Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Python
Also known as: Python programming language
German: Python
Python is a general-purpose, interpreted, open-source programming language maintained by the Python Software Foundation. In automation it is used for test automation, data analysis, machine learning, scripting of engineering tools, edge applications and communication with controllers, but rarely for hard real-time control.
- Automation components
- AI
In one sentence
Python is an open-source programming language used in automation for tests, data analysis, machine learning, tool scripting and edge applications.
Example
A test engineer writes a Python script that reads 200 parameters from the drive via OPC UA and compares them with the released parameter set.
How it applies
- Engineering: Python is common for Scripts that generate code or configuration, test benches, REST API clients and Machine learning (ML) models on edge devices. Libraries exist for OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT and databases.
- Operation: Interpreted code with garbage collection is not deterministic, so Python is not suited for hard Real-time system tasks. Keep time-critical control in the PLC or motion controller.
- Documentation: Scripts used for tests or production need versioned requirements files, a pinned interpreter version and a short usage description. When a Python tool produces validation evidence, document it like any other test tool.
Python versions reach end of life on a published schedule; plan updates for tools that run in production.