Enumerated Types with Ring type numbering

[JDave]

Rings are interesting because they give two very nice added functionalities over an enum.

1. They allow any number to be assigned to an element
   
2. They allow run-time editing of list items
   

The problem with rings is that their base type includes only the numeric. Using rings in your code requires you to have a front panel control and use the Properties node to get the string info. DAQmx uses rings and to play with the strings requires some interesting workarounds...

It would be nice to have a different type that allows the strings to be bundled into the type, like an enum, yet allow any number to be assigned. Run-time editing would be gone, but if you need run time editing then you definitely have a FP object so you would use a ring.

This would require some interesting type descriptor to allow for 'unassigned' numbers I don't know if this completely precludes the possibility, though.

David