March 1961 - Vol. 4 No. 3

March 1961 issue cover image

Features

Research and Advances

Computer languages for heuristic processes

The applicability of computers to many problem-solving situations—chess playing, mathematical proofs, music composition, etc.—has been demonstrated. We wish to explore further heuristic processes suggested by human problem-solving activity. One step toward this goal has been the design of a system named ROVER. ROVER refers both to the simulated computer and the information processing language it uses.
Research and Advances

Automatic coding

SDC is currently engaged in producing a “JOVIAL” compiler for each of its computers. The compilers are being produced by a bootstrapping method similar to that described in a report on UNCOL [1]. In discussing the steps involved, we resorted to diagrams to clear up the confusion that arose when trying to describe, for example, how a JOVIAL generator for the IBM 709 could produce a JOVIAL translator to the Philco S-2000 that would run on the 709 and then use the resulting 709 - S-2000 translator to produce a JOVIAL translator to the S-2000 that would run on the S-2000.

Recent Issues

  1. October 2024 CACM cover
    October 2024 Vol. 67 No. 10
  2. September 2024 CACM cover
    September 2024 Vol. 67 No. 9
  3. August 2024 CACM cover
    August 2024 Vol. 67 No. 8
  4. July 2024 CACM cover
    July 2024 Vol. 67 No. 7