Can I Convert LabVIEW VIs Into LabWindows/CVI™ Program?

Issue Details

• Is it possible to convert LabVIEW VIs directly into a format that can be used in LabWindows/CVI?
• I found a toolkit or specific VI in LabVIEW that doesn't appear to have a comparable LabWindows/CVI version. How can I use VIs from a toolkit that is available in LabVIEW but not LabWindows/CVI?

Solution

It is not possible to directly convert a LabVIEW VI into a LabWindows/CVI program. However, you can call LabVIEW VIs in LabWindows/CVI. Since not all toolkits in LabVIEW have a direct LabWindows/CVI equivalent library, a common workaround is to follow the instructions below to call the LabVIEW VIs from LabWindows/CVI. The method for calling these VIs will depend on your version of LabVIEW.

LabVIEW 6.0 or greater
LabVIEW VIs can be built into a dynamic link library (DLL).  Refer to the LabVIEW Help for more information (Fundamentals»Organizing and Managing a Project»How- To»Using Build Specifications»Building a Shared Library).  This DLL can then be called easily from LabWindows/CVI (see Calling a LabVIEW DLL from a LabWindows/CVI or Other C/C++ project).

LabVIEW 5.1 and earlier
You cannot build DLLs, but VI Server functionality allows ActiveX clients to control the execution of VIs. Since LabWindows/CVI 5.0 offers ActiveX Automation Client functionality, you can control and interact with LabVIEW's VI Server in a LabWindows/CVI application and run VIs in that manner.