Determine Software Licensing for Python Applications on CompactRIO

Updated Sep 18, 2026

Reported In

Hardware

  • CompactRIO Controller

Driver

  • NI-DAQmx

Operating System

  • LabVIEW Real-Time (NI Linux Real-Time)

Programming Language

  • Python

Issue Details

I want to run Python scripts directly on an NI Linux Real-Time CompactRIO controller and use NI-DAQmx to communicate with installed C Series modules.
 
I need to determine whether I must purchase licenses for LabVIEW, LabVIEW Real-Time Module, or LabVIEW FPGA Module to deploy and execute Python applications on the controller.

Solution

Python applications can run natively on NI Linux Real-Time CompactRIO controllers without requiring LabVIEW software licenses when using supported NI drivers.
  • Install NI-DAQmx and the required NI Linux Real-Time software components on the controller.
  • Install and use the Python nidaqmx package to communicate with supported hardware.
  • Deploy and execute Python applications directly on the controller.
LabVIEW licenses are not required for:
  • Running Python applications natively on the controller.
  • Using NI-DAQmx from Python.
  • Accessing supported C Series modules through Python applications.
LabVIEW-related licenses are required only when:
  • Developing or deploying custom LabVIEW applications.
  • Using the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
  • Developing or deploying custom FPGA personalities with the LabVIEW FPGA Module.

Additional Information

NI drivers and NI Linux Real-Time software components are available separately from LabVIEW development software. The software licensing requirements depend on the development environment being used rather than the use of NI hardware alone.

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