SITAR: an interactive text processing system for small computers

SITAR, a low-cost interactive text handling and text analysis system for nontechnical users, is in many ways comparable to interactive bibliographical search and retrieval systems, but has several additional features. It is implemented on a PDP/11 time-sharing computer invoked by a CRT with microprogrammed editing functions. It uses a simple command language designating a function, a file, and a search template consisting of the textual string desired and strings delimiting the context in which the hit is to be delivered. Extensive experience with SITAR shows that the combined powers of simple commands, string orientation, circular file structure, a CRT with local memory, and conversational computing produce a system much more powerful than the sum of its parts.

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