In the present paper, we review some programming languages and computer software used to investigate basic psychological processes. In the fi rst section, we address the principles and logical structure of the most common programming languages (e.g. C, C++, Java, Matlab, R, Python), and in the second section we present some of their applications to psychological research. Finally, we discuss the importance of computer programming as a tool in the fi eld of psychology and its relationship with technological innovation.