libplctag ☆

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Description:
Portable and simple API for accessing AB PLC data over Ethernet

Type: Formula | Latest Version: 2.6.13@0 | Tracked Since: Oct 19, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: plc ethernet-ip scada automation industrial-control

Install: brew install libplctag

About:
libplctag is a portable C library that provides a simple and efficient API for reading and writing data in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) from Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley). It abstracts the complexities of the EtherNet/IP protocol, allowing developers to easily access tag data without deep networking expertise. The library is designed for cross-platform compatibility, making it ideal for building custom SCADA, HMI, or data acquisition applications.

Key Features:

Portable C library with bindings for Python, Java, and C#
Simple API for reading/writing PLC tags over EtherNet/IP
Supports both implicit (IO) and explicit messaging
Cross-platform (Linux, Windows, macOS, embedded systems)
No external dependencies required for the core library

Use Cases:

Building custom SCADA or HMI interfaces for Allen-Bradley PLCs
Integrating PLC data into Python scripts for data analytics
Creating bridge applications between PLCs and modern databases
Developing embedded systems that communicate with factory floor equipment

Alternatives:

Snap7 – Focuses on Siemens S7 PLCs, whereas libplctag is specifically for Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation.
libmodbus – A general-purpose Modbus library; not compatible with the proprietary EtherNet/IP protocol used by AB PLCs.

Version History

Detected	Change	Commit
Oct 19, 2025 8:36pm	VERSION_BUMP	dbfc60ed
Sep 16, 2025 8:11am	VERSION_BUMP	956fb0fe
Sep 13, 2024 2:06pm	VERSION_BUMP	18e19bf5
Sep 3, 2024 10:45pm	VERSION_BUMP	141723b7
Jul 26, 2024 11:59pm	VERSION_BUMP	a5a6afc9
Jul 26, 2024 6:42pm	VERSION_BUMP	7b3a0b6e
Jun 14, 2024 6:36pm	VERSION_BUMP	a973d960