Python Node support on LabVIEW Realtime systems

[JKSoerensen]

Hello Fellow developers and engineers.

Based on the discussion in this thread I would like to propose the following:

My suggestion is to open support for execution of python nodes on Labview Real-Time targets. This is currently not supported by LabVIEW 2018 Current Gen, even though this version supports executing a python node using the new "Connectivity -> Python"-support. 

This should be possible to do on the targets using NI Linux Realtime as the operating system, since Linux treats python as a native application language.

I understand that the execution of Python scripts are not deterministic, which will prevent an implementation in time critical code. That I can follow, but it should be possible to use the python node in lower priority threads or non real-time code, for communication with a REST-API, downloading/uploading files, connectivity to online services and so on. 

It has been shown that python can be compiled and executed on real-time targets, here on the forums by Sev_k in this thread: Getting the Most Out of your NI Linux Real-Time Target

Therefore I propose to simplify this implementation and open the support for Python3.

Some additional implementations are essential for the success: 

• Selection of Python runtime should be fixed to python3, since python 2 will be without further support or active development from 2020-01-01 going forward. 
• It would gain the best momentum if it was possible to deploy python from the Device Software installation as part of the build specification of the real-time application.
• Python developers can specify their external requirements for additional code by defining a "requirements.txt" or "pipfile.lock" depending on the virtualization method and choice of development style. If the project manager or build specification could read/parse this for the starting point of the application to prevent manual labour and possible errors.

Backwards Compatibility:

Support for this should be from LabVIEW 2018 and forward, since these have support for the python nodes.

Best Regards

Jesper

[zcollins]

Adding Python Node support in LVRT would be very beneficial for my group.  Particularly for the new NI Linux RT on PXI Controllers.

[armin.riess]

Python node in RT Linux would be extremely appreciated, as it is a prerequisite for contemporary productivity tools.

Especially for prototyping with Neuronal Networks, Deep Learing,.... highly demanded.

[David_GT]

Agreed.  We would like to be able to use Python as a core language for teaching while still using NI's high-quality RT Linux targets.

[VijayAundhekar1]

I agree with this idea.

[tyale]

Can we get a response from someone at NI on the status/general feelings of this?

There are plenty of restrictions that I am willing to accept if it means I can do things like allow a customer to design their own transfer function in a legitimate programming language. Seriously.

[JKSoerensen]

Hello All. 

@David_le For accessing the NI hardware it should be possible using https://nidaqmx-python.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ combined with the NI Compact RIO 904x and 905x series. only downside is that we cannot start a python session on the RT it self.

Additionally Tyale the problem you refer with having a text implementation of a transfer function has been solved by us at GPower, have a look here https://gpower.io/products/gpower-expression-parser/?lang=en