Which IEC 61131-3 programming language is best?

The great thing about standards is there are so many to choose from!

This interesting discussion authored by Gary L. Pratt, P.E., of ControlSphere LLC. and which featured to recent issues on Control Engineering, helps to differenciate between the different programming languages and standards. 

Choose the correct tool!

With so many PLC languages and standards from which to choose, what is the right choice for automation and controls applications?

Part 1 provides an overview and focuses on Ladder Diagram (LD) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC).
Programming language choices for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are many. It is said the great thing about standards is there are so many to choose from! While this is meant as sarcasm, in the case of IEC 61131-3 Programming Languages, it is an advantage to have several language standards from which to choose.

Part 2 focuses on function block diagram (FBD), continuous function chart (CFC) and structured text (ST).
Many programming language choices exist for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and the IEC 61131-3 Programming Languages standard has several options. It’s more efficient and effective to use the strength of each rather than learn the tricks and workarounds required to force-fit one language to all applications. The programmer should select the best language for the application.

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