The disclosure relates to a programming template for developing an application program that is configured to be executed in a manner distributed over two or more programmable logic controllers. The programming template includes two or more programmable modules configured to be integrated into the application program and executed on a respective associated programmable logic controller. At least one first programmable module has an associated first programmable logic controller, and at least one second programmable module has an associated second programmable logic controller. The programming template comprises a logical communication link between the at least one first and the at least one second programmable module for the purpose of coordination of the at least one first and the at least one second programmable module across control systems.