The Howdy Glossary

LabVIEW, developed by National Instruments Corporation and first released in 1986, is systems engineering software designed for tasks requiring test, measurement, and control. It uses a graphical programming language where users create applications by linking icons representing functions or instruments instead of writing text-based code. This approach allows engineers and scientists to design tests and monitoring systems visually through virtual instruments (VIs), making the software accessible across various industries due to its ability to interface with multiple devices from different vendors.

LabVIEW's graphical programming language stands out because it offers an intuitive method for creating applications using drag-and-drop functionality. This visual programming method simplifies the development process, making it user-friendly for individuals with varying levels of programming expertise. LabVIEW's ability to interface broadly with hardware devices enhances its versatility and applicability in many fields such as electronics, telecommunications, medical device manufacturing, and research facilities.

Despite facing competition from platforms like MATLAB and Simulink—both developed by MathWorks—LabVIEW maintains unique strengths that contribute to its widespread use. While MATLAB specializes in numerical computation and data visualization, Simulink focuses on modeling dynamic systems; LabVIEW distinguishes itself through its icon-based graphical programming language that streamlines test and monitoring system design without extensive coding. These features position LabVIEW uniquely as a versatile and intuitive tool widely adopted in research facilities for rapid access to hardware insights across various domains.