The five PLC programming languages is defined in the IEC’s standard.

Description and
an example is provided for each programming language. Each of these programming
languages has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of language depends
on the specific requirements of the control system being designed. It is common for
programmers to use a combination of these languages to create a control program that
meets the requirements of the system.

Types of PLC programming languages:

Instruction List (IL) - a low-level language with a "assembler like" language that is based
on the same instructions list languages used by a variety of modern PLCs. IL is a low-
level text-based programming language that uses mnemonics to represent individual
instructions. It is rarely used in modern PLC programming due to its complexity and the
difficulty of debugging code written in IL.
Example:
Function Block Diagram (FBD) -
a graphical language that
uses reusable function blocks
to represent signal and data
flows. FBD is a great tool for
expressing how the logic
and algorithms of a control
system are connected. FBD is
a graphical
programming language that
uses blocks to
represent functions, with
inputs and outputs
represented by arrows. It is
commonly used in PLC programming for control systems that require complex
mathematical calculations.
Example:

Structured Text (ST) - an advanced text language that promotes structured

programming. It offers a large number of common functions and operators and has a
language structure (syntax) that closely approaches PASCAL. ST is a high-level text-
based programming language that is similar to programming languages like C or Pascal.
It is well-suited for complex calculations and operations and is often used when Ladder
Logic is not sufficient.
Example:
Sequential Function Chart (SFC) - a technique for more organized programming of
complex control systems. An overview of the control system is provided by an SFC
program, which uses whole program files as its fundamental building parts. One of the
other categories of programming languages is used to construct every program file. The
SFC method divides up complex, time-consuming programming tasks into smaller,
easier-to-manage activities.
Example:
Ladder Diagram (LD) - The graphical programming language used in traditional ladder
logic. Ladder Logic programming has evolved to include features like counters, timers,
shift registers, and math operations in addition to the initial simple contacts that were
programmed to emulate the opening and closing of relays.
Example:
Reference:

M. Winters, "PLC Programming Languages Go Beyond Ladder Logic," Inductive

Automation Blog, 2021. [Online]. Available:
https://www.inductiveautomation.com/blog/plc-programming-languages-go-beyond-
ladder-logic

RTA Automation. "Control with IEC 61131-3." 2021. [Online]. Available:

https://www.rtautomation.com/technologies/control-iec-61131-3/#:~:text=IEC
%2061131%2D3%20is%20the,industry%20by%20over%2050%20countries.