We have developed a simple-to-program, extensible, Linux based control engine (REACT) to make programming of a chromatograph and other applications as simple as possible, specifically for scientists or others who are not experts in programming or control. The developed system is programmed by creating objects that represent real-world components such as valves, pumps, and motors, and it is based on an object script language to control the instrument and record data. The result is a chromatograph with a control system where modifications to the program are extremely easy to implement.