In the field of automation technology, processes, which are controlled by
stored program controllers (2), are divided into modules, which are also
known as function blocks. If possible, these function blocks should be
used universally. The interfaces of these modules are different from or
independent of the technological parameters of the actual technical
function. It is a problem for the user to have access to internal
knowledge of the program in order to implement the controller (2) for a
specific application. To address this and other problems, a programming
tool and programming method for creating programs are disclosed, which
will provide the user (1), either additionally or alternatively, with
technological insight into a process that is to be controlled and/or
regulated. An interface (3) is connected between the user (1) and the
stored program controller (2), and a plurality of input masks (5) is
offered to the user (1) for inputting technological parameters of the
process. Therein a respective input mask (5) is assigned to at least a
part of the function blocks.