Way to Convert VIs to Source Code Equivalent?

[btuman]

Hi,

I am looking for a way to convert some VIs I have to a text format because I need to have the "source code" readable by humans. Does anyone know if it is possible or if there are tools out there to do this?

Thanks,

Brian

[johnsold]

Brian,

The block diagram is the source code. There is no text-based code. The BD is compiled directly to binary. A good block diagram is quite readable, more so than much text based source code.

Lynn

[btuman]

Hi Lynn,

I understand that, but the issue I have is that I need to have some VIs go through a review process, which requires them to be in a human readable format that is defined as "text based". So, I was hoping that there was some way to export the VIs orconvert them into such a format. Sounds like this isn't a possibility?

Thanks,

Brian

[Ben]

""text based"

If this an absolute, then LV can not be used!

I used to be able to read machine code which was a bunch of octal values repested by groups of lights. It was readable to me and I was human back then.

If I had a utility that translated it into hebrew which is human readable would that be OK? What about braile?

When you drive down a road and see a pictogram sign that tells you winding road, you as a human can read it but it is not text.

In my book (for what little that matters) a LV diagram is much more readable than any code written in any other language I have ever seen.

This idea that computers programs MUST go through some sort of text phase is ancient history.

Ben

[John Rich]

I would argue that no source code is "human readable" whether it be text based or graphical based.  By this I mean that just because a person can read doesn't mean that he/she can understand the source code.  There is a requirement that the reader have knowledge of the language in which the source code is written.  I find the graphical source code of LabVIEW to be just as readable (actually more readable) as the technical syntax of text based languages.  It sounds as if your problem is brought about by a text based programmers unwillingness to recognize LabVIEW as a legitimate programming language.  Perhaps you could discuss this with your management in order to take the "text based" definition out of "human readable."  Readability is in the eye of the reader.

Message Edited by John Rich on 02-17-2006 01:35 PM

Message Edited by John Rich on 02-17-2006 01:35 PM

[Dennis_Knutson]

And if the "review process" means printouts of source code, it's even more ludicrous. I defy even experienced programmers to do any sort of comprehensive review of any text based program of anything beyond the most elementary.

[smercurio_fc]

Besides which, I hear there's an old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words". Of course, if they're German words then we'd be in trouble.