Simple I: An Algebraic Programming Language for Interactive Time-Shared Use

摘要

The SIMPLE language is intended to be used to perform straight-forward calculations without burdening the user with the intricacies of learning and using FORTRAN or BASIC. SIMPLE is designed with two purposes in mind. The language should be as close as possible to algebraic notation as it is commonly hand-written. Also, it should take advantage of the interactive feature of time-sharing as an aid to compilation as well as execution. This means that as soon as a line of input is typed by the user and the carriage return pressed, compilation of that line proceeds until an error is detected. At this point compilation stops and the user is told what and where the error is and allowed to retype the affected portion until it successfully compiles. Additionally, while the system is running the user is alternately compiling and executing with the values of variable just computed preserved for use in the next execution. This allows the user full freedom to alter the course of his calculation while it is in progress. (Author)