Software Engineering and Programming Languages
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Applications of differential equations in general problem solving
A large class of problems leading to digital computer processing can be formulated in terms of the numerical solution of systems of ordinary differential equations. Powerful methods are in existence for the solution of such systems. A good general purpose routine for the solution of such systems furnishes a powerful tool for processing many problems. This is true from the point of view of ease of programming, ease of debugging, and minimization of computer time. A number of examples are discussed in detail.
On reversible subroutines and computers that run backwards
A computer design is described which permits subroutines to be executed backward as well as forward, either with their instructions unchanged or replaced with conjugate instructions. It is shown that using this concept a number of new subroutine types can be developed with rather unusual properties. Since these properties are analogous to certain matrix operations, a arallel nomenclature is suggested for their classification.
ACM proposes to republish contents of Communications Algorithms section is useable looseleaf format, with bimonthly updating service, provided there is sufficient demand. For details, see News item on page 583.
UPLIFTS—University of Pittsburgh linear file tandem system
A series of computer programs has been developed and is now operational for processing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration linear file system on an IBM 1401-7090 combined data processing system. The programs are noteworthy in that they create fixed length logical records and fixed length blocks from variable length source data, and format the output for optimization of processing on the IBM 7090 system. The programs are completely self-checking and test for both validity and accuracy of the input materials as provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Negative and zero subscripts in Fortran II programming for the IBM 1620
The requirement that subscripts be unsigned integers creates some inconvenience in FORTRAN programming for summarization of completed questionnaires in which the responses may be scaled beginning at zero.
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