A microcomputer-controlled laboratory: Software

The software used in a microcomputer-controlled laboratory is described. Primary emphasis is placed upon describing the capabilities of a powerful, easy-to-use programming language appropriate for controlling research in a wide variety of applications. It is particularly appropriate for physiological and operant laboratories. Design of the language and accompanying operating system follow a rigorous modular, structured approach, with most coding done in high-level languages. As a result, the code is easy to maintain and expand. In addition, it is not difficult to adapt the programs to other microprocessors to take advantage of a rapidly improving technology.