Local variables redesign

[altenbach]

Compared to plain terminals and references (for example), local and global variables are too big. They waste way too much space on a bulky frame.

In my applications, local variables often come in large groups (e.g. if I need to write values from a file to a group of controls inside a case to load a different default set for the controls) and I tend to partially overlap the locals to save diagram space. I would prefer a more economical design, e.g. as shown on the right.

Globals could have that little globe (not shown).

I am not sure if we really need to encode read vs. write in the frame thickness like for terminals, but it could easily be done by making the frame of the "write" versions thinner (same outer dimensions). I think the little triangle is enough to show the direction.

Message Edited by altenbach on 08-15-2009 09:31 AM

[JackDunaway]

Using Arial Unicode MS, no, the font size will display correctly without affecting the vertical bounding rectangle of the text. (The horizonal size may be stretched or abbreviated).

[altenbach]

Maybe they are slightly too plain in the current suggestion (they look too similar to e.g. diagram constants of rings)

Of course for the global variables, we will have the globe. I would suggest to have a similar little icon tag for the local variable.

Here's are two versions of a possible idea that makes local and globals more unique and intuitive. I think the crosshair is suitable, because a local variable points somewhere else, but I am open for other suggestions.

Globe: global variable, crosshair: local variable 😄

Message Edited by altenbach on 08-28-2009 08:53 AM

[PJM_Labview]

I think this latest embodiment of the idea is better because it look less like a control reference [than the previous one was] but it is still not very different (see image below).

I am not sure about the "target" glyph for the local variable though.

PJM

[elset191]

Your arrows are backwards again altenbach.  And whats the difference between the two?  Just a yellow fill on the crosshair?  Subtle

[altenbach]

> Your arrows are backwards again altenbach

Yes, I started from the original picture, it's not final quality 😄

About the yellow fill. The black alone looks OK, but the globe has two additional colors so I thought we might want to do a two-color glyph.

What's are other good symbols for "local" that could be used?

... the picture of a house? The picture of a beer glass from the local pub? The capital letter "L"?

Message Edited by altenbach on 08-28-2009 01:11 PM

[elset191]

The iPhone uses something like when finding your current location using the gps.  Current location feels like local to me.  It's pretty close to your crosshairs..

[Pnt]

Also this is relative.

[St3ve]

Excellent idea, the current icons read/write has never made sense to me!

[Herbert]

Both ideas, better symbols for booleans and local variables, are great. The current symbols bothered me for a long time - I was just not aware of it - god made them the way they are .........