DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FLIP, A LISP FORMAT DIRECTED LIST PROCESSOR
Abstract
The paper discusses some of the considerations involved in designing and implementing a pattern matching or 'COMIT' feature inside of LISP. The programming language FLIP is presented here as a paradigm for such a feature. The design and implementation of FLIP discussed below emphasizes compact notation and efficiency of operation. In addition, FLIP is a modular language and can be readily extended and generalized to include features found in other pattern driven languages such as CONVERT and SNOBOL. This makes it extremely versatile. The development of this paper proceeds from abstract considerations to specific details. The syntax and semantics of FLIP are presented first, followed by a discussion of the implementation with especial attention devoted to techniques used for reducing the number of conses required as well as improving search strategy. Finally FLIP is treated as a working system and viewed from the user's standpoint. Here we present some of the additions and extensions to FLIP that have evolved out of almost two years of experimentation. These transform it from a notational system into a practical and useful programming system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0660548
Entities
People
- Warren Teitelman
Organizations
- BBN Technologies