LabView (and other such things)
Recently, I was asked to write the code for a robot using only LabView. That was the first i'de heard of it's existence. However, in six weeks, I was succesfully able to figure it out, make it workable, and create working code for 2 by 6 feet robot. Could such VIs (Visual Interfaces) replace the common type interface we have now for programming?
I've used LabVIEW a little bit, I don't find it that easy to use. Its interface seems like it was designed with digital electricians in mind and so you pretty much lose any method for structuring an application. The Robotics club at my school uses it because it's easy to teach, and with only 6 months to get everyone up to speed and experienced before we start building it seems like LabVIEW is the only viable option in that case. However, in any situation where time wasn't as much of a constraint I can still see written languages being used over visual languages.
What I'd like to see is a combination. For example, you could write a class with some parts that are meant to be linked to (calling a method maybe, but I don't mean to really be that specific) by some other class. Once you ever needed to actually do this, you'd have a visual interface to begin to fit pieces together. Of course there are some (read: a lot) flaws with this, but I could see visual programming combining with written programming to assist in eradicating mundane or repetitive code.
What I'd like to see is a combination. For example, you could write a class with some parts that are meant to be linked to (calling a method maybe, but I don't mean to really be that specific) by some other class. Once you ever needed to actually do this, you'd have a visual interface to begin to fit pieces together. Of course there are some (read: a lot) flaws with this, but I could see visual programming combining with written programming to assist in eradicating mundane or repetitive code.
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6 months???? We had 3 weeks, and needed 1. But I see what you mean, it's easier. You (supposedly) actually CAN dump c++ code into a box, I have yet to figure out how...
Ulti: Have you used it? It's surprisingly useful, unless you're trying to do something meaningful not involving complex mecahnics.
Ulti: Have you used it? It's surprisingly useful, unless you're trying to do something meaningful not involving complex mecahnics.
Actually yesterday was my first experience, I went and helped out at robotics for a couple minutes. the graphical environment is... fine but if I could have a combo I would be happy
Hmm, when did you show up? I didn't see you there. Anyway, you CAN have a combo (supposedly), you can dump C++ code into a block.
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