Provided are a device and method for a programmable hand-held device for use in a semiconductor manufacturing environment. In one example, the device includes an interface, a processor, an input device, and a memory. The interface may establish a connection between the device and at least one of the process tools. The processor may process executable instructions. The input device may receive input instructions for programming a specific type of tool. The memory contains the executable instructions, which may be divided into multiple subsets of instructions, where each subset is adapted for communication with a specific type of tool. The instructions may include identifying the specific type of tool referenced by the input instructions, selecting the subset of instructions adapted for communication with the selected specific type of tool, and programming the selected specific type of tool via the interface using the subset of instructions and the input instructions.