Mastering PLC Programming: The software engineering survival guide to automation programming

Learn PLC programming from the software perspective to understand advanced concepts such as OOP and HMI development and design reusable, portable, and robust code

Key Features
Take a deep dive into object-oriented PLC programming to gain hands-on knowledge
Explore software engineering concepts such as SDLC, debugging, and SOLID programming
Get a thorough grasp on HMI development to build various HMI projects
Book Description
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a new feature of PLC programming that has taken the automation world by storm. This book provides you with the necessary skills to succeed in the modern automation programming environment.

The book is designed in a way to take you through advanced topics such as OOP design, SOLID programming, the software development lifecycle (SDLC), library design, HMI development, general software engineering practices, and more. To hone your programming skills, each chapter has a simulated real-world project that'll enable you to apply the skills you've learned. In all, this book not only covers complex PLC programming topics, but it also removes the financial barrier that comes with most books as all examples utilize free software. This means that to follow along, you DO NOT need to purchase any PLC hardware or software.

By the end of this PLC book, you will have what it takes to create long-lasting codebases for any modern automation project.

What you will learn
Find out how to write PLC programs using advanced programming techniques
Explore OOP concepts for PLC programming
Delve into software engineering topics such as libraries and SOLID programming
Explore HMIs, HMI controls, HMI layouts, and alarms
Create an HMI project and attach it to a PLC in CODESYS
Gain hands-on experience by building simulated PLC and HMI projects
Who this book is for
This book is for automaton programmers with a background in software engineering topics such as object-oriented programming and general software engineering knowledge. Automation engineers, software engineers, electrical engineers, PLC technicians, hobbyists, and upper-level university students with an interest in automation or robotics will also find this book useful and interesting. Anyone with a basic knowledge of PLCs can benefit from reading this book.

Table of Contents
Software Engineering for PLCs
Advanced Structured Text — Programming a PLC in Easy-to-Read English
Debugging — Making Your Code Work
Complex Variable Declaration — Using Variables to Their Fullest
Functions — Making Code Modular and Maintainable
OOP — Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling Code
OOP — The Power of Objects
Libraries — Write Once, Use Anywhere
The SDLC — Navigating the SDLC to Create Great Code
Advanced Coding — Using SOLID to Make Solid Code
HMIs — UIs for PLCs
Industrial Controls — User Inputs and Outputs
Layouts — Making HMIs User-Friendly
Alarms — Avoiding Catastrophic Issues with Alarms
Putting It All Together — The Final Project
Distributed Control Systems, PLCs, and Networking