Inbuilt functions for converting fraction to byte array

[Miraz_Automation]

Hi,

Today in order to convert the fraction number (Double/Single)to byte array we have to apply following logic, would like to have inbuilt function in numeric pallet for conversion.

[altenbach]

I am happy with the functionality of the typecast function and don't think we need to increase pallete bloat and add a special function for such a rare case. In the typical case, the DBL is cast to a string, in which case we don't need to wire the type.

If you need that special case, you can always make an inlined subVI with a tiny icon and add it to your user palette.

[AristosQueue (NI)]

This is so rare a need and the operation is exactly "type cast" so I agree with Altenbach. We'll leave the idea open and see if it gathers more kudos.

[crossrulz]

My question would be "What are you doing with the byte array?" Almost always when I run into a situation remotely like this, I use the Flatten To String and then send the string to whereever it is needed.  If necessary, also use the String To Byte Array. I prefer using the Flatten To String because you can specify the endianness.  Type Cast is strictly Big Endian.

[AristosQueue (NI)]

> Type Cast is strictly Big Endian.

Unless I've misunderstood something, Type Cast should be "the same endian-ness as the platform".

[Darin.K]

> Type Cast should be "the same endian-ness as the platform"

Can you imagine the havoc that would ensue if that were actually the case?  I can and I'll I can say is ouch....

In the old Mac/Linux world this was the case, a result of the Mac origins of LV.  In the Windows world Type Cast has to create a temporary buffer and flop the endianness of mulitbyte data types.  Most people imagine that TC is just fiddling a few bytes in a type descriptor when it is actually crunching through the data (at least on Windows and most Intel Macs these days that I have used).

[AristosQueue (NI)]

Interesting... I did some digging on the primitive. For this particular cast, Darin is right -- the prim does not just reinterpret the bytes.

... and that explains a bug that I never solved in one of my programs at home. I never even looked at the Type Cast as possibly the issue, but if it is fixing up Endian-ness... hm.

Thanks, Darin.

[Darren]

Any idea that has not received any kudos within a year after posting will be automatically declined.