Regardless of your previous software development expertise, learning how to code in LabVIEW can be a smart career move. Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench is a systems engineering software used for monitoring applications.
If you’re already interested in software engineering and are looking to add more skills to your resume, consider studying LabVIEW. You can choose to learn about the software on any platform you like, including online courses or in-person training.
Use this guide to help you select a mode of study and check out our suggested resources for learning LabVIEW effectively.
What Is LabVIEW?
Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench is a systems engineering software that can be used to create platforms to monitor systems. It is a good choice of software if you’re looking to create applications that control, test, and measure hardware and data. National Instruments built this program for use in aiding test instrumentation.
This interactive program development and execution system helps scientists and engineers visually integrate measurement hardware, develop algorithms for analysis, and customize interfaces. LabVIEW uses its own programming language, called G.
What Is LabVIEW Used For?
LabVIEW can perform mathematical and logical functions. Initially, it was developed to take measurements, but now has its own graphical user interface that is ideal for two main tasks.
- Graphical programming. G code allows scientists and engineers to visualize their diagrams using blocks and flow charts. It helps them solve problems by analyzing data and writing it on a disk. The LabVIEW diagram shows the flow of data and the steps involved.
- Debugging. LabVIEW has many debugging tools to allow for data to be easily viewed as it moves through the program. Its debugging features include probes, breakpoints, and steps.
What Are the Features of LabVIEW?
Different pieces make up the LabVIEW software. Let’s explore the most important ones below.
LabVIEW Environment
This is the LabVIEW ecosystem that allows users to develop programs. Some of the tools in the environment include programming, debugging features, templates, sampling examples, source controls, and the LabVIEW Environment VI manager.
LabVIEW Virtual Instruments
The Virtual Instruments (VIs) contain the code for the particular application. With it, users can create algorithms to be applied inside or outside of the program. The two main elements, the VI front panel and the VI block diagram, provide a platform for coding.
LabVIEW Programming
LabVIEW Programming provides a simple graphical approach for designing programs to be used in more complex environments.
LabVIEW Dataflow
Within the program, functions are stimulated by the output of a node. This node is responsible for ensuring a program is running efficiently.
Learning LabVIEW
Sometimes it is difficult to choose which new skill you want to focus on as a software developer. However, the options in this guide should help narrow down your search.
Keep reading to see our list of the best online courses, LabVIEW training sessions, and even books. First, let’s look at the initial steps you should take to start learning LabVIEW.
How Long Does It Take to Learn LabVIEW?
It is difficult to say exactly how long it will take to learn LabVIEW, as there are several factors to take into account. The rate at which you grasp the software depends on your study materials, previous education level, and priorities.
Dedicating a lot of time to practicing the program will give you an advantage. The more free time you have to go to classes or read books on LabVIEW, the faster you will learn.
How to Learn LabVIEW: Step-by-Step
Use these steps below to get started studying.
- Purchase and install the software. Before you begin, download the application development environment and set it up.
- Watch tutorials. There are plenty of LabVIEW tutorials available online for you to watch. You can view these either on YouTube or National Instruments’ website. The latter resource will provide you with the best practices and integral advice on how to use LabVIEW.
- Enroll in classes. Taking classes is essential to gaining a deeper understanding of LabVIEW. They are also a great way of making connections in the software industry.
- Read books. Many books deal with LabVIEW. It is not enough to rely on an instructor alone for information, so be sure to browse through some of the books listed below to enhance your skills.
- Practice. To get good at anything in life, you must practice, and LabVIEW is no exception.
The Best LabVIEW Courses and Training
If you are struggling to learn a new skill, it might be because you aren’t learning in the right way. While studying LabVIEW, be sure you are choosing the right resources and training that will make your learning process smooth.
The growing demand for people with specialized skills in LabVIEW has led to an increase in online classes and training on the topic, but not all come highly recommended.
Many people fall victim to low prices for online courses and end up with a substandard education. Instead, follow our list below of what we can assure you are the best available resources for learning LabVIEW.
Best LabVIEW Virtual Classroom Training
There are many advantages to attending a course taught in a virtual classroom. The biggest is that students will get attention and feedback from the instructor or lecturer.
LabVIEW courses that would normally be taught in a physical classroom are not being temporarily offered online due to COVID-19.
Advanced Architectures in LabVIEW
- Provider: National Instruments
- Time: 4 days
- Prerequisites: None
This is an excellent course offered by the creators of LabVIEW, National Instruments. The course is taught in English, with the next round beginning at 8am on January 26, 2021.
