Structured Text
Structured Text (ST) is a high-level, text-based programming language used primarily in industrial automation and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). It is part of the IEC 61131-3 standard for PLC programming, designed for complex control tasks with a syntax similar to Pascal or C. ST supports structured programming with features like loops, conditional statements, and functions, making it suitable for implementing algorithms and data processing in automation systems.
Developers should learn Structured Text when working in industrial automation, manufacturing, or process control environments where PLCs are used, as it is essential for programming advanced control logic, mathematical computations, and data handling. It is particularly valuable for applications requiring complex algorithms, such as motion control, batch processing, or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, where ladder logic or other IEC 61131-3 languages may be less efficient.