Heya! Welcome to Crypto To You. Today on this occasion I am going to share CODESYS PLC Programming Complete Course: From Beginner to Expert.
In the world of industrial automation, vendor lock-in has long been a reality. Learn Siemens, and you can only program Siemens PLCs. Learn Allen Bradley, and you're tied to Rockwell. But CODESYS changes everything.
CODESYS is a manufacturer-independent IEC 61131-3 development platform. It is one of the most powerful and versatile PLC programming environments available today—and it is free to download and use.
What makes CODESYS truly revolutionary is its vendor independence. Once you learn CODESYS, you can program PLCs from hundreds of different manufacturers—Wago, Beckhoff, Schneider Electric, Bosch Rexroth, and many more. This single skill opens doors across the entire automation industry.
"You do not need to have hardware or software to practice". CODESYS includes a powerful built-in simulator that allows you to "interact with processes and applications without the actual need of a real PLC". This makes it the perfect platform for learning, experimentation, and professional development.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about CODESYS PLC programming—from installation and basic concepts to advanced techniques and real-world applications. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced engineer looking to escape vendor lock-in, mastering CODESYS will transform your automation career.
📌 WHAT IS CODESYS?
The Manufacturer-Independent PLC Platform
CODESYS (Controller Development System) is "a development environment to write our PLC programs". It is "manufacturer-independent", meaning it can be used to program PLCs from many different vendors.
"CODESYS V3.5 enables easy programming through all IEC 61131-3-supported languages". This includes:
| Language | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LD (Ladder Diagram) | Graphical | Discrete control, interlocks, safety |
| FBD (Function Block Diagram) | Graphical | Process control, analog signals |
| ST (Structured Text) | Text | Complex calculations, algorithms |
| SFC (Sequential Function Chart) | Graphical | Batch processes, sequences |
| IL (Instruction List) | Text | Legacy support (deprecated) |
CODESYS also supports extensions beyond the IEC standard, including object-oriented programming (OOP) capabilities. This makes it one of the most advanced PLC programming platforms available.
Key Features of CODESYS
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| IEC 61131-3 Compliant | All five standard programming languages |
| Multi-Vendor Support | Programs hundreds of PLC brands |
| Built-in Simulation | Test programs without hardware |
| Visualization Tools | Create graphical HMI interfaces |
| Open-Source Libraries | Free and community-developed libraries |
| IIoT Integration | MQTT, OPC UA, and cloud connectivity |
| Object-Oriented Programming | Classes, methods, inheritance |
📌 THE CODESYS ECOSYSTEM
Understanding the CODESYS Architecture
The CODESYS ecosystem consists of several key components:
📌 GETTING STARTED WITH CODESYS
Step 1: Download and Install CODESYS
CODESYS is available for free from the CODESYS Store. The installation process is straightforward:
Visit the CODESYS website and create a free account
Download the CODESYS Development System
Install the software on your Windows PC
Launch CODESYS and create your first project
Step 2: Create Your First Project
"This article demonstrates how to build a complete automation project in CODESYS, from initial setup to runtime testing". A typical first project involves:
Create a new project – Select the target PLC or device
Add a program organization unit (POU) – Choose a programming language (LD, ST, FBD, etc.)
Declare variables – Define inputs, outputs, and internal variables
Write logic – Program the control logic
Simulate – Test the program without hardware
Step 3: Understand the CODESYS Interface
The CODESYS IDE features:
Device tree – Shows all devices in the project
Program editor – Where you write your code
Variable declarations – Where you define tags
Online tools – For monitoring and debugging
"CODESYS V3.5 enables easy programming" with a modern, intuitive interface.
📌 IEC 61131-3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES IN CODESYS
Ladder Diagram (LD)
Ladder Diagram is the most widely used PLC programming language. In CODESYS, LD is fully supported with:
Contacts and coils
Timers and counters
Compare and math instructions
Function block integration
"梯形图（LD）" is ideal for discrete control and is familiar to electricians and maintenance personnel.
Structured Text (ST)
Structured Text is a high-level text-based language similar to Pascal or C. "The Structured Text (ST) Programming Language" is used for:
Complex calculations
Array and string processing
Loops and conditional logic
Algorithm implementation
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
FBD is a graphical language using function blocks to represent logic. It is "convenient for analog processing" and "clear for complex functional dependencies".
Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
SFC describes a process as a sequence of steps and transitions. It is ideal for batch processes and sequential control.
Object-Oriented Programming in CODESYS
"Object-Oriented PLC Programming in CODESYS" is an advanced feature that allows:
Classes and methods
Inheritance and polymorphism
Encapsulation and data hiding
This makes CODESYS one of the most advanced PLC platforms available.
📌 SIMULATION AND TESTING
The Power of Simulation
"You do not need to have hardware or software to practice working with those elements are provided in the videos". CODESYS's simulation capabilities are revolutionary for learning and development.
Benefits of CODESYS Simulation:
No hardware required – Test programs on your PC
Faster development – Iterate quickly without hardware limitations
Cost-effective training – Learn PLC programming without expensive hardware
Safe testing – No risk of equipment damage
Using the CODESYS Simulator
To simulate a program in CODESYS:
Write your program in the editor
Click "Simulation" mode
Download the program to the virtual PLC
Monitor and debug in real-time
"You do not need to have hardware or software to practice" makes CODESYS the ideal platform for beginners.
📌 WHY THIS COURSE: MASTER CODESYS PLC PROGRAMMING
CODESYS is the most versatile PLC programming platform available. The CODESYS PLC programming tutorial for beginners course provides comprehensive training on:
CODESYS environment – Installation, setup, and navigation
IEC 61131-3 languages – All five programming languages
Simulation techniques – Testing without hardware
Visualization tools – Creating graphical interfaces
Real-world projects – Building complete automation solutions
Additional Learning Resources
CODESYS 3.5 ile PLC Programlama (2026) — Turkish-language CODESYS training
CODESYS PLC programming tutorial for beginners — Beginner-friendly CODESYS course
PLC Programming: IEC 61131-3 Masterclass — Comprehensive IEC language training
📌 WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
Beginners starting their PLC programming journey
Automation engineers seeking vendor independence
Systems integrators working with multiple PLC brands
Maintenance engineers supporting diverse equipment
Students preparing for careers in industrial automation
Professionals seeking to reduce vendor lock-in
📌 LEARNING PATH: CODESYS PLC MASTERY
Phase 1: Fundamentals (0-2 Months)
Install and navigate the CODESYS environment
Learn basic ladder logic and ST programming
Use simulation for testing
Phase 2: Advanced Programming (2-4 Months)
Master all IEC 61131-3 languages
Work with arrays, structures, and strings
Implement object-oriented programming
Phase 3: Professional Application (4-6 Months)
Build complete automation projects
Integrate with IIoT and cloud platforms
Develop visualization and HMI solutions
📌 FINAL THOUGHTS
CODESYS is a manufacturer-independent IEC 61131-3 development platform that is transforming industrial automation. "You do not need to have hardware or software to practice"—the built-in simulation makes it the perfect platform for learning and testing.
"CODESYS V3.5 enables easy programming through all IEC 61131-3-supported languages", giving you the flexibility to choose the right language for every task. Whether you're programming a simple conveyor or a complex multi-axis system, CODESYS provides the tools you need.
Start your CODESYS PLC programming journey today with quality training and practice.
📌 AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and courses that I believe will provide value to my readers. All opinions expressed are my own.