GRAPHICAL CODE GENERATION WIZARD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CREATING GRAPHICAL PROGRAMS

A computer-implemented system and method for automatically generating graphical code in a graphical programming system. The computer memory stores a plurality of graphical code templates. The graphical programming system executing on the computer system also includes a plurality of front panel objects or controls which represent the user interface. One or more associated graphical code portions or templates can be associated with certain of the controls. According to the present invention, the user first selects a control and then preferably initiates the graphical code generation wizard for the control. When the graphical code generation wizard is invoked, the wizard displays on the screen a configuration panel or dialog, prompting the user to configure the control or object. The user then selects parameter values to configure certain aspects of the graphical code being created. The graphical code generation wizard selects a graphical code template in response to the control and configures the graphical code template with the parameter values. The graphical code generation wizard then creates an association between the control and the configured graphical code. The user can edit wizard created code either using the graphical code generation wizard or by unlocking the association between the control and the code and making the changes directly in the block diagram. The present invention also comprises a graphical code generation wizard designed specifically for industrial automation applications, referred to as the MMI G Wizard.