The authors do a good job of realizing this book’s subtitle, namely, programmable logic controllers made easy. They assume little prior knowledge of machine control; indeed, chapters 1 and 2, which introduce PLCs and control system basics, are particularly well written. The fundamental principles of PLCs are subsequently described in terms of ladder diagrams, and illustrated by real-world practical examples (chapters 3 through 5). Conversion between Boolean logic and ladder diagrams is covered in chapter 6. It is encouraging from a computer science perspective to see an entire chapter (chapter 7) devoted to structured programming and libraries. The five real-world examples presented in the final chapter (chapter 12) are also described particularly well, as is the size estimation example included in the appendix.

This book may not find a wide readership among readers of <CR>, apart from the more hardware-oriented readers and those with a specific interest in PLCs. For the latter, I would heartily recommend it as a good introduction to the field.