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

Understand PLC programming from a software engineering perspective and master advanced concepts like OOP and HMI development to design reusable, portable, and robust code

Free with your book: DRM-free PDF version + access to Packt's next-gen Reader*

Key Features

• Deep dive into object-oriented PLC programming through hands-on, cutting-edge topics
• Explore software engineering concepts like SDLC, debugging, version control, and SOLID programming
• Get a thorough grasp on HMI development to build various HMI projects
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a game-changing addition to PLC programming that’s revolutionizing the automation industry. This book equips you with the necessary skills to succeed in the modern automation programming environment.

This second edition is designed to systematically guide you through advanced topics such as OOP design, SOLID programming, the software development life cycle (SDLC), library design, version control, 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 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’ll have what it takes to create long-lasting codebases for any modern automation project.

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What you will learn

• Find out how to write PLC programs using advanced programming techniques
• Explore OOP and UML concepts for PLC programming
• Delve into software engineering topics such as libraries and SOLID programming
• Explore HMIs, HMI controls, HMI layouts, and alarms
• Grasp Industry 4.0 concepts to create smart, interconnected, and automated industrial systems
• Gain hands-on experience by building simulated PLC and HMI projects
• Get hands-on with using version control

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 will also find this book useful and interesting. Anyone with a basic knowledge of PLCs can benefit from reading this book.

Table of Contents

1. Advanced Structured Text: Programming a PLC in Easy-to-Read English
2. Complex Variable Declaration: Using Variables to Their Fullest
3. Functions: Making Code Modular and Maintainable
4. Object-Oriented Programming: Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling Code
5. OOP: The Power of Objects
6. Best Practices for Writing Incredible Code
7. Libraries: Write Once, Use Anywhere
8. Getting Started with Git
9. SDLC: Navigating the SDLC to Create Great Code
10. Architecting Code with UML
11. Testing and Troubleshooting
12. Advanced Coding: Using SOLID to Make Solid Code
13. Industrial Controls: User Inputs and Outputs
14. Layouts: Making HMIs User-Friendly
15. Alarms: Avoiding Catastrophic Issues with Alarms
16. DCSs, PLCs, and the Future
17. Putting It All Together: The Final Project

M. T. White has been programming since the age of 12. His fascination with robotics flourished when he was a child programming microcontrollers. He holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics, a master's degree in software engineering, and an MBA in IT management. He is currently working as a software developer for a major US defense contractor and is an adjunct CIS instructor, where he teaches Python, C, and an array of other courses. His background mostly stems from the automation industry where he programmed PLCs and HMIs for many different types of applications. He has programmed many different brands of PLCs over the years and has developed HMIs using many different tools. Other technologies that he is fluent in include Linux, Ansible, Docker, AWS, C#, Java, and Python. Be sure to check out his channel AlchemicalComputing on YouTube.