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OpenPLC · Edge vPLC · IO-Link

Turn an edge computer into a real industrial PLC.

Install OpenPLC Runtime on edge hardware, read live IO-Link sensor data over Modbus TCP/IP and write Ladder, Structured Text and Python function blocks that control real devices.

7lessons
80 minof hands-on video
€0free course
OpenPLC Made Easy course: build a real industrial vPLC

“I have done many courses on PLC programming, but the one I did through Code and Compile was definitely my favorite.”

Jaco Venter, Engineer
What you will learn

Build a real vPLC, not just watch slides.

Every lesson runs on a live industrial setup: an edge computer, OpenPLC and IO-Link sensors.

01

Install OpenPLC Runtime

Set up OpenPLC on an edge device and run your first ladder program.

02

Read IO-Link sensors

Pull live sensor data from IO-Link devices over Modbus TCP/IP.

03

Ladder and Structured Text

Write industrial control logic in both IEC 61131-3 languages.

04

Monitor vibration in real time

Build a live vibration monitor from an IO-Link sensor.

05

Detect objects, drive a SmartLight

Detect objects and switch a SmartLight indicator from PLC outputs.

06

Write custom function blocks

Extend OpenPLC with your own Python function blocks.

Your learning journey

From open-source runtime to real machine control.

Five stages, each building on the last. Here is what you will be able to do by the end.

1
Phase 1 · 1 lesson

Meet OpenPLC

What a virtual PLC is and the edge setup you will build.

2
Phase 2

Install the runtime

Deploy OpenPLC on the edge and run your first ladder rung.

3
Phase 2

Read IO-Link sensors

Live sensor values over Modbus TCP/IP.

4
Phase 2

Monitor and react

Vibration monitoring, object detection and a SmartLight.

5
Phase 3 · 1 lesson

Python function blocks

Extend your PLC with custom logic in Python.

Where you end upYou can run OpenPLC on edge hardware, read IO-Link sensors and extend it with Python.
0
lessons
0
sections
Is this the right course?

Made for engineers curious about open-source and virtual PLCs.

Start here if

  • You want to explore open-source PLCs and virtual PLCs.
  • You are an IIoT developer who wants real PLC experience.
  • You know PLC basics and want to go further with vPLCs and IO-Link.

Choose another path if

Course content

4 sections. 7 lessons. Real hardware from lesson one.

PHASE 1
1 lesson

Introduction

What OpenPLC is, the edge hardware and what you will build.

PHASE 2
3 lessons

OpenPLC on the edge

Install OpenPLC Runtime, write your first ladder program and monitor IO-Link sensors over Modbus TCP/IP.

PHASE 3
1 lesson

Custom programming languages

Extend OpenPLC with Python function blocks for logic that ladder cannot express easily.

PHASE 4
2 lessons

Wrap up

Recap what you built and where to go next with virtual PLCs.

Start watching

See OpenPLC in action.

Watch the free walkthrough on YouTube, then dive into the hands-on lessons inside the course.

Free course resources

Read the OpenPLC articles

Step-by-step OpenPLC and IO-Link articles with project links on the Code and Compile Wiki.

Open the wiki
Student stories

What students say about Rajvir.

“Rajvir is an exceptional teacher who simplifies complex topics effortlessly. He’s always available in comments or even via TeamViewer to help you understand. Truly dedicated and teaches straight from the heart.”

Mohammad Alharbi
Engineering Student

“I was shy to learn PLC and IIoT, but Rajvir’s teaching on Code and Compile inspired me. His passion, clarity, and willingness to answer every question made learning PLCnext and Node-RED exciting.”

Nam Bach
Software Engineer

“I’m a software engineer at NASA Ames, and Rajvir’s videos greatly help me interface PLCs for testing heat shield systems on reentry vehicles, truly contributing to space exploration and innovation.”

Brian Droncheff
Software Engineer, NASA Ames
10+ Years of experience

Your Instructor

Rajvir Singh

Founder
Code and Compile

He is a skilled Automation and IIoT Specialist, dedicated to achieving goals with precision. His passion lies in making learning accessible and enjoyable through the use of cutting-edge educational tools.

Education and Experiences
Masters Mechatronics
Siegen, Germany
Online Teaching
10+ years
International Trainer
3 years
Software Developer
5 years
Recognition
ctrlX Automation
Influencer
2022
LearnWorlds
Influencer
2023
Enroll

Choose how you want to learn.

Take this course on its own, or unlock every Code and Compile course with PRO.

This course

OpenPLC Made Easy

Free
  • 1 year of access
  • 7 lessons, about 80 minutes
  • Instructor support
  • Completion certificate
Enroll for free
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Code and Compile PRO

From €12/month, paid yearly
  • €19 monthly, €12/month paid yearly, or €249 for 3 years
  • Access to all courses
  • Tech support
  • Completion certificate
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Practice flashcards. Test yourself on PLC and HMI concepts at beginner, medium and advanced levels.

You will be redirected to Code and Compile School to enroll.

FAQs

Questions before you start?

Do I need special hardware?

The lessons use an edge computer with IO-Link sensors. OpenPLC Runtime itself is open source and also runs on a Linux PC or a Raspberry Pi, so you can follow the programming parts without the exact hardware.

Will I get instructor support?

Yes. Every lesson has a comment section for your questions. If a query cannot be resolved there, Rajvir offers free screen-sharing sessions.

Is the course really free?

Yes. Enroll for free on Code and Compile School and learn at your own pace.

Do I need PLC experience?

Basic PLC knowledge helps. If you are new to PLCs, start with the S7-1200 Basic course or follow the learning path first.

Which languages will I use?

Ladder Logic and Structured Text from IEC 61131-3, plus Python for custom function blocks.

Your first vPLC is 7 lessons away.

Start the free course and run real industrial logic on open-source software.

Enroll for free