This book investigates the design principles and underlying philosophy of RTL/2, a high-level programming language developed for process control and real-time applications. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the language's structure, syntax, and its suitability for industrial environments. The text is authored by J. G. P. Barnes, a figure involved in the development or application of such systems, and draws upon practical experience to explain the rationale behind RTL/2's features.

This technical text is likely aimed at engineers, programmers, and computer scientists working with or interested in industrial control systems and real-time programming languages. Its focus on a specific, albeit potentially niche, language suggests a specialized audience seeking in-depth knowledge. The author's presumed expertise in the field indicates a potentially authoritative and detailed treatment of the subject matter.