Error Cluster Constant for LabVIEW 2011

Error handling is an important but challenging part of any large application.  In an attempt to make it easier to generate specific errors throughout your application, AristosQueue and company has created a new Error Cluster Constant.  An early version is available for you to evaluate and download from here.

I am in the process of lobbying them to create a VI Package file to make installation easier, but I strongly encourage anyone that’s interested in more advanced error handling to download and evaluate this new tool.

On a related note, the latest version of the Structured Error Handler API is available here.

Applying ’12 Steps to Better Software’ to LabVIEW

If any of you subscribe to Joel on Software, you may have come across this article where he provides a 12-step checklist for developing quality software. These recommendations are just as true of LabVIEW development as they are of any other programming language:

1. Do you use source control?
2. Can you make a build in one step?
3. Do you make daily builds?
4. Do you have a bug database?
5. Do you fix bugs before writing new code?
6. Do you have an up-to-date schedule?
7. Do you have a spec?
8. Do programmers have quiet working conditions?
9. Do you use the best tools money can buy?
10. Do you have testers?
11. Do new candidates write code during their interview?
12. Do you do hallway usability testing?

In Joel’s opinion, if you can’t answer ‘Yes’ to at least 10 of these, you have serious problems with your development process that could slow you down and lead to low-quality code. I went through these with NI’s NPI process in mind and happily scored a 12.

As a LabVIEW developer, if you would like to share insights or feedback on any of these topics, we’re eagerly hoping to hear from you…