LabVIEW

LabVIEW

LabVIEW is a visual programming platform used by engineers and scientists to develop complex measurement, test, and control systems. It uses a graphical interface to visualize code, similar to building a flowchart.
Development Visual Programming
LabVIEW image
engineering science measurement testing control-systems graphical-programming
LabVIEW alternatives ➤

LabVIEW: Visual Programming Platform for Engineers & Scientists

LabVIEW is a visual programming platform used by engineers and scientists to develop complex measurement, test, and control systems. It uses a graphical interface to visualize code, similar to building a flowchart.

What is LabVIEW?

LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) is a system design platform and development environment for visual programming language from National Instruments. It is commonly used by scientists and engineers to develop sophisticated measurement, test, and control systems.

LabVIEW differs from traditional programming languages in that it uses a graphical interface to visualize code, similar to building a flowchart. The flowchart-style programming makes it intuitive to learn and allows complex logic to be developed quickly. Engineers and scientists often choose LabVIEW because it integrates well with hardware from National Instruments for applications like data acquisition, instrument control, and machine vision.

Some key capabilities and features of LabVIEW include:

  • Graphical programming - Uses a block diagram interface to visualize code and data flow
  • Hardware integration - Seamlessly interfaces with National Instruments data acquisition devices, GPIB instruments, cameras, and more
  • Analysis tools - Advanced signal processing, mathematics, statistics, and machine learning toolsets for analyzing measurements
  • Reporting - Custom reporting features to easily share and document results
  • IP and code reuse - Ability to integrate and reuse code using IP libraries, DLLs, .NET assemblies
  • Cross-platform compatibility - LabVIEW code can run on Windows, Linux, macOS, and more

LabVIEW is commonly used in industries like manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defense, academics, electronics, and more. Example applications include test automation, production test systems, hardware-in-the-loop simulation, machine vision, and process control.

LabVIEW Features

Features

  1. Graphical programming language (G language)
  2. Built-in debugging tools
  3. Large library of built-in functions and VIs
  4. Integration with hardware devices and instruments
  5. Data acquisition, analysis and visualization
  6. Can create executables and stand-alone applications
  7. Supports object oriented programming
  8. Can call .NET assemblies and use .NET technologies
  9. Can build web applications and web publishing tools
  10. Can create GUIs and front panels

Pricing

  • Subscription
  • Volume Licensing
  • Academic Licensing
  • Student Edition

Pros

Intuitive graphical programming

Rapid application development

Easy to visualize data flow and debugging

Large ecosystem of add-ons and toolkits

Integrates well with hardware and instruments

Can create full-featured applications

Active user community and support

Cons

Steep learning curve

Proprietary development environment

Expensive licenses and toolkits

Not ideal for non-engineering/scientific apps

Limited adoption outside of NI hardware ecosystem

Code can be difficult to maintain and document

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/labview.html

The Best LabVIEW Alternatives

Top Development and Visual Programming and other similar apps like LabVIEW

Here are some alternatives to LabVIEW:

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Lawson Labs
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FlowCode
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PyLab_Works
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FlowStone
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Electric UI
MyOpenLab icon
MyOpenLab
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