LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) is a graphical programming environment developed by National Instruments (NI). It is widely used by engineers and scientists to develop applications for data acquisition, instrument control, and industrial automation.
What makes LabVIEW distinct is its graphical programming language, known as "G." Instead of writing lines of text-based code, developers build programs--called Virtual Instruments (VIs)--by placing icons on a block diagram and connecting them with wires to define the data flow. This approach mirrors the structure of flowcharts, making it intuitive for technical users.
LabVIEW features extensive built-in libraries for mathematical analysis, signal processing, and instrument control. It provides native support for communication interfaces such as GPIB, USB, LAN (Ethernet), and serial (RS-232/RS-485), and integrates seamlessly with driver standards like VISA and IVI. This makes it an ideal choice for controlling programmable power supplies, allowing users to set voltages and read back measurements easily. Additionally, the software facilitates the creation of custom user interfaces (Front Panels) with indicators and controls, enabling the development of sophisticated test systems with high efficiency.
National Instruments LabVIEW product website: What is NI LabVIEW? Graphical Programming for Test & Measurement