Tartan. Language Design for the Ironman Requirement: Reference Manual.
Abstract
Tartan is an experiment in language design. The goal was to determine whether a 'simple' language could meet substantially all of the ironman requirements for a common high-order programming language. This experiment was undertaken because it was believed that all the designs done in the first phase of the DOD effort were too large and too complex. That complexity was viewed as a serious failure of the designs; excess complexity in a programming language can interfere with its use, even to the extent that any beneficial properties are of little consequence. The researchers wanted to find out whether the requirements inherently lead to such complexity or whether a substantially simpler language would suffice. Three ground rules drove the experiment. First, no more than two months -- April 1 to May 31 -- would be devoted to the project. Second, the language would meet all the Ironman requirements except for a few points at which it would anticipate Steelman requirements. Further, the language would contain no extra features unless they resulted in a simpler language. Third, simplicity would be the overriding objective. It must be emphasized again that this effort is an experiment, not an attempt to compete with DOD contractors. Tartan is, however, an open challenge to the Phase II contractors: The language can be at least this simple. Can anyone do better.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA062856
Entities
People
- Mary Shaw
- Paul Hilfinger
- William A. Wuef
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University