A system for programming a target microcontroller. The system includes a programming information source that has a transport layer. It also includes a programming tool that includes a transport layer compatible with the transport layer of the programming information source. The programming tool also includes a plurality of command macros, a plurality of command parameters separate from the command macros, and a programmer interface. This system enables the user to send relatively limited data from the programming information source to the programming tool relative to other approaches. Communications between the programming information source and the programming tool is wireless, e.g., using optical, infrared, radio frequency, etc. The programming tool may be located in the appliance that houses the microcontroller to be programmed, and may be adjacent to or with the microcontroller. Related systems, components and methods also are disclosed.