LabVIEW Data Logging and Storage

Data storage is one of the essential functions for automatic test systems. According to different applications and requirements, programmers can design different data storage methods for end users, such as databases, text files, binary files, etc. These data storage methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is impossible to say which one is good or bad. From the perspective of versatility, the following indicators are provided for reference.

1. Access speed. It takes a certain amount of time to write data into a file or read data from a file. Different storage formats also mean different data access speeds.
2. Retrievable and maintainable. After a data file is written, it is not immutable. An effective data organization form can quickly modify a portion of the data in the file instead of reading the entire file. For example, ini files use sections and keys for effective retrieval, so you can directly specify to delete or modify part of the data in the file based on the section and key.
3. Compatibility. Many applications are not used independently. Some data needs to be shared with other applications after storage. At this time, data compatibility must be considered. For example, many users are accustomed to using txt or Excel to open stored data files. At this time, they need to choose binary storage and cannot view them directly.
4. Portability. Data formats are not static. As test measurements become more complex, test data will change accordingly. In this case, it is crucial to quickly migrate the original data storage method to the new application.
5. Storage space. Although modern hard drives have increasingly larger storage spaces, efficient data arrangement and storage methods are still what most people pursue.

This article will introduce the commonly used data storage formats in LabVIEW and analyze the characteristics, application advantages and disadvantages of each format. These methods are not isolated. In practice, you can mix and use multiple data storage formats according to different situations, or even create a specific data storage format yourself.