A computer-implemented method for automatically generating graphical code for a graphical program, wherein the graphical program performs a man/machine interface function for monitoring and/or controlling a process, wherein the method operates in a computer system including a display screen, the method comprising:
- configuring a front panel interface on the display screen in response to user input, wherein the front panel interface is useable for monitoring and/or controlling the process, wherein said configuring includes selecting at least one front panel object which represents input to or output from the graphical program;
- associating the at least one front panel object with at least one data value in the process;
- configuring one or more parameter values in response to user input, wherein said one or more parameter values indicate a desired functionality of the graphical program;
- automatically selecting a graphical code portion in response to the at least one front panel object, wherein said selected graphical code portion corresponds to said at least one front panel object;
- automatically configuring said graphical code portion with said one or more parameter values to produce a configured graphical code portion, wherein said configured graphical code portion comprises at least a portion of the graphical program.