The Howdy Glossary

The Generalized Automation Language (GAL) is a Lisp dialect specifically crafted for designing and managing computer-integrated manufacturing systems. It enhances Common Lisp by adding real-time process management, I/O device communication capabilities, and tools for developing embedded software for control units in automated systems. By combining standard Lisp constructs with domain-specific elements, GAL enables the creation of flexible and responsive automation solutions while maintaining high-level system abstraction.

Developed by the Intelligent Systems Research Group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Information and Data Processing (IITB) in Germany, GAL addresses specific needs in automation engineering. It merges traditional Lisp flexibility with specialized features necessary for handling real-time processes, interfacing with input/output devices, and embedding software into control units within integrated manufacturing systems. This combination allows developers to craft adaptable automation solutions that operate efficiently across various platforms.

In comparison to other specialized languages like IEC 61131-3 standard languages or tools such as National Instruments' LabVIEW and MATLAB/Simulink, GAL stands out due to its unique blend of Lisp's adaptability with dedicated functionalities tailored for automation tasks. Its ability to manage real-time processes, communicate effectively with different devices, and develop embedded control unit software makes it a robust tool that offers higher-level system abstraction support. Targeted at professionals involved in automation engineering projects, GAL provides a powerful programming environment aimed at enhancing efficiency and accuracy in automated manufacturing environments.