This handbook investigates the syntax, structure, and practical application of the ABC programming language as a tool for interactive computing. The authors, Lambert Meertens, Leo Geurts, and Steven Pemberton, were key developers of the language at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica. They present the language as a high-level, easy-to-learn alternative to traditional languages like C or Pascal, focusing on readability and rapid prototyping for non-expert programmers.

Experts recognize this text as the definitive primary source for understanding the design philosophy and technical specifications of the ABC language. Readers frequently note that while the language itself has been superseded by modern scripting languages, the book remains a significant historical document for those interested in the evolution of programming language design.