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title: "Simple and Advanced Program Interfaces"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/FCD/2048524336/Simple%20and%20Advanced%20Program%20Interfaces"
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> Macro (toc)

Event-based programs have two interfaces for step creation. Switch to a different interface by clicking the button at the top right of the **Create Program Step** panel.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ You can switch between interfaces when creating different program steps but you must choose one or other interface for each individual step. If you switch to a different interface during step creation you will lose the details of the step you are currently working on.

- If you use the Simple Program Interface you can use the simple built-in action groups (*Irrigate Bay* and *Delay*) and you can add starting and stopping events. But you cannot do anything more complex.
- If you use the Advanced Program Interface you have more options to choose from and more control over the details of your actions (see [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345) for the available options), but you must provide more explicit details in your program step.

# Differences Between the Simple and Advanced Program Interfaces

These are the differences between the two interfaces:

| **Option** | **Simple Interface** | **Advanced Interface** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Use simple built-in action groups (Irrigate Bay and Delay). | Yes | No |
| Use more detailed device-specific built-in actions (see [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345) for a list of available actions).<br>For example, instead of just opening and closing gates you can specify the percent open. | No | Yes (choose *New Program Action* in the **Perform** options to select from a list of built-in actions) |
| Use custom action groups (created in the Program Action Groups tool - see [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2038988916](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2038988916) for details). | No | Yes (choose *Stored Program Action* in the **Perform** options to select from a list of custom action groups) |
| Use built-in events. | Yes | Yes |

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