Quote:
Originally Posted by sparrowkc
Why isn't there a way to create clusters like this? I keep wishing for a build cluster block that simply builds a cluster with n number of named elements from n number of inputs, instead of one that replaces elements in a constant.
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Good question. I suppose one reason is that when you look at a cluster of identical elements, and an array of the same elements, they are very similar, and can in fact be converted back and forth pretty easily.
I'm not sure if it is done in the dashboard, but it is pretty common to take an array datatype, cast to a cluster of say eight elements, and display in a cluster arranged in an octagon or something. The math on the diagram can now work on the array, often more easily than the cluster, but the user sees the discrete elements arranged in a meaningful way. If you decide to do this, beware that the LV node to convert from array to cluster has no way of knowing how many elements may be in the array or how big to make the cluster, so there is a popup menu item for setting the size of the cluster.
Also, rereading your question, maybe you are looking for the old fashioned bundle node rather then the newer bundle by name. The bundle does work like the build array, you grow it and wire stuff up. It has a middle terminal in case you are simply replacing elements, but doesn't require it as the bundle by name does. The advantages to the named node are that it is more verbose and somewhat more documented code, and when the cluster changes, it does a better job of using the names to match up the elements. The replace mode of the bundle only works well when adding to the end of your cluster type.
Greg McKaskle