Abstract: A flatbed knitting machine having electronic control includes memory and trol units associated with the machine, a data entry device (11) for the entering of data into the machine, and also indicator means (12, 13), wherein upon the entering of data by way of the data entry device the indicator means provides a guidance report for the user, data called up for entry can be directed to one of several types of machine, each next step in the entry of data can only be effected in accordance with the requirement shown by the indicator means, and at least one key (.noteq.) is provided for stepping-on the indicator means. For extremely simple operation of the data entry device (11) and in order to achieve complete programming of the patterning and of the usual control data for the plan run of the machine, with all the parts necessary for the functioning of the entry device built into the entry device itself, the data entry device (11) has only one keyboard with ten number keys (0 to 9), a decimal point key (.