Building PLCnext Engineer ST projects without IDE (CI/CD Integration)

PLCnext Engineer
1

Hello,

I am looking for a way to build a project created in PLCnext Engineer without using the PLCnext Engineer IDE itself.

The goal is to implement a custom CI/CD pipeline and perform automated builds on a separate server using only the project source files.

Important details:

  • The project is written in Structured Text (ST).
  • I use various PLCnext extensions, including database-related components.
  • I do not use C++.
  • I do not build or compile C++ components.
  • The project is purely IEC 61131-3 based.

Is there a supported way to:

  • Build or compile a PLCnext Engineer project from the command line?
  • Use a headless build tool or CLI provided by Phoenix Contact?
  • Perform validation and artifact generation without launching the IDE?
  • Integrate this process into CI/CD (e.g., Git-based pipelines)?

If this is not officially supported, what is the recommended approach for automated build and validation workflows in a PLCnext environment?

Any documentation or practical examples would be appreciated.

2

Hi suprunchuk,

I think the Addon ‘Application Control Interface’ for PLCnext Engineer can be used to start the app without UI via command line and integrate it into your build environment.

Maybe your local Phoenix Contact office can give you more information about that.

BR

DivisionByZero

3

Hi!

We are trying to get the same. Have you got any results with Application Control Interface?

Best regards,

Juan