Abstract: A computer programming method is provided for translating source messages to target messages. The translational steps are described in a database in which all necessary instructions and data are stored. A control program has the limited functions of responding to source messages and accessing the database. The database then directs the control program to access subroutines called translation method programs. The translation method programs then access the source message in a step-by-step process to translate the source message to the target message. The translation method programs send messages to the control program to advise if each step in the translation process has or has not been successfully accomplished. The control program, responding to the database and the translation method programs, then delivers the completely translated target message to the receiver.