Traditional host computer programming is like buying something through an intermediary; the seller is like the controller, and the intermediary is like the communication module. However, if you use controller scripting, you can write a program that runs directly within the controller, eliminating the intermediary and their markup, thus naturally increasing efficiency.
Currently, although host computer programming is still the mainstream method in controller use, more and more manufacturers are using a combination of host computer and script programming or even using scripts to run offline.
Today, we'll learn about script programming and the AmcStudio script programming software that Zowell is about to launch .
Advantages of script programming
01. Fast response
When using a typical network controller, the average response time for a single instruction is around 1 millisecond due to network communication limitations, and even for control cards connected via the PCI bus, it's between 100 and 200 microseconds. Script programs, however, bypass this time-consuming communication process; the underlying hardware directly processes the instructions, resulting in a response time as low as 10 microseconds.
Thus, for environments requiring high-speed I/O response or continuous interpolation of small line segments, script programming is far more efficient than traditional host computer programming.
02. Fast entry and high development efficiency
There are many host computer programming languages, commonly used ones include C++, C#, VB, LabVIEW , etc. These languages are mostly complex and difficult to learn for those without programming experience. Besides the language itself, one also needs to learn the corresponding programming software and interface frameworks, including creating projects, configuring the compilation environment, and importing external function libraries, which is quite cumbersome. From getting started to practical application, it takes at least three to six months of advanced learning.
The advantage of script programming lies in its easy-to-understand scripting language and near-zero-process environment configuration, which allows an average beginner to master it within a week and start actual project development.
03. Simple environment configuration and convenient on-site software modification .
Most host computer programming software is "enormous in size." For example, versions of Microsoft Visual Studio after 2010 are often over 10 gigabytes in size, a significant burden on both laptops and desktop computers, impacting performance. Some software not only requires installation but also additional environment configurations, making it extremely cumbersome. In contrast, scripting software is generally only tens of megabytes in size or even smaller, can be installed with a single click, requires no additional configuration, doesn't consume much computer space, and allows for immediate modification and resolution of problems on-site.
Basic functions that scripting software should have
Zowell is about to launch a script programming software called AmcStudio , which, when used with the ADT-1600P network controller, enables the controller to operate offline, overcoming the disadvantage of network controllers in terms of communication efficiency. At the same time, it allows developers who are used to host computer programming to use the offline controller without having to learn PLC programming, saving learning costs.
Let's take a sneak peek with pictures and text!
1. AmcStudio enables programming with Lua : Lua is a simple, easy-to-use, and powerful scripting language. It has human-readable syntax, various convenient data structures, and supports object-oriented and functional programming. Lua supports calling C language functions, making it easy to extend functionality.
2. AmcStudio has powerful project management functions: it can create and modify project folders; it can create, modify, and delete script files.
3. AmcStudio has a powerful text editor: it can highlight keywords; it can provide syntax suggestions and auto-completion for script commands; and it can restore and undo changes.
4. AmcStudio boasts powerful debugging features: it can perform step-by-step execution, continue execution, and move to a specific line. It also has comprehensive breakpoint debugging capabilities and runtime stack value viewing.
5. AmcStudio has a text search function: it can accurately locate text when the file contains a large amount of information.
How about it?
For such a powerful scripting software,
Want to try your hand at it as soon as possible?
Please stay tuned for our official announcements!
