Abstract Data Types in Stack Based Languages.
Abstract
Abstract data types are the basis of an emerging methodology of computer programming. The only existing languages supporting abstract data types directly, CLU and Simula, both require compacting garbage collection, and thus they are not suitable for many applications. This thesis presents the design of a new language incorporating abstract data types; the language requires only a run-time stack, and not garbage collection. This new language, called ASBAL(for 'A Stack Based Abstraction Language'), is based on CLU, and borrows as many features as possible directly from it. Virtually every significant feature of CLU is carried over into ASBAL in some form, and extensions are included when necessary. For example, the maximum size of objects becomes an issue and is resolved by the addition of size parameters to types. Also, a limited facility for dynamic storage allocation is incorporated in ASBAL to compensate for the removal of a garbage collected heap. This facility allows list and graph structures to be built within the framework of the stack while preventing dangling references as a 'side-effect' of compile-time type checking. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA052332
Entities
People
- John Eliot Blakeslee Moss
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology