LabVIEW is a graphic, data flow language with inherent benefits such as intuitive program process visualization. This also enables a more straight forward, you can see what is going on, processes for developing and debugging of your code.
Compare this to the obfuscating syntax-based languages which just don’t operate if you have errors such as a coma or a space out of place or the wrong set of symbols to print or graph some data.
For example, in LabVIEW to “see” what is wrong you simply right click on the data line and choose “create indicator”. The program knows what format the data is and displays it for you. You can then decide if this was your intended outcome and proceed. There are also many other very good and simple ways to effect code debugging which you will learn in this coding workshop.
I should also say that the syntax-based languages are popular and a proper training in code development should include them. LabVIEW again to the rescue. In my work I receive Matlab, C, and Python coded algorithms from other developers. LabVIEW has the capability to encapsulate these codes. This provide me the benefit of easily stimulating and testing the algorithms in a LabVIEW test environment. Much the same could be done in a class. Students can take measured steps into writing syntax-based code using the LabVIEW as the test and instrumentation environment.
LabVIEW is a very professional language being used for many very sophisticated applications in signal processing and control. For example, at the US Navy Research Laboratory it operates the plasma chamber. This includes power up control, activation of the plasma, data collection, data analysis, and data reporting.
LabVIEW Coding Workshop Session 1 Outline
Do a Hello World of the students real recorded and maybe modified voice.
Front panel
– has the controls and outputs
– how to install controls and outputs
Block diagram is
– a data flow graphic
– processes data, does the calculation
– line, data pipe, color indicates data type
– tool box use
– how to get functions etc installed
How to save a program
How to run a program
Debug code
– as you create the graphical code the run arrow will indicate bad code
– use Help and cursor over the data pipe
– by creating indicators
– using the light bulb
– break the code in smaller segments and run it
– for future study more debug methods
Helpful Hint use examples of code to build your own ideas