implicit vs explicit property node

[jon_mcbee]

This seems like a very basic question but I was not able to find an answer to it.  What is the difference between an implicit vs an explicit property node?  An example of each would be very nice.  Thank you for your time.

Cheers!

[tst]

A property node has two ways of knowing which object it is working with:

1. The object can be implicitly linked. This happens when you right click a control and select Create>>Property node, but you can also change it after creating the node by right clicking it and selecting Link To.
2. The object can be explicitly linked. In this mode, the node has a reference input and this input determines which object the node will operate on.

Currently, I believe implicitly linked nodes can only work with the current application reference, with the current VI and with controls or indicators.

[jon_mcbee]

Thank you very much.  I dont see the benefit of using explicit property nodes, but I'm sure there must be good reason for them or they wouldnt exist.

Cheers!

[tst]

Explicitly linked nodes work with a lot more classes (e.g. VI Server classes, .NET classes, ActiveX classes, VISA, DAQmx) and can allow you to do more generic work and to work on controls which are located in other VIs. For example, you can build the references of several controls into an array and then operate on them. You can see one quick example here, but the tool is highly useful for many other things as well.

[jon_mcbee]

Learn something new everyday!  Thank you tst.