The programming of machine tools includes the fundamental task of producing the prescribed shape of a workpiece with a maximum degree of optimisation.That means, obtaining maximum possible accuracy in minimum possible time, but also with minimum possible expenditure. An optimal programming system can only be found when the geometrical and technical requirements are extended to the tool, the workpiece and the machine tool, and, are correlated in an optimal production system.The imperfections which inevitably occur in any programming system of this type, can be compensated for by adaptive control. This paper outlines the important points to be considered on this subject.