Architecting Test Systems Using TestStand
- Provider: National Instruments
- Time: 3 days
- Prerequisites: None
This course is also offered by National Instruments and is scheduled for 8am on March 9, 2021.
Best Online LabVIEW Courses
The Complete LabVIEW Programming 2020: Beginner to Advanced
- Provider: Udemy
- Time: 8 hours
- Prerequisite: N/A
This is a great course for exploring LabVIEW as a total beginner. In it, you will learn all the features of LabVIEW, including the fundamental concepts involved in programming, tools such as arrays, charts, and graphs, and basic knowledge of data acquisition.
The Complete Course Of Labview 2020
- Provider: Udemy
- Time: 9 hours
- Cost: $9.99
- Prerequisite: N/A
This Udemy course covers all the basics of the LabVIEW platform, including how to use the essential tools, and how to understand different data types. It’s an excellent course for novice students or professionals who want to explore the program.
Learning LabVIEW Online Class | LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com
- Provider: Skillshare
- Time: 3 hours
- Prerequisite: N/A
This Skillshare curriculum focuses more on the testing and measuring side of the LabVIEW interface. By the end of this course, you will know how to collect and process data from different systems.
It will also cover how to create virtual instruments, write programs using a graphical programming approach, use signal processing, and build your own systems engineering software.
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LabVIEW Step By Step: Beginners Complete Guide
- Provider: Udemy
- Time: 2 hours
- Prerequisite: N/A
This program will teach you all you need to know about LabVIEW. It is taught by a team of engineers and is open to students worldwide. In it, you will get familiar with the basic concepts and tools, and will work on your programming skills as you build your own functioning app.
Best Free LabVIEW Courses
The financial aspect of education should not deter you from acquiring a new skill. Below are two courses you can take for absolutely no cost.
Ardunio meets LabVIEW
- Provider: Skillshare
- Time: 2 months
- Prerequisite: N/A
This is an excellent course for students who have a background in electrical engineering. It is free for the first two months.
LabVIEW Training
- Provider: ALE consultants
- Time: 1 day
- Prerequisite: N/A
This course will teach you how to design, test, and deploy LabVIEW applications. The applications you will develop are scalable, maintainable, and readable. You will also learn which applications you should use within LabVIEW to save yourself time and effort.
Best LabVIEW Books
Reading books may seem a bit outdated, but it’s still a very effective method of learning. There is a lot of relevant LabVIEW information provided in the books below. Check out some of the books below to expand your self-paced study.
LabVIEW Graphical Programming, Fifth Edition 5th Edition
In this book, Jennings covers the origin and evolution of LabVIEW. This is an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn the history of the software, as well as programming fundamentals, data acquisition, object-oriented programming, unit testing, and how to program on the cloud.
Hands-On Introduction to LabVIEW for Scientists and Engineers 4th Edition
This book is instrumental to learning how to solve problems in a laboratory. It covers all National Instruments features such as data acquisition devices (DAQ) and measurement and automation explorer (MAX).
LabVIEW for Everyone: Graphical Programming Made Easy and Fun 3rd Edition
This book will supply you with reusable code that you can apply to your own projects. It will teach you to master the foundations of LabVIEW, including best practices, and data acquisition with NI-DAQ. It’s an excellent resource for learning to create user interfaces with the system.
Biomedical Sensors Data Acquisition with LabVIEW: Effective Way to Integrate Arduino with LabView (English Edition)
This text covers how to program Arduino with LabVIEW and how to build an ECG patient monitoring system. It will also help you get more familiar with the process of interfacing and using analog sensors.
Best Online LabVIEW Resources
There are plenty of resources online that will help you learn more about LabVIEW. Like books, they are also instrumental if you want to make sure you have a well-rounded skill set.
Free online NI LabVIEW training
This free three-hour course by National Instruments will cover all the basics of graphical programming. It is available to anyone who wants to make sure they have a full understanding of the basics of LabVIEW.
Online LabVIEW Help Resources
This is another resource offered by the creator of LabVIEW. It includes online support, tutorials, basic knowledge, and forums.
Should You Study LabVIEW?
There is a lot of competition for programming jobs today, so it’s important to keep your skills up to date to remain competitive. To become an efficient programmer, you must know how to code in more than one language. Learning LabVIEW will be easier if you already have a coding background.
LabVIEW is a great program if you need to achieve basic tasks and do not want to learn a complicated coding language. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems makes it a formidable programming tool.
LabVIEW is in high demand as it can be used in numerous industries. If you are proficient in the system, you’ll be able to seek employment in fields such as engineering, biology, farming, chemistry, physics, teaching, and even psychology.
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