Learn LABVIEW with Real Code Examples

LabVIEW uses a visual programming language called G, based on dataflow programming.

It is widely used in engineering, scientific research, and industrial automation.

Programs are built by connecting functional nodes on a block diagram instead of writing text code.

Virtual instruments (VIs) for modular programming

Front panel for GUI creation

SubVIs for reusable code blocks

Event structures for user interaction

State machines and loops for program control

VIs: virtual instruments containing front panel and block diagram

Controls and indicators

Wires to connect data between nodes

Loops (for, while) and structures (case, sequence)

Event handling for interactive programs

src/ - LabVIEW VIs

vi_lib/ - reusable subVIs

hardware/ - device configuration files

docs/ - documentation and diagrams

test/ - test VIs for validation

Design front panel for user interface

Create block diagram with nodes and wires

Organize code into subVIs for modularity

Connect to hardware via DAQ or communication protocols

Run and debug the VI, analyze results

Beginner: basic data acquisition and visualization

Intermediate: automated test sequences, control loops

Advanced: embedded systems, signal processing

Expert: real-time control, FPGA-based LabVIEW applications

Specialist: integrating multiple instruments in large systems

Graphical vs text-based languages

Faster for hardware integration than Python/Java alone

Less suitable for general-purpose software

Higher licensing cost than open-source alternatives

Strong ecosystem for measurement and control

1986 – LabVIEW first released

1995 – LabVIEW 4 with improved GUI

2003 – LabVIEW 7.1 with enhanced modules

2010 – LabVIEW 2010 with FPGA and RT enhancements

2025 – Latest stable release with advanced modules

VI: Virtual Instrument

Control: input element

Indicator: output element

Block Diagram: visual code workspace

Front Panel: GUI interface of VI