Focal

This document provides an overview of FOCAL, a conversational programming language developed by Digital Equipment Corporation specifically for the PDP-8 family of computers. It highlights how FOCAL functions as both a sophisticated desk calculator, capable of handling complex mathematical operations without programming, and as a flexible entry-level programming language. The manual explains the simple, step-by-step nature of writing FOCAL programs, including basic commands, error reporting, and the ability to automate complex tasks such as data monitoring and experiment control. Several programming examples are included to demonstrate these capabilities.