Adding an element to a cluster without updating all users of the cluster

[DavidITC]

I have a cluster that is sent to many different vi's. Everytime I add an element to that cluster, I have to edit every vi that uses it to fix the various input terminal controls and unbundle by names.

I'm not changing or deleting any of the existing elements in the source cluster; just adding one additional element that only one of the "sinking" vi's cares about; to the others, it's simply a don't care. Is there any way to avoid having to fix every "sink" vi when I do this? I'd like to only have to update the vi that uses the new element (which of course I have to do anyway).

In C I can update add a member to a typedef'd struct and everything is fine - no issues; how can I do something similar in LV??????

[smercurio_fc · Accepted solution]

If you branch out a cluster then all sinks need to be the same. You should make your cluster a typedef and use the typedef on your VIs. This way you only change it one place. Same as a typedef in C.

The LabVIEW manual contains instructions on how to create and use typedefs. 

[DavidITC]

It's a bit hard to find in the manual.... try looking at Cluster - make typedef

[Ben]

Hi David,

For your reply it is hard to tell if you found how to make your cluster a type def. This Nugget on Type Definitions may help if you have not seen it yet.

Ben