Dynamically call VI containing only a user prompt

[gstanczak]

Is it an acceptable practice to call a vi dynamically that contains only a user prompt, for the purpose of prompting the user without suspending the main vi? 

Thanks,

Greg

[Ray.R]

You could do that.  Make sure you close the VI and its reference when done.

It's not a common practice, but that does not mean it's not acceptable. 

I can't think of any reasons to oppose the idea.

[Jarrod_S.]

There's nothing inherently right or wrong about doing that. What matters more is the problem you're trying to solve by doing that. Could you elaborate on it some?

[gstanczak]

I have a prettt simple program that monitors an input voltage, and switches a relay (to turn on a pump) and sounds an alarm when the input voltage reaches a threshold level.  The whole time, the readings from the ai and the state of the pump are displayed on a chart.  The pump, once triggered ON, has to manually be turned off.  I would like there to be a prompt that says "Are you sure you want to turn the pump off?" when the user presses "Turn pump off" button, but in the meantime I would like the chart to still be updating in the background.  More generally, there are lots of times when I want to add confirmation input after button presses, and I am trying to prevent them from always suspending the main program.

I have a sneaking suspicion, based on the responses so far, that there is still something fundamentally wrong with the way I design my programs.  I am just learning to use queued message handling, state machines, producer/consumer designs.  I realize their potential to tremendously improve my programs, but I need help implementing them.  I am still searching for good text on the basics of these architectures.  Can you suggest any, preferably one that skip over the basics?

Thanks!

Greg

[Guruthilak]

your approch for launching the UI dynamically is perfectly fine (as per your application is concerned)

[Ray.R]

There's nothing wrong with using a Dynamic VI.  I'll have to think about your implementation.. Nothing comes to mind at the moment..

[gstanczak]

Appreciate it!