Programming of programmable logic controllers with multiple tools and languages selectable by user

A method, comprising:

• receiving, with an electronic processor of a programmable logic controller (PLC) of an industrial system, an executable packet written in a first programming language;
• configuring, with the electronic processor, the executable packet using a language-specific software extension such that the executable packet is executable within an execution environment of the PLC, wherein the language-specific software extension is specific to the first programming language;
• and
• controlling, with the electronic processor, performance of an industrial process of the industrial system by executing a control application and the executable packet within the execution environment of the PLC, wherein the control application is in a second programming language different from the first programming language.

A non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more electronic processors, perform a set of functions, the set of functions comprising:

• receiving, at a programmable logic controller (PLC) of an industrial system, an executable packet written in a first programming language;
• configuring, at the PLC, the executable packet using a language-specific software extension such that the executable packet is executable within an execution environment of the PLC, wherein the language-specific software extension is specific to the first programming language;
• and
• controlling performance of an industrial process of the industrial system by executing a control application and the executable packet within the execution environment of the PLC, wherein the control application is in a second programming language different from the first programming language.