LabVIEW coding best practices? My code is getting messy and I'd like to make sure I'm doing things right.
I'm new to LabVIEW and my code is inefficient. What are some of the ways that I can improve my code?

Solution

The following list outlines some initial considerations that should be made when programming in LabVIEW.
This list is not comprehensive and the LabVIEW Style Checklist should be referred to for further guidance:

LabVIEW code should always use error wires to force execution flow wherever possible.
Local Variables and Global Variables should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
- Instead, wire the control or indicator directly to the Block Diagram terminal.
- Refer to Using Local and Global Variables Carefully for more information.
When using Case Structures, define a default case.
Use VI Analyzer to assess the quality the readability of the code.
Avoid unnecessary bends in Block Diagram wires.
- The keyboard shortcut <Ctrl>+<U> can be used to quickly clean up a highlighted object/wire.
- Avoid using the clean-up shortcut on the entire VI.

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