PLCnext Technology App types in the PLCnext Store
Every PLCnext Technology App (also called app for short) is assigned to a type. Based on the type, you can estimate how you can use the app and what options it offers. Currently, seven app types are available:
PLCnext Control Function Extension
A PLCnext Control Function Extension (in the following also called function extension for short) is like a useful helper for your PLCnext Control. Usually, a function extension is installed in parallel to a PLCnext Engineer project. The function extension augments the automation project by a certain function. It can have different forms, e.g., an extension of a runtime, a container or a command line tool.
You install a function extension from the PLCnext Store directly on a PLCnext Control.
PLCnext Control Solution
A PLCnext Control Solution (in the following also called solution for short) is a fully programmed and closed PLCnext Engineer project. "Closed" means that you do not have access to the source code of the project. You do not need any programming knowledge to use a solution. You install a solution from the PLCnext Store directly to a PLCnext Control.
Use the download button if you want to install a solution on an offline device. Download the solution to your computer and install the solution via the WBM (Administration → PLCnext Apps). Use the button to install the solution directly on your device. If it is a chargeable solution and you have purchased a license, the solution and the license are transferred to the device together.
A solution usually contains a web interface. You can adjust the solution via the web interface using several parameters.
- To use a solution, certain hardware components are required. To find out which hardware components you need for the corresponding solution, refer to the detail page of the respective solution.
- Currently, you can execute only one single solution on a controller.
- If a PLCnext Engineer project is already on your PLCnext Control, it will be deleted by the installation of a solution.
- If there is a solution on your PLCnext Control, no PLCnext Engineer project can be started on the PLCnext Control.
- Delete a solution directly via the PLCnext Store or use the WBM of the device for deinstallation.
- In case of a reset every app will be deleted, the licenses will be retained.
PLCnext Engineer Library
A PLCnext Engineer Library (in the following also called library for short) is used to realize more complex projects with PLCnext Engineer.
Use the download button to download the library to your computer in the form of a zip file. Then you must import the *.pcwlx file into PLCnext Engineer. If it is a chargeable library, buy a license first. Activate the license from your license pool on your PLCnext Control. The activation can be done online or offline.
PLCnext Engineer Project
A PLCnext Engineer project is an open project that you can customize and extend in PLCnext Engineer.
First download the PLCnext Engineer project to your computer and then import it into PLCnext Engineer.
If it is a chargeable product, buy a license first. Activate the license from the license pool on your PLCnext Control. The activation can be done online or offline.
CODESYS Library
A CODESYS Library is used to realize more complex projects with CODESYS.
Use the download button to download the CODESYS Library to your computer in the form of a zip file. Then you must import the file into CODESYS.
Desktop Tool
A desktop tool is designed to run on your computer or laptop.
License
A license activates firmware functionalities of the PLCnext Control. A license does not provide any software itself, because the function is already part of the delivered firmware.
If it is a chargeable product, buy a license first. Activate the license from the license pool on your PLCnext Control. The activation can be done online or offline.