É frequentemente mencionado que os alimentos podem ser programados no replicador, mas nunca (até onde eu saiba) com detalhes sobre como essa programação ocorre. Além da citação da @ Valorum, há uma instância em "Lições", na qual a Nella programa diversas variedades de chá no replicador.
NELLA: Earl Grey? No wonder you can't sleep. Computer, bring replicators back online and give me a cup of Daren herbal tea blend number three, hot. You shouldn't be drinking a stimulant at this time of night. I think you'll like this.
...
NELLA: I've programmed seven other blends into the replicator. You're bound to like one of them.
PICARD: I look forward to sampling them.
The Next Generation Transcripts - Episode Listings, "Lessons"
Nós fazemos , no entanto, temos alguma idéia de como os programas holográficos são feitos. Se entrarmos no reino da conjectura, poderemos notar que:
Holographic programs could be stored on holodeck databases. ... These databases often contained many stock elements that could be called up by a user to design new holographic programs, such as particular eating establishments, famous cities, and characters.
Holographic Program - Memory Alpha
Também vemos personagens criando e modificando programas holodeck por meio de interação verbal:
JANEWAY: Computer, display Fair Haven character Michael Sullivan. Adjust his parameters to the following specifications. Give him the education of a nineteenth century third year student at Trinity College.
COMPUTER: Modification complete.
JANEWAY: Now, access the character's interactive subroutines. Make him more provocative.
COMPUTER: Specify.
JANEWAY: Give him a more complicated personality.
COMPUTER: Specify.
JANEWAY: More outspoken, more confident, not so reserved. And make him more curious about the world around him.
COMPUTER: Modification complete.
JANEWAY: Good. Now, increase the character's height by three centimetres. Remove the facial hair. No, no, I don't like that. Put some back. About two days' growth. Better. Oh, one more thing. Access his interpersonal subroutines. Familial characters. Delete the wife.
COMPUTER: Modification complete.
JANEWAY: Pleased to meet you, Mister Sullivan.
The Voyager Transcripts - Fair Haven, Fair Haven clip on YouTube
Poderíamos então extrapolar que os replicadores funcionem de maneira semelhante - eles têm um banco de dados de alimentos e componentes de alimentos conhecidos, e novos pratos podem ser criados incorporando e modificando esses elementos existentes através do altamente sofisticado Star Trek. interface verbal. Qual é essencialmente o que @Valorum disse.