A command is a user-defined statement that extends the ATEasy programming language. Depending on where they are used, commands can be associated with procedures or I/O tables. They simplify programming because you can substitute easy-to-understand, English statements for cryptic procedure names. Thus, commands can make a program more readable. Commands are mainly used in instrument Drivers, but can be used in the System as well.
There are only a limited number of differences between System and Driver commands:
A System can access commands defined within it as well as public commands defined in its drivers. If the command you want to create uses several drivers and is used by several programs or by the system, define it as a System command.
A Driver can access commands defined within it as well as commands of other drivers. If the command you want to create applies only to an individual driver, define it as a Driver command.
For instructions on creating and using commands, see the Commands chapter.