Software World. Vol. 1 Issue. 1 Fifty years ago

摘要

Software World has been published in order to create a medium of communication and comment specifically related to the activity of programming computers. In particular the journal is especially concerned with publicising and commenting on the performance of software packages, and programs written to handle specific problems in the organisation of our society. Inevitably we have been asked how Software World is related in editorial policy and content to the British Computer Society Journal. We would like to feel that eventually we can provide a service for the professional commercial programmer equivalent to that provided by the B C S Journal for the research worker and language innovator. Software World can only succeed in this aim if individuals and companies are prepared to give time to prepare material suitable for publication at this level. In particular not too much emphasis should be placed on new packages, programs or languages. There is a very good case for more detailed discussion of some of the implementation problems of established languages now in widespread use, and features of this type will be given priority over information of novel rather than practical value. The degree to which hardware will be discussed depends upon its relevance to the problem under discussion. In particular communications and input devices will receive especial attention where this is relevant to the operation of the program. The first issue of Software World must not be accepted as the model for all future issues, one must begin at the beginning and evolve a formula best suited to the needs and interest of the reader, and involving his maximum participation.