© National Instruments Corp. 5-1 GPIB-ENET for Macintosh
Chapter 5Using Your NI-488.2 Software
This chapter describes the IBIC 488.2 utility and lists some general programming
considerations.

Introduction to IBIC 488.2

The NI-488.2 software includes the Interface Bus Interactive Control utility, IBIC
488.2. You can use IBIC 488.2 to enter NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines
interactively and display the results of the function calls automatically. Without writing
an application, you can use IBIC 488.2 to do the following:
• Verify GPIB communication with your device quickly and easily.
• Become familiar with the commands of your device.
• Receive data from your GPIB device.
• Learn new functions and routines before integrating them into your application.
• Troubleshoot problems with your application.
For more information about IBIC 488.2, refer to the NI-488.2 User Manual for
Macintosh.

General Programming Considerations

Depending on the programming language you use to develop your application, you must
include certain files, statements, or global variables at the beginning of your application.
For specific instructions, refer to Chapter 2, Developing Your Application, in the NI-
488.2 User Manual for Macintosh.
For information about choosing a programming method, developing your application, or
compiling and linking, refer to the NI-488.2 User Manual for Macintosh. For detailed
information about each NI-488 function and NI -488.2 routine, refer to the NI-488.2
Function Reference Manual for Macintosh.