What Are LabVIEW Coding Best Practices?

Updated Aug 10, 2023

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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?

The following list outlines some initial considerations that should be made when programming in LabVIEW.

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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