How to start learning ACS programming at home?

Question

Iron

Need advice from experienced ACS programmers on where to start learning at home (books, emulators, IDEs, ...).
Thanks a lot!
PS - I'm a little naughty in C++ ;-)

Answer 1

At home, the maximum that will turn out is the study of a single device or programming language, which will not bring you much closer to creating a full-fledged automated control system.
ACS is a much broader concept than it seems. This is a "smart home", and warehouse and cash desk management, and plant management, and the development of controllers. It is possible to use any technology from mobile applications to programming microcontrollers. Choose a suitable field for yourself, to which your soul lies more, and try to get a job in a company that deals with an area that interests you to gain experience.
In my experience, theory can be very different from practice. Whatever you come up with at home, with no practical experience, there is almost certainly a better solution already (had experience with similar dreamers).
In particular, for programming ACS for BSU (concrete mixing plant), it is not enough just to know the programming language. It is necessary to have at least basic knowledge of electronics and electrical engineering, know the protocols for working with devices, be able to quickly deal with new equipment, be able to read diagrams, know the technological process (the boss will explain, but you will need to memorize from and to). And during commissioning, be ready to think quickly and respond to any emergency situations - any mistake can be very costly, up to causing injury or worse. In this case, the ACS is not only a program, but also actuators (pneumatic valves, conveyors, sensors, concrete mixers, etc.) and devices that control them (industrial controllers, input and output modules, etc.). If you want to go deeper
But the launch of the first working installation, when with one button all the hardware comes to life, sets in motion and produces a finished product, is an incomparable pleasure. It's like bringing Frankenstein to life.
In the photo, the workplace of the BSU operator in Nizhny Tagil: