A method for executing and translating a computer program in a computer network, in particular for controlling a microscope, wherein in the case of at least one function call to the relevant second function, multiple return values from multiple preceding function calls are transferred as separate parameters. This allows significantly more complex and flexible function calls. More flexibility in the execution of container-based functions of a computer program in a computer network can additionally be achieved in that the computer program has not only function calls but also instructions for controlling the program flow, for example instructions for the conditional execution of program sections and jump instructions. The development of container-based computer programs can be simplified and speeded up by providing a database that contains the execution requirements of the function modules and also the interface definitions thereof. This permits a static typing of variables.