This paper details a free image analysis and software development environment for machine vision application development. The environment provides high-level access to over 300 image manipulation, processing and analysis algorithms through a well-defined and easy to use graphical interface. Users can extend the core library using the developer's interface via a plug-in which features automatic source code generation, compilation with full error feedback and dynamic algorithm updates. Also discusses key issues associated with the environment and outline the advantages in adopting such a system for machine vision application development.