Data input by question and answer
Software Engineering and Programming Languages
A data input scheme for a time-sharing computer is described in this paper. Instead of using format statements to determine the input, the computer asks the user for the required values one at a time. The computer converses with the user during the input process, checks for errors, provides standard data, and allows editing of values input.
The use of FORTRAN in subroutines with COBOL main programs
By using the proper COBOL coding techniques and accounting for differences in storage allocation and library routines between the two languages, it is possible to write FORTRAN IV subroutines that may be called from COBOL main programs. Such a technique enables the programmer to take advantage of the most useful properties of each language while minimizing their respective disadvantages.
Time sharing in a traffic control program
The Toronto traffic-signal control system consists of a variety of logically distinct computer programs, all competing for machine time. To satisfy these demands, a time-sharing program has been written whose purpose is to execute, in the order of a predefined priority, the various subprograms within the real-time system. In this paper the more interesting aspects of the time-sharing program are outlined.
An executive system implemented as a finite-state automaton
The 473L command and control system used by the Air Force permits many operators to access large data files through the use of a computer. The man-machine interface is satisfied by several communication consoles from which operators may enter queries and view replies. A data link permits remote stations to send messages, status reports and inventories directly to the computer. The information received over the online data link is used to update the data files which are stored on disk.
The 473L programming system is divided into an Executive Control Program and five components with different processing priorities. These priorities permit the system to be most sensitive to the console inputs and permit the operators at all the consoles to time share the central processor. The Executive Control Program provides for the orderly transitions of control among the programming system components. The major emphasis of the paper is on the technique of using the definition of a finite-state automaton for organizing the Executive Control Program.
The Vocabulary Subcommittee of the International Standards Organization's Technical Committee on Computers and Information Processing (ISO/TC97/SC1) held its third meeting in New York City in May, 1964. (More precisely, this was the subcommittee's first meeting. Its earlier meetings in Geneva and Paris were as a Working Group.) The program of work agreed upon at the New York meeting marks a sharp reversal of SC1's earlier plans.
History and summary of FORTRAN standardization development for the ASA
The American Standards Association (ASA) Sectional Committee X3 for Computers and Information Processing was established in 1960 under the sponsorship of the Business Equipment Manufacturers Association. ASA X 3 in turn established an X3.4 Sectional Subcommittee to work in the area of common programming language standards. On May 17, 1962, X3.4 established by resolution a working group, X3.4.3-FORTRAN to develop American Standard FORTRAN proposals.
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