# Best Way to Develop While Disconnected from Device **URL:** \ **Category:** Ignition\ **Created:** [December 23, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/best-way-to-develop-while-disconnected-from-device/41759 "2020-12-23T16:21:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 3
**Author:** ![pturmel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/pturmel/32/3295_2.png) [@pturmel](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/pturmel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 5:12pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/best-way-to-develop-while-disconnected-from-device/41759/3 "2020-12-23T17:12:41Z")
What driver will the real PLC use? If modern Logix, you could load a copy of the PLC code into my Ethernet/IP driver, which will simulate the tags. You could use a 2nd server with the target PLC's real IP address for even more confidence: > [@Allen-bradely tags](http://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/allen-bradely-tags/27815/9): > > Ask that customer to provide an export of that processor in “L5X” format (xml). Install my [Ethernet/IP Class 1 Communications](https://inductiveautomation.com/moduleshowcase/module/automation-professionals-llc-ethernetip-class-1-communications) module and create a virtual PLC device (Host Device) with it. Import the L5X into the “Configuration” section of that virtual PLC device. There are only a handful of datatypes that won’t import, like MESSAGE tags. Even AOI types and tags import as long as they aren’t protected. At this point, the tags and datatypes from the real PLC will be accessible as if you were … Step by step instructions here (and read the whole topic): > [@AB PLC tag import/export](http://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/ab-plc-tag-import-export/33050/4): > > Start in your gateway’s configuration section, under the OPC Server’s “Device Connections” and click on “Create new Device…”: Select the Ethernet/IP Class1 Host Device: Give it a name and serial number… … and a slot number and listening address (required for external access) then “Create”: Then, in the list of devices, pick the new device’s “More” button, and select “Co… --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/best-way-to-develop-while-disconnected-from-device/41759)._