47 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
47 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
# What You Can Do with Python in CODESYS
|
|
|
|
Python in CODESYS is mainly for **engineering automation** (IDE/project automation), not for PLC runtime logic execution.
|
|
|
|
## Typical use cases
|
|
|
|
- **Project scaffolding**
|
|
- Create project structures, folders, and naming templates automatically.
|
|
- **Bulk edits**
|
|
- Create or modify many POUs/objects consistently.
|
|
- **Consistency checks**
|
|
- Enforce naming conventions, library versions, and structure rules.
|
|
- **Build/export automation**
|
|
- Trigger exports and produce repeatable build artifacts.
|
|
- **Documentation generation**
|
|
- Extract project metadata and generate docs/reports.
|
|
- **Pre-release validation**
|
|
- Run scripted checks before handing over a project.
|
|
|
|
## Practical examples
|
|
|
|
- Generate standard folder trees and placeholder POUs for new machines.
|
|
- Scan all variables and report naming/style violations.
|
|
- Export project data for review and commit audit trails.
|
|
- Produce release notes from project metadata.
|
|
|
|
## What Python in CODESYS is NOT
|
|
|
|
- Not a replacement for IEC 61131-3 application logic running on the PLC.
|
|
- Not typically used for hard real-time control loops on the target runtime.
|
|
|
|
## Good practices
|
|
|
|
- Keep scripts idempotent where possible (safe to run multiple times).
|
|
- Add a `dry-run` mode for scripts that change project data.
|
|
- Write action logs (what changed, where, and when).
|
|
- Use one script per purpose (small, focused scripts are easier to maintain).
|
|
- Test against project copies before production use.
|
|
|
|
## Suggested first automation tasks
|
|
|
|
1. A read-only project inventory script (devices, POUs, libraries).
|
|
2. A naming-convention checker script.
|
|
3. A release/export helper script.
|
|
|
|
These three give immediate value while keeping risk low.
|