Hello everyone, I am approaching PLC programming and I am looking for some answers to get started in the proper way. Some context: I am a software developer, working in a small company (we are 2 people), and so far we always worked on projects such as: Android, web programming, back-end programming (Java, Python, Scala) mostly on linux environments. Recently, we decided to enter the PLC world, since we have some opportunities that require expertise on both "high level" programming and PLC programming. I've been lurking some forums and reading some articles to build a basic understanding on the topic. However there are some aspects that are bothering me a bit and hopefully you can shed some light. 1) I see several brands, Siemens, Omron, Panasonic citing a few. Do I need a different software for each brand? 2) if I learn to program for Omron PLCs, can I reuse the expertise on Siemens PLCs (or other brands)? 3) Is there a main/standard programming language I should learn? 4) Are there open source/free solutions to get started with PLC programming or am I forced to buy a full version of the software? I see that CX-One costs ~2000 EUR which is not that little 5) Most likely I will be starting working on Omron for my first task. I see that they provide at least 2 different environment: CX-One and Sysmac Studio. In what do they differ? Is Sysmac Studio an evolution of CX-One or are they entirely different pieces of software? 6) Can you recommend some resource to get started properly? I'm mostly looking for desgin patterns, best practices or any other major concept I should be aware of. I know that most of the details will come from experience. 7) Technical question: I usually use linux for my daily work but I got the impression that the programming environments are Windows-based only. I own a laptop running Windows 10, do you think that I am going to experience troubles because of this? Is the software ready for Windows 10? If not, could it be possible/recommended to use virtual machines (I could create a Windows Vista/7 VM to run CX-One for example). Sorry for the generality/dumbness of the questions but they will be of great help for me for getting started on the right foot. I thank you in advance if you can answer to some or all of the questions. have a good day!
