Focal Lets You Tame a Computer

This document introduces FOCAL, a conversational programming language developed by Digital Equipment Corporation for their PDP-8 family of computers. It highlights two main capabilities:

• As a Calculator: FOCAL allows users to perform sophisticated mathematical operations (such as trigonometry, square roots, and complex equations) immediately by typing simple commands, similar to using a desk calculator.
• As a Programming Language: FOCAL serves as an accessible entry point for novices to learn programming. It uses straightforward, numbered commands that allow users to write, test, edit, and run programs for tasks ranging from solving geometry problems to designing digital filters and monitoring experiments.

The document concludes with a technical summary, listing the various mathematical functions, operations, and symbols supported by the language.