ClassicLadder

ClassicLadder is an open source solution for those who want to study and perfect PLC programming. It combines ladder logic with sequential languages and allows you to create automation programs in an electric way.

The application is written in C and can be used for educational purposes as well as in commercial environments which makes it an appealing product from the start.

ClassicLadder depends on GTK Runtime to run so you need to have it installed on your computer before you can use it. The application itself doesn’t require installation as all you have to do is unpack and run it.

From a graphical point of view, ClassicLadder displays a user-friendly interface but that only applies to someone who is familiar to PLC or programmable logic controllers. From the main window you are able to load one of the many example files with which the application is delivered but if you can’t make much sense of what you’re looking at, then you need to consult the documentation, which is rather scarce and comes as a disadvantage for the novice user.

As a tool aimed to provide a visual way in which you can work with ladder and sequential programming, ClassicLadder offers a fairly easy to use editor. From a simple window you are able to choose the elements you want to add, insert, delete or modify just as easily as you would in a popular CAD application.

The application enables you connect to a PLC so you can test it as well as configure the process.

All-in-all ClassicLadder is a tool with a very specific number of users for which it caters. It’s a practical solution for anyone who is looking for a C based ladder and sequential PLC programming language.