Adding new fields to build text VI without a mess ?

[m-s]

I often use the build text express VI to generate appropriate headers for data files from experiments (mainly to record input parameters).

But experiments often evolve, which means new parameters. One nagging problem with this VI is that when you add new fields to an already wired VI, it messes up the connections big time as it refreshes. Is there a way or workaround to make this VI simply add the new %text% input as a connection while keeping existing wired connections intact and unaffected ?

Since what I seek is the expected behaviour (or should be at any rate), does this almost qualify as a bug report (if there is no workaround) ?

[Omar_II]

Just use the "Format Into String" which is what "Build Text" is doing inside.

[josborne]

I never use Express VIs.  In fact, you will find many people on these forums dislike them.  Most experienced LV developers will avoid Express VIs completely.

And I think that is going to be my suggestion to you:  Don't use Express VIs.  Instead, build your own subVI.  And when doing so, choose a connector pane with extra terminals.  That way you can add additional inputs/outputs to the subVI without messing up the current connections.

As mentioned here: 

     "If you anticipate changes to the VI that might require a new input or output, keep the default connector pane pattern to leave extra terminals unassigned."

The key being "leave extra terminals unassigned".