Shared or Network Variables

LabVIEW uses the term shared variable and Measurement Studio and LabWindows/CVI use the term network variable to describe software items that exist on a network and can communicate between programs, applications, remote computers, and hardware through the Shared Variable Engine (SVE). Variables can represent a value or an I/O point. The SVE uses the NI Publish-Subscribe Protocol (NI-PSP) data transfer protocol to write data and allow users to read live data. NI-PSP is a proprietary technology that provides fast and reliable data transmission for large and small applications and is installed as a service on the computer when you install LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or LabWindows/CVI.

Use the System Manager to create, modify, or delete shared or network variables. You also can monitor shared or network variables using the Watch List view.

Shortcut Menu

Right-click a variable on the system tree to display the following options.

• Watch List—Creates a new Watch List view that contains the selected variable.
• Probe—Displays the Variable Probe view for the selected system.
• Edit Variable—Displays the Shared Variable Properties dialog box, which you can use to configure the selected variable.
• Remove Variable—Removes the selected variable from the owning process.