National Instruments SCXI-1161 - Manual (Page 12)

Chapter 1 Introduction
SCXI-1161 User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation
Software Programming Choices
There are several options to choose from when programming your
National Instruments DAQ or SCXI hardware. You can use LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, ComponentWorks, VirtualBench, NI-DAQ, or
register-level programming.
National Instruments Application Software
LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and a powerful graphical programming language. The
LabVIEW Data Acquisition Virtual Instrument (VI) Library, a series of
VIs for using LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is
included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library is
functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and uses the ANSI standard C programming language. The
LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition Library, a series of functions for
using LabWindows/CVI with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is
included with the NI-DAQ software kit. The LabWindows/CVI Data
Acquisition Library is functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
ComponentWorks contains tools for data acquisition and instrument
control built on NI-DAQ driver software. ComponentWorks provides a
higher-level programming interface for building virtual instruments
through standard OLE controls and DLLs. With ComponentWorks, you
can use all of the configuration tools, resource management utilities,
and interactive control utilities included with NI-DAQ.
VirtualBench features VIs that combine DAQ products, software, and
your computer to create a stand-alone instrument with the added benefit
of the processing, display, and storage capabilities of your computer.
VirtualBench instruments load and save waveform data to disk in the
same forms that can be used in popular spreadsheet programs and word
processors.
Using LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, ComponentWorks, or
VirtualBench software will greatly reduce the development time for
your data acquisition and control application.