Summary

This chapter explored the basics of how automation engineering relates to computer science. Thus far, PLCs, computers, and microcontrollers, their use cases, and more have been explored. By this point, a solid foundation on the concepts should have been established.

The days of hodgepodge Ladder Logic programming are ending. The automation industry is notorious for being many years behind the curve in terms of technological advancements; however, over the past 10 or so years, technology has made leaps and bounds that cannot be ignored. With the introduction of technologies such as the IoT, the cloud, and machine learning, automation developers are going to be forced to abandon the old mindset of “if the program works, it’ll do.” Automation programmers are going to have to adapt to new trends, which means a core understanding of software will be vital in the coming days.

With all that said, a basic understanding of PLC hardware is required to move...