Top LabVIEW Alternatives for Measurement and Automation

LabVIEW is a robust platform and development environment, renowned for its graphical programming capabilities in measurement and automation. It's a go-to development tool for applications in test and measurement, data acquisition (DAQ), analysis, and instrument control. However, for various reasons such as cost, specific platform needs, or a desire for open-source solutions, many engineers and researchers seek viable LabVIEW alternatives. This article explores some of the best options available.

Best LabVIEW Alternatives

Whether you're looking for open-source flexibility, cross-platform compatibility, or specialized features, there's a LabVIEW alternative out there to meet your project's demands. Dive into our curated list of top contenders.

MyOpenLab

MyOpenLab is an excellent free and open-source LabVIEW alternative, particularly strong in visual programming. This Java-based software offers graphic blocks for specific functions, each configurable by the user, and is available across Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD platforms. Its visual programming feature makes it highly intuitive for developing measurement and automation applications.

itom

itom stands out as a powerful open-source software suite for operating measurement systems, laboratory automation, and data evaluation. Utilizing Python as its embedded scripting language, it offers strong capabilities in image processing and provides a user-friendly Python IDE. Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a versatile LabVIEW alternative for those comfortable with Python.

Parlay

Parlay offers a visual and script-based approach to control and monitor embedded devices, making it a strong LabVIEW alternative for test automation. It supports a wide array of platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, and more, offering both commercial and open-source versions to suit different project needs.

PyLab_Works

For those seeking a free and open-source replacement for both LabVIEW and MatLab, PyLab_Works is an excellent choice. Written entirely in Python, this visual design package is designed for ease of learning and use, making it an accessible LabVIEW alternative for Windows and Linux users focusing on scientific and engineering applications.

FlowStone

FlowStone is a commercial visual programming tool that enables users to create standalone programs quickly and easily. With strong features in robotic automation and visual programming, it serves as a powerful LabVIEW alternative for Windows users looking for a streamlined development process for real-time applications.

FlowCode

FlowCode is a commercial software program designed for graphically programming microcontrollers such as Microchip PIC, Atmel AVR (including Arduino), and ARM. Its focus on graphical user interface (GUI) programming makes it a specialized LabVIEW alternative for Windows users deeply involved in embedded systems and microcontroller development.

QP Modeler

QP Modeler, also known as QM, is a free graphical modeling tool specifically for designing and implementing real-time embedded software in C or C++. Featuring robust code generation, embeddable, and portable capabilities, and strong state machine support, it's a valuable LabVIEW alternative for developers working on embedded systems across Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Lawson Labs

Lawson Labs offers data acquisition support specifically for Lawson Labs high-resolution data acquisition hardware and systems. Available for Windows and MS-DOS, this free software is a niche LabVIEW alternative for users already invested in or planning to use Lawson Labs hardware for their DAQ needs.

Choosing the right LabVIEW alternative depends on your specific project requirements, budget, and preferred programming paradigm. Explore these options to find the best fit for your measurement, automation, or data acquisition tasks, ensuring your projects continue to thrive without compromise.