PIPPIN is a very simple computer. It can only do things after you have told it what to do. 

You enter a list of things you want PIPPIN to do and then tell PIPPIN to . PIPPIN will do the things in order until it reaches the end of the list.

The list of things for PIPPIN to do is called a program and is like a recipe in cooking. The program or recipe for a tune is a list of musical notes for PIPPIN to make. The program for a dance is a list of movements and turns for PIPPIN to do.

You tell PIPPIN what to do by pressing keys on the keypad. There is a key for every command that PIPPIN can be given.