Wiring data through multiple frames of a Flat Sequence

[VitekStepien]

Hi,

I'm wondering which way to wire data through multiple frames of a Flat Sequence is better. The top option is to just wire frame after frame, the bottom one is to 'exit' the sequence and reenter it later. The code shown is trivially simple, but imagine there are many variables being worked on in that sequence frame by frame, but some of the variables are only used closer to the beginning and then closer to the end of the sequence, as shown.

 

[GerdW]

Hi Vitek,

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@VitekStepien wrote:

I'm wondering which way to wire data through multiple frames of a Flat Sequence is better.

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The best option is to not use a sequence frame at all…

[NIquist]

Most of us here will agree with GerdW.  Whatever you were planning to put in those frames is FAR better off in a subVI and wiring their error terminals  to sequence them.  Or, build a proper state machine so you have even more control.

It would be best if you tell us what you're trying to achieve so we can suggest the best architecture to implement.

[VitekStepien]

Haha I kinda expected the "Never use a sequence dude" answer 🙂 I know it's suboptimal, honestly I'm mostly using it to visually organize the code, not to achieve a specific functionality. 

Answering your question, I'm using it in a subvi that executes one step of 4th order Runge Kutta on a set of 3 ODE's, on arrays of values. See the snippet below:

I realize that from dataflow standpoint, I probably don't need the Flat Sequence at all - my question is more conceptual than practical.

[Frozen]

If it is for "organizing code" then why not use

Structures -> Decorations -> Flat Frame

[billko]

Well, the sequence structure forces LabVIEW to execute in a sub-optimal fashion, so there's a reason behind the advice.  Use the Flat Frame decoration to separate your code visually.

[billko]

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@Frozen wrote:

If it is for "organizing code" then why not use

Structures -> Decorations -> Flat Frame

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Dang, you beat me to it.

[VitekStepien]

Frozen, that would certainly work. Does using Sequence automatically slow down the code or in any other way "harm" the performance? In my code there is really nothing that could cause variable race or ambiguity in the output values.

[billko]

Forcing your code to execute using a sequence structure is like forcing your car to fire its spark plugs at your discretion.  Best to leave the engine to do things the way it needs to - for both cases.

[VitekStepien]

Bill, that makes sense. I guess my original question will remain unanswered, since Sequences are a taboo topic, but I appreciate your responses.

Thanks,

Vitek