Objective: This study aims to characterize the high-level programming languages Structured Text (ST) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC) based on the IEC 61131-3 standard. Methodology: The proposed methodology has three stages. The first one differentiates the most relevant sections of the IEC 61131-3 standard. Additionally, the syntax of each of the programming languages is analyzed, with emphasis on ST and SFC. The second stage proposes three study cases developed in the five programming languages. Besides, it carries out a comparative analysis of the computational resources consumed and the practicality of each one of them. In the third stage, a PID controller is developed in Matlab-Simulink for a human-machine interface in Codesys; the control technique adapts to Codesys through the PLC Coder toolbox, which allows the conversion of the control to ST. Results / Outcomes: The comparative analysis between the assembly carried out with Simulink and the code generated in the Codesys Simulink PLC Coder toolbox obtained an error of less than 0.34%. Moreover, it highlights the production of audiovisual material, which will allow people interested in this research area to recreate the implemented methodology. Conclusion: The ST and SFC programming languages are efficient for large-scale automation projects. From the comparative analysis, ST stands out over the other languages while SFC, on the contrary, does not turn out to be the best alternative.