On Program Transferability.
Abstract
The problem of program transferability is discussed from a technical point of view. The paper begins by attempting a general characterization of the problem and of the nature and limitations of possible approaches to its solution. An effort is made to isolate those features of the program specification which are least transferably, to analyze the sources of the difficulty, and to suggest the directions which future software might make to ease the problem. The problem is characterized in terms of models analogous to the abstract model suggested by FORTRAN (i.e., the 'FORTRAN machine'). Suggested application of this characterization is discussed with respect to isolating the transferable features of file structures. The difficulties introduced by the failure of current software to separate logical and hardware dependent commitments are discussed in terms of both file structures and program assembly. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0716476
Entities
People
- Kirk Sattley
- Robert E. Millstein
- Stephen Marshall