====== Tutorial: Creating and Deploying Your First Project ======

This tutorial guides you through creating a new project in Mervis IDE, connecting to your hardware via the network scan, and deploying your first logic program.

===== 1. Prerequisites =====

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
  * **Mervis IDE** installed on your computer.
  * A **Supported PLC Controller** connected to the same network as your PC via Ethernet.
  * The controller is powered on (Ready LED is active).

===== 2. Creating a New Project =====

  - Open Mervis IDE.
  - In the top menu, go to **File > New Solution**.

{{ en:tutorials:01-new_project_dialog.png?&direct |New Project Dialog }}

In the dialog window:
  - **Project Name**: Enter a name for your project (e.g., "MyFirstProject").
  - **Mode**: Select **Simple Mode**.
    * <alert type="info">**Note:** Simple Mode is recommended for beginners. It automatically pre-configures the communication channels and basic project structure.</alert>
  - Click **Create**.

===== 3. Connecting to the Controller (Attach PLC) =====

Instead of manually configuring the IP, we will use the "Attach" feature to scan the network.

  - In the **Solution Explorer** (left panel), right-click on the **PLC** object.
  - Select **Attach PLC**.
  - **Select Probing Method**: Choose **UDP broadcast** and click **Next**.
  - **Credentials**: Enter the default login (usually `admin` / `rw`) and click **Next**.

The IDE will now scan your local network.
  - Select your controller from the list of **Found PLCs**.
  - Click **Finish/OK** to confirm.

===== 4. PLC Configuration & Security =====

Once attached, the PLC properties are displayed in the right-hand panel.

{{ en:tutorials:02-plc_properties.png?800&direct |PLC Connection Properties }}

<alert type="danger">**Security Warning:** Default credentials should be changed immediately to prevent unauthorized access.
1. In the **Solution Explorer**, expand **PLC > Configuration**.
2. Change the password for the **Engineering** user (admin).
3. Update the **PLC Connection Parameters** in the Properties panel to match your new password.</alert>

===== 5. Creating a Simple Program =====

Your project automatically includes a `main` program file.

  - Double-click **main** in the Solution Explorer to open the editor.
  - **Adding Function Blocks**: Drag blocks (e.g., *Pulse Generator*) from the **Library Browser** on the right into the workspace.
  - **Linking Hardware**: To link a physical output (like a relay):
    - Right-click on the workspace.
    - Select **Insert existing variable**.
    - Choose your output (e.g., `DO_1.01`) from the list.
    - Connect the function block output to this variable.

===== 6. Building and Deploying =====

  - **Build**: Click the **Build Solution** icon in the top ribbon (or press F7).
    * Ensure the "Results" window at the bottom shows **Build Success**.
  - **Deploy**: Click the **Deploy Solution** icon in the top ribbon.

{{ en:tutorials:03-debug_mode.png?800&direct |Deploy Solution Ribbon }}

You will be prompted to select a restart mode:
  * **Warm Restart**: Keeps current variable values (recommended for updates).
  * **Cold Restart**: Resets all variables to defaults (recommended for first upload).

===== 7. Debugging =====

To view the program running live:
  - Click the **Debug** icon (Play button) in the top toolbar.
  - You will see live values changing in your function block diagram (e.g., True/False states switching).