Hi all,
I’d like to suggest another feature that could greatly improve patch readability and efficiency in Wire: a Named Variables System.
The idea is to introduce two new components in the Wire Library:
1. Variable Define (Name + Value)
This node would accept any data type and allow the user to assign it a unique name (like a label). This would act as a sort of “declaration” of a variable, e.g., `mySpeed`, `globalColor`, etc.
2. Variable Reference (Dropdown or Index Select)
This node would let you reference a previously defined variable from anywhere in the patch without needing a direct wire. You could select from a dropdown of available variable names (or use an index mode for dynamic referencing).
Key Benefits:
- Avoids long wires spanning across complex patches
- Eliminates the need to recompute the same value multiple times
- Improves organization and modularity—especially in larger patches
- Makes patches easier to read, debug, and maintain
- Encourages a more “code-like” workflow while staying fully visual
Let’s say I calculate a `globalLFO` value that multiple parts of the patch need.
With named variables, I could define it once, then pull it into as many places as needed with minimal clutter. No spaghetti wires, and no extra LFO nodes just to match values.
Would love to hear if others would find this useful too!
And if the dev team is listening—this would be a game-changer for patch organization and reusability.
Thanks for considering,
Ben