🚀 BooST - Structured Text Language Server Extension
Description
The Structured Text Language Server Extension (BooST) provides modern development tools for the Structured Text (ST) programming language according to IEC 61131-3, specifically designed for use with B&R Automation Studio. This extension enables efficient writing, validation, and navigation of ST code in Visual Studio Code.
How to Use
Install the Extension: Search for "BooST" in the Visual Studio Code marketplace and install it.
Open a Workspace: Open the folder "Logical" of your B&R project in Visual Studio Code.
Add folder to Workspace: Open the folder "Temp\Includes\AS_TempDecl" to support mapp components.
Set file encoding: Open User Settings JSON and set file encoding to windows1252:
"[st]": {
"files.encoding": "windows1252"
}
Supported File Formats
.st – Structured Text files
.var – Variable declarations
.typ – Type declarations
.fun – Function and function block declarations
Features
Syntax Highlighting: Automatic color highlighting for keywords, variables, and comments.
Autocomplete: Smart code completion for variables, functions, and keywords.
Real-Time Error Detection: Early detection of syntax and type errors while coding.
Go to Definition: Quickly navigate to variable and function declarations.
Go to Implementation: Quickly navigate to the implementation.
Find All References: Display all occurrences of a symbol throughout the project.
Rename Symbols: Consistently rename variables and functions across the codebase.
Hover Information: Show type information and comments when hovering over variables.
Code Formatting: Automatically format ST code for improved readability.
Code Snippets: Predefined code snippets for common structures and patterns.
Signature help: Display function signatures and parameter information.
Supported File Formats
.st – Structured Text files
.var – Variable declarations
.typ – Type declarations
.fun – Function and function block declarations
Feaures coming soon
Prefix validation: Check for valid prefixes in variable names.
Further validation: More validation rules for structured text.
Go to Type: Navigate to the type definition of a variable.
Known Issues
Changes in dictionary folder structure are not detected (need to reopen the workspace)
Initialization of complex structures in typ or var files are not fully supported
