Create Programs

This chapter provides details on the syntax, structure and use of the declarations and statements supported by the KAS IDEClosed "Integrated development environment" An integrated development environment is a type of computer software that assists computer programmers in developing software. IDEs normally consist of a source code editor, a compiler and/or interpreter, build-automation tools, and a debugger application language.

Project Structure

Structuring the application with care is important in creating your project (see Project Structure Guidelines in Advanced Topics).

IEC 61131-3 Editors

The KAS IDE programming environment provides language dedicated editors for:

A more extensive description on each language can be found in the following sections of the Technical References:

See also Program Limitations and the PLC Online Change feature.

Some Tips...

About Drag-and-Drop

The editor provides you with an ideal programming environment, including drag-and-drop features:

  • Drag a variable from Dictionary and drop it into the program to insert it
  • Drag a definition from Libraries and drop it into the program to insert its name
  • Drag a block and drop it into the program to insert it (you can even select the block from an external text file).
  • Drag a function block to the variable list to declare an instance

About Autocompletion

When you type the name of a function block instance (use either as an instance or a data structure), pressing the point "." after the name of the instance opens a pop-up list with the names of possible elements. Click the relevant element and validate it with the check mark.

Autocompletion

Figure 4-75: Autocompletion

Auto-completion of words

About tooltip on variable

When you leave the mouse cursor on a variable in Editors, a tooltip is displayed to give you more details on the item.

Tooltip on Variable

Figure 4-76: Tooltip on Variable

The header of the tooltip displays the name of the variable and its type.

About Bookmarks 

See Bookmarks

Select Function Blocks

All available Operators, functions and function blocks are listed in the Libraries toolbox. The list of available blocks is sorted into categories. The “(All)” category enables you to see the complete list of available blocks.

To insert a block in a program, select it and drag-and-drop it to the desired position in the Editor.


  • First drag a function block from the Libraries and drop it in the variable list (Dictionary) to declare a new instance. Then drag this instance from the Dictionary and drop it in the program.

Select Variables and Instances

Symbols of variables and instances are selected using the variable list in the Dictionary. Selecting variables is available from all editors:

Concept Link IconSee Also