LabVIEW Programming Fundamentals

This chapter provides an introduction to the fundamental aspects of LabVIEW programming. It covers the most frequently used data types, controls, structures, subVIs, functions and their applications within LabVIEW.

In LabVIEW, controls serve as the primary means to input and display data. LabVIEW supports a wide range of data types. Common data types such as numeric values, Booleans, and arrays are shared with other programming languages. However, LabVIEW also includes unique data types specific to its environment, like waveforms and instrument logic names. The relationship between controls and data types in LabVIEW can be intricate. Generally, a single data type may correspond to multiple controls, and some controls are versatile enough to represent various data types.

SubVIs in LabVIEW serve as modular building blocks for data manipulation, similar to functions in textual programming languages. They enable efficient reuse of code and simplify program organization. Conversely, structures in LabVIEW control the program's execution sequence, directing the flow of operations based on conditions or loops. This mirrors the functionality of control statements and structures in textual programming languages.